Search Through Grants for Multiple Sclerosis Patients in the U.S.

Charitable Contributions

Costco Wholesale’s primary charitable efforts specifically focus on programs supporting children, education, and health and human services in the communities where we do business. Throughout the year we receive a large number of requests from nonprofit organizations striving to make a positive impact, and we are thankful to be able to provide support to a variety of organizations and causes. While we would like to respond favorably to all requests, understandably, the needs are far greater than our allocated resources and we are unable to accommodate them all.

Warehouse Donations:

Warehouse donations are handled at the warehouse level - please consult your local warehouse for up-to-date information regarding their donations contacts and review process.

Grant Applications

If the request is under consideration, you may be contacted by staff for any additional information needed. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, and decisions are made based on several factors, including: type of program; identified community need not otherwise available; indication that evidenced based data will establish measurable results of intended outcomes; community collaboration; broad base of financial support; project budget and operating expenses.

Mission

The mission of the Hearst Foundations is to identify and fund outstanding nonprofits to ensure that people of all backgrounds in the United States can build healthy, productive and satisfying lives. Through its grantmaking, the Hearst Foundations support well-established nonprofit organizations that address significant issues within their major areas of focus—culture, education, health and social service—and that primarily serve large demographic and/or geographic constituencies. In each area of funding, the Foundations seek to identify those organizations achieving truly differentiated results relative to other organizations making similar efforts for similar populations. The Foundations also look for evidence of sustainability beyond their support.

Whether providing a scholarship to a deserving student, supporting a rural health clinic or bringing artists into schools so children can see firsthand the beauty of the arts, the Foundations’ focus is consistent: to help those in need, those underserved and those underrepresented in society. Since the Foundations were formed in the 1940s, the scale and capabilities of the grant making have changed, but the mission has not.

Culture Grant

The Hearst Foundations fund cultural institutions that offer meaningful programs in the arts and sciences, prioritizing those that enable engagement by young people and create a lasting and measurable impact. The Foundations also fund select programs nurturing and developing artistic talent. Supported organizations include arts schools, ballets, museums, operas, performing arts centers, symphonies and theaters.

Funding Priorities in Culture

In the recent past, 25% of total funding has been allocated to Culture. Organizations with budgets over $10 million have received 60% of the funding in Culture.

The Hearst Foundations are only able to fund approximately 25% of all grant requests, of which about 80% is directed to prior grantees and about 20% is targeted toward new grantees.

Types of Support

Program, capital and, on a limited basis, general and endowment support

Mission

The mission of the Hearst Foundations is to identify and fund outstanding nonprofits to ensure that people of all backgrounds in the United States can build healthy, productive and satisfying lives. Through its grantmaking, the Hearst Foundations support well-established nonprofit organizations that address significant issues within their major areas of focus—culture, education, health and social service—and that primarily serve large demographic and/or geographic constituencies. In each area of funding, the Foundations seek to identify those organizations achieving truly differentiated results relative to other organizations making similar efforts for similar populations. The Foundations also look for evidence of sustainability beyond their support.

Whether providing a scholarship to a deserving student, supporting a rural health clinic or bringing artists into schools so children can see firsthand the beauty of the arts, the Foundations’ focus is consistent: to help those in need, those underserved and those underrepresented in society. Since the Foundations were formed in the 1940s, the scale and capabilities of the grant making have changed, but the mission has not.

Social Service Grant

The Hearst Foundations fund direct-service organizations that tackle the roots of chronic poverty by applying effective solutions to the most challenging social and economic problems. The Foundations prioritize supporting programs that have proven successful in facilitating economic independence and in strengthening families. Preference is also given to programs with the potential to scale productive practices in order to reach more people in need.

Funding Priorities in Social Service

In the recent past, 15% of total funding has been allocated to Social Service. Organizations with budgets over $5 million have received 75% of funding in Social Service.

The Hearst Foundations are only able to fund approximately 25% of all grant requests, of which about 80% is directed to prior grantees and about 20% is targeted for new grantees.

Types of Support

Program, capital and general support

Funding

Minimum grant size is $100,000.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation

We believe every person deserves equitable care and education.

In 2020 Labcorp established a private charitable 501(c)(3) foundation to advance our desire to bring quality healthcare access to all by supporting education and our local communities. 

Common grant opportunities include:

• Supporting food pantries and meal programs
• Providing healthcare and patient services for underserved populations
• Encouraging STEM programming
• Advocating for healthy lifestyles through ongoing medical research and screening

Michael & Susan Dell Foundation Grants

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation only accepts unsolicited proposals for specific areas within the education, family economic stability and childhood health sectors in select countries where we work, namely the United States, India and South Africa.

