Research Grant Program

Geographic Scope: Global

Focus Areas:

• Basic research to advance molecular and clinical understanding of disease mechanisms across the spectrum of CACNA1A variants and disorders
• Translational research to develop definitive treatments and establish IND-enabling Proof-of-Concept studies to get to clinical trials

Award Details:

• Maximum Amount: Up to $50,000 per grant
• Duration: Maximum of one year plus one six-month no-cost extension, if needed
• Indirect Costs: Not covered (board-directed policy)
• Payment Structure: Contingent upon achievement of agreed-upon scientific deliverables and milestones

Eligibility:

• Academic scientists eligible for translational research, clinical studies, and infrastructure development
• All applicants must submit Letter of Intent (LOI) prior to full proposal submission

What They Fund:

• Seed grants for research to find treatments for CACNA1A-related disorders
• Research addressing the unmet need for CACNA1A-specific treatments

What They Don't Fund:

• Indirect costs are not covered

Contact Information:

• Science Engagement Director: Pangkong Fox (pangkong@cacna1a.org)
• General Inquiries: science@cacna1a.org
• Mailing Address: CACNA1A Foundation, Inc., 31 Point Road, Norwalk, CT 06854 USA
• General Email: info@cacna1a.org

Background:
The CACNA1A Foundation is a parent-led 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to creating awareness and finding a cure for CACNA1A genetic variants. Currently, there are no CACNA1A-specific treatments available. As the CACNA1A community grows, the unmet need for treatments increases.

How to Apply

Application Process (Two-Stage):

1. Letter of Intent (LOI) - First Stage
   • Submit a concise, milestone-based LOI (no longer than 2 pages)
   • Send to: science@cacna1a.org
   • LOI Content Requirements:
   • Specific aims of the project
   • Timeline
   • Rough budget
   • Impact on the CACNA1A Community
   • LOIs are accepted on a rolling basis
   • Review by: CACNA1A Foundation's Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), Board of Directors (BOD), and/or Ad-Hoc Reviewers
   • Invitations to submit full proposals will be extended after LOI review
2. Full Grant Proposal - Second Stage
   • Deadline: Full proposals due in February and August
   • Review: Reviewed by the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB)
   • Requirements:
   • Must address the specific RFA (Request for Application)
   • Must be milestone-based
   • Grant payments contingent upon achievement of agreed-upon scientific deliverables and milestones

Contact for Questions:

• Science Engagement Director: Pangkong Fox (pangkong@cacna1a.org)