National Ataxia Foundation (NAF): Research Grants – Letters of intent

NAF funds research through 7 distinct award mechanisms:

-Early Career Investigator Award: a $50,000. 1-year, merit-based, nonrenewable grant designed to support outstanding early-stage scientists who have completed their postdoctoral training within the past 6 years and hold a junior faculty or clinical fellow appointment. This award aims to foster the development of independent research careers by providing seed funding for innovative, high-impact studies in the field of ataxia. Proposals are welcome across the full spectrum of basic, translational, and clinical research, but must have a clear and significant focus on advancing our understanding of the causes, pathogenesis, or treatment of hereditary, sporadic, or acquired ataxias.
-Research Seed Money Award: provides support for new and innovative studies that advance understanding of the cause, pathogenesis, or treatment of hereditary, sporadic, and acquired ataxias. These $50,000, 1-year, merit-based, nonrenewable grants serve as seed funding to assist investigators during the early or pilot phases of research, or as supplemental funding for ongoing innovative projects demonstrating a critical need. It is expected that funded projects will generate preliminary data to support applications for larger grants from other funding sources.
-Pioneer SCA3 Translational Award: s annually granted to independent researchers to support outstanding research proposals that aim to make significant advancements in the development of treatments and/or improvements to patient care for Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 (SCA3). This 1-year, merit-based, nonrenewable grant provides $100,000 in direct research funding. Proposals must have a predominant focus on SCA3 preclinical, translational, or clinical research.
-Michael Lundquist Grant to Advance MSA-C Research:  a $50,000, 1-year, merit-based, nonrenewable grant awarded annually to independent researchers for outstanding proposals that aim to make meaningful advancements in the treatment and care of individuals affected by multiple system atrophy, cerebellar subtype (MSA-C). While proposals may include aspects relevant to other forms of ataxia, the primary focus must be on preclinical, translational, or clinical research directly related to MSA-C.

Researcher Resources