As a guideline, the foundation does not fund more than 25% of a project’s budget or more than 10% of an organization’s total annual operating expenses.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation has always recognized the power of providing grants to partner organizations that we knew were already working hard to improve the lives of urban children living in poverty. By aligning with organizations that are already making a difference, we continue to make an immediate impact on the lives of thousands of children.

Foundation priorities:

We fund social enterprises that directly serve or impact children or youth from urban low-income communities in the areas of education, health, and family economic stability (including livelihoods and financial inclusion). These social enterprises may be structured as for-profit or nonprofit entities.

Partnerships

We collaborate with a range of organizations focused on creating opportunities for children and families living in urban poverty, with a deep emphasis on measuring impact. Our funding advances projects already making an impact in education, health, and family economic stability. Through these enduring and long-standing partnerships, we create lasting change together.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is bringing the world together to cure MS for every single person — as fast as possible. The Pathways to Cures Roadmap will drive progress by increasing alignment and focus of global resources on high-priority research questions.

Our research awards align with the three Pathways outlined in the Roadmap:

• STOPPING MS
• RESTORING function
• ENDING MS by prevention

MS research is a high priority for the Society, and we strategically invest in research worldwide to drive solutions for every single person with MS.

Applicants must clearly state the relevance of their proposals to at least one of the research questions outlined in the Roadmap.

The Society supports all types of research including laboratory models, human studies, population-based approaches, and data-intensive investigations that leverage both researcher and patient-reported outcomes.

We value studies that:

• promote synergies between researchers in diverse disciplines;
• adhere to principles of sharing data and resources;
• focus on underserved and understudied ethnic and racial MS populations (Please consult this toolkit for strategies regarding Minority Engagement in MS Research).

Outside Meeting Support

To foster communication and sharing of data and ideas, the National MS Society offers modest grants to support meetings, workshops and conferences that are open to all participants and whose topics have clear relevance to research on multiple sclerosis. Grants to successful applicants go to the organizers to help finance meeting costs.

Mission

Driven by a philanthropic calling to support marginalized communities throughout the world, the Semnani Family Foundation partners with on-the-ground organizations and leverages its resources in a cost-effective and efficient manner that delivers the maximum benefit.

History

Guided by his grandmother Maliheh’s example and teachings, Khosrow Semnani and his wife Ghazaleh established the Semnani Family Foundation in 1993. The foundation’s first grant was issued through CARE International to an orphanage in Romania that cared for newborns affected by HIV. Over the last few decades, the foundation has continued to build upon its mission to empower the disaffected, partnering with a variety of organizations in different countries who can make the greatest impact.

In addition to its global influence, the Semnani Family Foundation established roots within the state of Utah with the founding of Maliheh Free Clinic in 2005 to provide free healthcare to thousands of uninsured people in the Salt Lake City area.

Where We Work

The Semnani Family Foundation focuses primarily on promoting health, education, and disaster relief for marginalized communities all around the world. Driven by a clear mission to adapt and serve at the global level, we have leveraged our resources to make a meaningful impact in the following countries so far:

• Afghanistan
• Bosnia
• Colombia
• England
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Guatemala
• India
• Iran
• Kenya
• Madagascar
• Mali
• Mexico
• Pakistan
• Philippines
• Romania
• Somalia
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Tonga
• Uganda
• United States
• Yemen

At the heart of the Foundation lies a fervent commitment to human welfare, always prioritizing health and the needs of society’s most vulnerable.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust is devoted solely to the funding of charitable, scientific, medical and educational organizations.

The Board endeavors to support soundly-managed charitable organizations that give service with a broad scope, have a substantial effect on their target populations, and contribute materially to the general welfare. The Board does not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation or religion.

Wells Fargo and the Wells Fargo Foundation collaborate with a wide range of nonprofit organizations that align with our strategic funding priorities. We prioritize our funding to activities and programs that have a broad reach and support the needs of underserved communities. We aspire to have a positive impact on the communities we serve by using our financial and volunteer resources and business expertise in collaboration with community organizations to help solve complex societal problems.

• Financial health
• Housing affordability
• Small business growth
• Sustainability

We may also support other local needs in eligible communities such as disaster relief, arts and culture, civic engagement, education, human and social services, and workforce development. However, opportunities are limited as our intent is to direct the majority of our giving within our major focus areas.

RFA: Common Mechanisms in Autoimmunity Insight Awards

Introduction

Breakthrough T1D, Lupus Research Alliance, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society are jointly seeking applications from investigators across autoimmune and other relevant fields to advance the understanding of autoimmunity and to obtain insights into commonalities and differences of the immune pathways that govern autoimmune processes. The purpose of the Common Mechanisms in Autoimmunity Insight Awards is to establish proof-of-concept research toward the collaborative advancement of innovative ideas and therapeutic approaches that address needs and knowledge gaps across multiple autoimmune diseases.

Autoimmune disease are chronic disorders in which the immune system produces an inappropriate response against its own cells, tissues, and/or organs that results in inflammation, damage, and loss of function. Roughly 10% of the population will be diagnosed with an autoimmune disease during their lifetime, and 25% of those individuals will be diagnosed with a second autoimmune disease1. This suggests the presence of common mechanisms and overlapping disease pathogenesis, drug targets and the possibility of shared therapeutic agents or modalities. An incomplete knowledge of disease pathogenesis and heterogeneity among patients is very common in many autoimmune diseases, representing a real challenge that impact the effectiveness of clinical trial design and to predict whether a person will respond to a given treatment. To address these gaps, Breakthrough T1D, Lupus Research Alliance and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society have joined forces to establish the Common Mechanisms of Autoimmunity Initiative. By working together to co-fund research into the underlying commonalities in autoimmune diseases, this program will foster cross-discipline and research-area collaboration, combine resources and reduce redundant scientific inquiry, and accelerate the development of research toward overcoming the challenges of developing cures and therapies for multiple diseases.

Funding Opportunity

Objective

Proposals are sought from academic or industry applicants for novel one-year pilot studies to investigate a mechanism underlying autoimmune disease, identify novel targets or mechanisms of autoimmune pathogenesis, validate therapeutic targets, or provide proof of concept for an innovative therapeutic strategy. Through the Insight Awards, Breakthrough TID, Lupus Research Alliance, and the National MS Society seek to co-fund projects that will obtain more specific insights into the commonalities and differences of immune pathways that govern autoimmune disease processes and lay the groundwork for bringing together investigators from across autoimmune fields and disciplines.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is bringing the world together to cure MS for every single person — as fast as possible. The Pathways to Cures Roadmap will drive progress by increasing alignment and focus of global resources on high-priority research questions.

Our research awards align with the three Pathways outlined in the Roadmap:

• STOPPING MS
• RESTORING function
• ENDING MS by prevention

MS research is a high priority for the Society, and we strategically invest in research worldwide to drive solutions for every single person with MS.

Applicants must clearly state the relevance of their proposals to at least one of the research questions outlined in the Roadmap.

The Society supports all types of research including laboratory models, human studies, population-based approaches, and data-intensive investigations that leverage both researcher and patient-reported outcomes.

We value studies that:

• promote synergies between researchers in diverse disciplines;
• adhere to principles of sharing data and resources;
• focus on underserved and understudied ethnic and racial MS populations (Please consult this toolkit for strategies regarding Minority Engagement in MS Research).

Research Grants

Funding

Research projects have a budget limit of $200,000 total costs per year (including indirects) for up to 3 years in length, and budget must be justified based on the aims of the proposal.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is bringing the world together to cure MS for every single person — as fast as possible. The Pathways to Cures Roadmap will drive progress by increasing alignment and focus of global resources on high-priority research questions.

Our research awards align with the three Pathways outlined in the Roadmap:

• STOPPING MS
• RESTORING function
• ENDING MS by prevention

MS research is a high priority for the Society, and we strategically invest in research worldwide to drive solutions for every single person with MS.

Applicants must clearly state the relevance of their proposals to at least one of the research questions outlined in the Roadmap.

The Society supports all types of research including laboratory models, human studies, population-based approaches, and data-intensive investigations that leverage both researcher and patient-reported outcomes.

We value studies that:

• promote synergies between researchers in diverse disciplines;
• adhere to principles of sharing data and resources;
• focus on underserved and understudied ethnic and racial MS populations (Please consult this toolkit for strategies regarding Minority Engagement in MS Research).

Medical Student Mentorship Program

The National MS Society offers a four week MS clinical mentorship program to students who have completed at least one year of medical school by the start of the program. The experience will expose students to the diagnosis and comprehensive management of MS under the tutelage of MS experts.

Our goals:

• to raise awareness of the challenges experienced by people with MS
• to generate interest in a career in MS care

The student will work with neurologists and other clinicians specializing in MS (e.g., urologists, neuro-ophthalmologists, physiatrists, nurses, radiologists, rehab therapists, etc.) and observe most aspects of MS specialty care.

Over the course of the 4 weeks the student will spend time at one or more Centers for Comprehensive MS Care and may spend time at community practice locations and other settings (e.g. rehabilitation, long term care, clinical trials research). Students are placed at prestigious MS clinics spanning across the country from Boston to Seattle to Denver to Chicago to New York and more. Applicants will have the opportunity to indicate site preferences in the application.

The mentorship is full-time and takes place during regular business hours, with possible evening hours. The MS Society provides $3,000 to the student awardee.

How and Why Giving Back to Communities is Important to O’Reilly

From O’Reilly Auto Parts’ inception, O’Reilly co-founder C.H. “Chub” O’Reilly instilled the culture of maintaining high standards for every endeavor, including the area of building civic pride. With Chub’s good example to guide them, all four of his children adopted a business and family philosophy of “giving back” to the community as the Company grew and prospered. Supporting a large number of charitable organizations in all communities in which we operate has long been a focal point for O’Reilly Auto Parts. In order to make an even greater impact, the O’Reilly Automotive Foundation was established in 2020.

O’Reilly Automotive Foundation, Inc.

Impact

The O’Reilly Automotive Foundation complements O’Reilly Auto Parts’ role as the Friendliest Parts Store in Town. The Foundation serves as an additional conduit to connect with, support, and strengthen the communities in which O’Reilly Auto Parts’ team members and customers live and work. The Foundation continues the philanthropic legacy of the O’Reilly family as dependable community partners, seeking to support critical services in times of need to build stronger communities.

Mission

The O’Reilly Automotive Foundation strives to have a lasting, positive impact in the communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts’ team members and customers live and work by supporting organizations and programs which address issues critical to improving the quality of life for underserved and underrepresented individuals and families. In particular, the Foundation will concentrate its giving in support of organizations and programs addressing economic stability and mobility, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief.

Economic Stability and Mobility

Advocating for and endowing programs which provide assistance with issues including hunger, homelessness, and poverty for the economic betterment of the communities in which we operate.

Workforce Development

Promoting programs which aid in workforce readiness, technical training, and literacy, including children’s literacy, to ensure the continuance of an educated society and a capable, innovative workforce.

Health and Social Services

Championing and prioritizing matters of health, including mental and behavioral health, access to basic needs such as medical and dental care for underprivileged communities, and providing funding for organizations focused on childhood development and children’s advocacy as well as care and support for victims of domestic violence.

Disaster Relief

Providing funding and visibility to organizations specializing in providing relief from natural disasters and state of emergency, including providing temporary shelter, food, water, and hygiene or sanitation products to those affected and aiding in cleanup efforts.

Application Requirements

We will consider three principal types of grants:

Project Support Grants support specific projects or programs aligned with our mission. These requests may include some funds earmarked for the overhead costs associated with running a project.

General Operating Support Grants provide limited general operating support for the core operations or organizations whose missions and activities are aligned with our mission. These grants will often help the grantee build organizational, programmatic, and fundraising capacity. Operating support is not intended to help organizations in fiscal crisis. Applicants must have a current strategic or business plan that clearly outlines the organization’s goals and presents a plan for achieving results. Operating support grants must not exceed 15% of an organization’s total agency budget.

Capital Support Grants provide limited support for capital campaigns to fund the acquisition and construction of facilities, existing property renovation, or the purchase of major equipment. The program has a comprehensive approach to funding capital initiatives, which also includes funding for increased program capacity. A feasibility study may be required for capital initiatives to be considered.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation focused on making grants to support environmental, human services and other causes.

The Lawrence Foundation was established in mid-2000. We make both program and operating grants and do not have any geographical restrictions on our grants. Nonprofit organizations that qualify for public charity status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or other similar organizations are eligible for grants from The Lawrence Foundation.  

Grant Amount and Types

Grants typically range between $5,000 - $10,000. In some limited cases we may make larger grants, but that is typically after we have gotten to know your organization over a period of time. We also generally don’t make multi-year grants, although we may fund the same organization on a year by year basis over a period of years.

General operating or program/project grant requests within our areas of interests are accepted. In general, regardless of whether a grant request is for general operating or program/project expenses, all of our grants will be issued as unrestricted grants.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is bringing the world together to cure MS for every single person — as fast as possible. The Pathways to Cures Roadmap will drive progress by increasing alignment and focus of global resources on high-priority research questions.

Our research awards align with the three Pathways outlined in the Roadmap:

• STOPPING MS
• RESTORING function
• ENDING MS by prevention

MS research is a high priority for the Society, and we strategically invest in research worldwide to drive solutions for every single person with MS.

Applicants must clearly state the relevance of their proposals to at least one of the research questions outlined in the Roadmap.

The Society supports all types of research including laboratory models, human studies, population-based approaches, and data-intensive investigations that leverage both researcher and patient-reported outcomes.

We value studies that:

• promote synergies between researchers in diverse disciplines;
• adhere to principles of sharing data and resources;
• focus on underserved and understudied ethnic and racial MS populations (Please consult this toolkit for strategies regarding Minority Engagement in MS Research).

Career Transition Fellowships

The National MS Society’s National Board of Directors has determined that ending the devastating effects of MS will require a cadre of well-trained scientists engaged in MS related research. The Society’s Career Transition Fellowship addresses this need by fostering the development and productivity of young scientists who have potential to make significant contributions to MS research and help ensure the future and stability of MS research.

The Career Transition Fellowship targets current postdoctoral trainees who demonstrate both commitment and exceptional potential to conduct MS-related research. The award provides funding over five years to support a two-year period of advanced postdoctoral training in MS research and the first three years of research support in a new faculty appointment.

Calling to Serve

Since its inception in 2016, the Robinson Foundation has sought to demonstrate God’s love through sharing the gifts we have received. We understand the often unspoken hardships and struggles that people in and outside of our community face everyday. As such, our contributions are focused on relieving these hardships for the betterment of our world.

As a family-operated foundation, we pray that our small efforts will not only create immediate change in the lives of our neighbors, but will help set those lives on a course for success in the future. We are thankful for each and every day we have on this earth to use what God has granted us to make a difference.

Areas of Interest

• Animal Welfare
• Children & Families
• Disaster Relief
• Education
• Medical Assistance
• Nature & Wildlife Conservation
• Poverty Relief
• Religious & Spiritual Endeavors
• Veterans' Issues

Grant Considerations

We take many different aspects of applications into account when making grant issuing decisions, however these are some of the high-level questions we ask ourselves during the process:

• How does the organization serve their key audience goals?
• Is the organization fiscally responsible?
• Will a grant have a tangible, meaningful impact?
• Will we see direct results from this grant?
• Does the organization have other financial contributors?

Community Partnership Award

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award recognizes outstanding nonprofit organizations in the United States that have shown exemplary leadership by facilitating partnerships with public, private or social sector leaders who are working together as equal partners, not as donors and recipients, to build a cohesive community that serves as a model for collaborating with others for the greater good.

Each year, the Mutual of America Foundation sponsors a national competition in which hundreds of organizations demonstrate the value of their partnership to the communities they serve, their ability to be replicated by others and their capacity to stimulate new approaches to addressing significant social issues.

Six organizations are selected by an independent committee to receive the Community Partnership Award.

• The Thomas J. Moran Award is given to the national award-winning program and includes $100,000 and a documentary video about the program.
• The Frances R. Hesselbein Award is given to a partnership that is addressing social challenges in more than one community, or which demonstrates the potential to be replicated in other communities. This recipient receives $75,000.
• Four other organizations are named Honorable Mention recipients for their programs, and each receives $50,000.

Since its inception in 1996, the Community Partnership Award has recognized 262 partnerships from cities and towns across America. Like so many of our clients working in the nonprofit community, Mutual of America is dedicated to having a direct, positive impact on society.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is bringing the world together to cure MS for every single person — as fast as possible. The Pathways to Cures Roadmap will drive progress by increasing alignment and focus of global resources on high-priority research questions.

Our research awards align with the three Pathways outlined in the Roadmap:

• STOPPING MS
• RESTORING function
• ENDING MS by prevention

MS research is a high priority for the Society, and we strategically invest in research worldwide to drive solutions for every single person with MS.

Applicants must clearly state the relevance of their proposals to at least one of the research questions outlined in the Roadmap.

The Society supports all types of research including laboratory models, human studies, population-based approaches, and data-intensive investigations that leverage both researcher and patient-reported outcomes.

We value studies that:

• promote synergies between researchers in diverse disciplines;
• adhere to principles of sharing data and resources;
• focus on underserved and understudied ethnic and racial MS populations (Please consult this toolkit for strategies regarding Minority Engagement in MS Research).

Clinical Care Physician Fellowship: Pediatric Care

Consistent with its mission to move toward a world free of multiple sclerosis, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society supports the professional development and training of physicians in the comprehensive care of people with MS. The MS Clinical Care Physician Fellowship program offers a one-year, post-residency program designed to train board eligible/certified neurologists or physiatrists in specialized MS clinical care. The program provides fellows with the opportunity to perform new patient consultations and follow-up evaluations under the direct supervision of an MS specialist physician. The fellows will also participate in multidisciplinary team activities, lectures, and professional meetings, leading to the acquisition of skills and knowledge necessary to provide personalized, high-quality MS care.

The pediatric neurology applicant and mentor are expected to propose a program that involves direct, supervised MS and related demyelinating disease patient care, with other activities that will expose the applicant to a multidisciplinary healthcare team and didactic activities. Keep in mind that the focus of this fellowship is clinical care. This is not a research-focused fellowship

Although the MS Clinical Care Physician Fellowship program is intended to provide a single year of clinical training, current clinical fellows may apply for an additional year of adult or pediatric clinical fellowship training but must provide a clear plan that describes the need, purpose and expected outcomes for the additional year of fellowship training.

After completing the fellowship program, the fellows will have acquired the skills and experience necessary to develop into physicians who:

• Provide high-quality, state-of-the-art, comprehensive clinical care to pediatric patients with MS  and other related demyelinating disorders
• Become an active participant and future leader in the MS clinical community

Within two years of the fellowship experience, the fellows are expected to:

• Establish or join an active MS clinical practice in the United States
• Volunteer with the Society (e.g., as a member of the local Healthcare Provider Councils or Board of Trustees, as an advocacy activist, or as a speaker at a patient or professional education program, etc.)
• Actively participate in related professional associations

This fellowship is for a period of 12 months.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is bringing the world together to cure MS for every single person — as fast as possible. The Pathways to Cures Roadmap will drive progress by increasing alignment and focus of global resources on high-priority research questions.

Our research awards align with the three Pathways outlined in the Roadmap:

• STOPPING MS
• RESTORING function
• ENDING MS by prevention

MS research is a high priority for the Society, and we strategically invest in research worldwide to drive solutions for every single person with MS.

Applicants must clearly state the relevance of their proposals to at least one of the research questions outlined in the Roadmap.

The Society supports all types of research including laboratory models, human studies, population-based approaches, and data-intensive investigations that leverage both researcher and patient-reported outcomes.

We value studies that:

• promote synergies between researchers in diverse disciplines;
• adhere to principles of sharing data and resources;
• focus on underserved and understudied ethnic and racial MS populations (Please consult this toolkit for strategies regarding Minority Engagement in MS Research).

Harry Weaver Scholar Awards

Harry Weaver, Ph.D., known worldwide for his contribution to neurosciences and multiple sclerosis research, was the Society's Director of Research from 1966-1977. Throughout his tenure with the Society and throughout his career, Dr. Weaver continued to encourage young investigators to enter and pursue MS research, and to broaden our understanding of basic and clinical aspects of MS. In recognition of Dr. Weaver's contribution to the neurosciences and MS research, and to his dedication to young researchers, the Society named this prestigious Award in his honor.

As part of its overarching goals of stopping MS progression, restoring function, and ending MS forever, the National MS Society offers a limited number of Harry Weaver awards to highly qualified candidates who have concluded their research training and begun academic careers as independent investigators in an area related to multiple sclerosis. The awards are designed to provide salary and grant support for a five year period, thus permitting the awardee to establish competence in his/her chosen research area. Application must be made jointly by a candidate and the institution in which an appointment is held.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is bringing the world together to cure MS for every single person — as fast as possible. The Pathways to Cures Roadmap will drive progress by increasing alignment and focus of global resources on high-priority research questions.

Our research awards align with the three Pathways outlined in the Roadmap:

• STOPPING MS
• RESTORING function
• ENDING MS by prevention

MS research is a high priority for the Society, and we strategically invest in research worldwide to drive solutions for every single person with MS.

Applicants must clearly state the relevance of their proposals to at least one of the research questions outlined in the Roadmap.

The Society supports all types of research including laboratory models, human studies, population-based approaches, and data-intensive investigations that leverage both researcher and patient-reported outcomes.

We value studies that:

• promote synergies between researchers in diverse disciplines;
• adhere to principles of sharing data and resources;
• focus on underserved and understudied ethnic and racial MS populations (Please consult this toolkit for strategies regarding Minority Engagement in MS Research).

Institutional Clinician Training Award

Consistent with its mission to move toward a world free of multiple sclerosis, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society supports the professional development and training of physicians in the comprehensive care of people with MS. The Society welcomes applications for support of mentors and institutions that will provide training for board- certified/eligible neurologists and physiatrists in new patient consultations, treatment and follow-up evaluations under the direct supervision of an MS specialist physician, as well as participation in multidisciplinary team activities, lectures, and professional meetings. The goal is for fellows to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to provide personalized, high-quality care for individuals with MS.

This program provides support for a mentor-institution combination that is responsible for the recruitment, selection, and training of postdoctoral fellows to pursue a clinical career specializing in the care of individuals with multiple sclerosis and similar disorders. The mentor should be an established and active clinician in the MS field. The fellowship will provide for support of postdoctoral fellows who will work closely with the mentor.

The fellow selected by the mentor must hold an MD, DO or equivalent degree, be licensed to practice medicine in the United States, have completed a residency in neurology or physiatry in the U.S., and plan on practicing medicine in the U.S. following the fellowship.

The program of training to be supported should enhance the likelihood that the trainee will:

• Establish or join an active MS clinical practice in the United States to provide high quality, state-of- the-art, comprehensive clinical care to patients with MS and
• become an active participant and future leader in the MS clinical community, including volunteer activities with the Society at a local chapter or the home office (e.g., as a member of the Clinical Advisory Committee, Chapter Programs Committee, or Board of Trustees, as a speaker at a patient or professional education program, etc.)

Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Care Physician Fellowship

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society offers a one year, post-residency MS clinical* fellowship program designed to train board eligible/certified neurologists or physiatrists in specialized MS clinical care.

Residents who have or will have received training in neurology or physiatry in the United States, and who are in the PGY3 or PGY4 stage or beyond, are eligible to apply. Applications are reviewed via a competitive process. Residents whose career plans include working with under-resourced populations or in rural areas are particularly encouraged to apply.This 12-month program gives fellows the opportunity to perform new patient consultations and follow-up evaluations under the supervision of an MS specialist physician. Fellows will also participate in multidisciplinary team activities, lectures, and professional meetings, leading to the acquisition of skills and knowledge necessary to provide the highest quality of care for individuals with MS.It is the responsibility of the applicant to arrange the proposed training with an appropriate mentor and institution prior to applying. The stipend offered is $75,000, payable to the institution, to cover salary, fringe benefits, and administrative costs.

Clinical Care Physician Fellowship: Adult Care

Consistent with its mission to move toward a world free of multiple sclerosis, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society supports the professional development and training of physicians in the comprehensive care of people with MS. The MS Clinical Care Physician Fellowship program offers a one-year, post-residency program designed to train board eligible/certified neurologists or physiatrists in specialized MS clinical care. The program provides fellows with the opportunity to perform new patient consultations and follow-up evaluations under the direct supervision of an MS specialist physician. The fellows will also participate in multidisciplinary team activities, lectures, and professional meetings, leading to the acquisition of skills and knowledge necessary to provide personalized, high-quality MS care.

The applicant and mentor are expected to propose a program that involves direct, supervised MS patient care, with other activities that will expose the applicant to a multidisciplinary healthcare team and didactic activities. Keep in mind that the focus of this fellowship is clinical care. This is not a research-focused fellowship.

Although the MS Clinical Care Physician Fellowship program is intended to provide a single year of clinical training, current clinical fellows may apply for an additional year of adult or pediatric clinical fellowship training but must provide a clear plan that describes the need, purpose and expected outcomes for the additional year of fellowship training.

After completing the fellowship program, the fellows will have acquired the skills and experience necessary to develop into physicians who:

• Provide high-quality, state-of-the-art, comprehensive clinical care to patients with MS
• Become an active participant and future leader in the MS clinical community

Within two years of the fellowship experience, the fellows are expected to:

• Establish or join an active MS clinical practice in the United States
• Volunteer with the Society (e.g., as a member of the local Healthcare Provider Councils or Board of Trustees, as an advocacy activist, or as a speaker at a patient or professional education program, etc.)
• Actively participate in related professional associations

This fellowship is for a period of 12 months.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is bringing the world together to cure MS for every single person — as fast as possible. The Pathways to Cures Roadmap will drive progress by increasing alignment and focus of global resources on high-priority research questions.

Our research awards align with the three Pathways outlined in the Roadmap:

• STOPPING MS
• RESTORING function
• ENDING MS by prevention

MS research is a high priority for the Society, and we strategically invest in research worldwide to drive solutions for every single person with MS.

Applicants must clearly state the relevance of their proposals to at least one of the research questions outlined in the Roadmap.

The Society supports all types of research including laboratory models, human studies, population-based approaches, and data-intensive investigations that leverage both researcher and patient-reported outcomes.

We value studies that:

• promote synergies between researchers in diverse disciplines;
• adhere to principles of sharing data and resources;
• focus on underserved and understudied ethnic and racial MS populations (Please consult this toolkit for strategies regarding Minority Engagement in MS Research).

Barancik Prize for Innovation in MS Research

The Barancik Prize for Innovation in Multiple Sclerosis Research recognizes an exceptional scientist or a team of scientists whose work in MS research has demonstrated outstanding innovation and originality. This annual prize, made possible by the generosity of the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation, has been increased to $125,000 to be used at the discretion of the recipient. New this year, the prize also includes a $200,000 fellowship award at the recipient’s institution for a trainee chosen by the recipient.

The goal of the prize is to recognize innovation in scientific research in the field of multiple sclerosis. Nominations must be submitted on behalf an individual, or a team, by one or more colleagues or mentors. Self-nominations are not permitted. Nomination letters should address the nominee’s scientific accomplishments with an emphasis on the innovative and impactful aspects of the nominee’s work, including a maximum of 2 journal citations if appropriate. Include the current institution and contact information for the nominator and nominee. Please ensure the eligibility criteria below are met prior to submitting nominations.

The committee will evaluate:

• Exceptional innovation and originality in scientific research relevant to MS
• Impact and potential of the research to lead to pathways for the treatment and cure for MS
• Scientific accomplishments that merit recognition as a future leader in MS research

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is bringing the world together to cure MS for every single person — as fast as possible. The Pathways to Cures Roadmap will drive progress by increasing alignment and focus of global resources on high-priority research questions.

Our research awards align with the three Pathways outlined in the Roadmap:

• STOPPING MS
• RESTORING function
• ENDING MS by prevention

MS research is a high priority for the Society, and we strategically invest in research worldwide to drive solutions for every single person with MS.

Applicants must clearly state the relevance of their proposals to at least one of the research questions outlined in the Roadmap.

The Society supports all types of research including laboratory models, human studies, population-based approaches, and data-intensive investigations that leverage both researcher and patient-reported outcomes.

We value studies that:

• promote synergies between researchers in diverse disciplines;
• adhere to principles of sharing data and resources;
• focus on underserved and understudied ethnic and racial MS populations (Please consult this toolkit for strategies regarding Minority Engagement in MS Research).

Mentor-Based Postdoctoral Fellowship In Rehabilitation Research

The Society welcomes applications for support of mentors and institutions that provide training of postdoctoral fellows in research related to multiple sclerosis rehabilitation that may serve to advance the mission of the Society.

This program provides support for a mentor-institution combination that is responsible for the recruitment, selection, and training of postdoctoral fellows to pursue a career in rehabilitation research applied to multiple sclerosis and similar disorders. The mentor should be an established and active researcher in MS or a related field. The fellowship will provide for support of a postdoctoral fellow who will work closely with the mentor. The mentor and fellow may come from a variety of different fields including medicine, physical, occupational, or speech therapy, psychology, rehabilitation engineering, nursing, or other fields. The research training may focus on fundamental as well as applied studies but must be relevant to both rehabilitation of individuals with MS and to the Society’s mission.

The program of training to be supported should enhance the likelihood that the trainee will:

• perform meaningful and independent research relevant to multiple sclerosis rehabilitation and
• obtain a suitable position that will enable him or her to do so.

This award is made to a mentor-institution combination and not directly to the postdoctoral fellow. The award is designed to emphasize opportunities for new research training and broadening scientific competence of the postdoctoral fellow.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is bringing the world together to cure MS for every single person — as fast as possible. The Pathways to Cures Roadmap will drive progress by increasing alignment and focus of global resources on high-priority research questions.

Our research awards align with the three Pathways outlined in the Roadmap:

• STOPPING MS
• RESTORING function
• ENDING MS by prevention

MS research is a high priority for the Society, and we strategically invest in research worldwide to drive solutions for every single person with MS.

Applicants must clearly state the relevance of their proposals to at least one of the research questions outlined in the Roadmap.

The Society supports all types of research including laboratory models, human studies, population-based approaches, and data-intensive investigations that leverage both researcher and patient-reported outcomes.

We value studies that:

• promote synergies between researchers in diverse disciplines;
• adhere to principles of sharing data and resources;
• focus on underserved and understudied ethnic and racial MS populations (Please consult this toolkit for strategies regarding Minority Engagement in MS Research).

Clinician Scientist Development Awards

The National MS Society seeks to attract and train promising young investigators and physicians into the field of MS by supporting the training of postdoctoral fellows in studies related to MS. The Society’s research goals are to stop disease progression, restore function, and end MS forever through prevention. The Clinician Scientist Development Award supports the training of outstanding post-residency clinicians committed to careers in academic medicine with an emphasis on MS clinical research. This program supports three years of research training in an environment where talented young clinicians address problems in multiple sclerosis with the most current scientific tools.

In previous years, through the generosity of the American Brain Foundation (ABF) one meritorious applicant was chosen by the ABF to receive The National MS Society -ABF MS Clinician Scientist Development Award. This Awardee received the benefits described for the Clinician Scientist Development Awards as well as an additional $25,000 annual stipend supplement sponsored by the ABF (paid through the National MS Society). This supplement is no longer offered.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is bringing the world together to cure MS for every single person — as fast as possible. The Pathways to Cures Roadmap will drive progress by increasing alignment and focus of global resources on high-priority research questions.

Our research awards align with the three Pathways outlined in the Roadmap:

• STOPPING MS
• RESTORING function
• ENDING MS by prevention

MS research is a high priority for the Society, and we strategically invest in research worldwide to drive solutions for every single person with MS.

Applicants must clearly state the relevance of their proposals to at least one of the research questions outlined in the Roadmap.

The Society supports all types of research including laboratory models, human studies, population-based approaches, and data-intensive investigations that leverage both researcher and patient-reported outcomes.

We value studies that:

• promote synergies between researchers in diverse disciplines;
• adhere to principles of sharing data and resources;
• focus on underserved and understudied ethnic and racial MS populations (Please consult this toolkit for strategies regarding Minority Engagement in MS Research).

Postdoctoral Fellowships

The Society welcomes applications for support of training of postdoctoral fellows in studies related to multiple sclerosis that may serve to advance the mission of the Society.

The Society supports fundamental as well as applied studies, non-clinical or clinical in nature, including projects in patient management, care and rehabilitation. To be considered for funding, all projects must show relevance to the Society’s research priorities.

The Society offers postdoctoral fellowship grants to unusually promising recipients of M.D., Ph.D. or equivalent degrees when it appears that the program of training to be supported by the grant will enhance the likelihood that the trainee will:

• perform meaningful and independent research relevant to multiple sclerosis in the future, and
• obtain a suitable position that will enable them to do so.

This fellowship program is primarily for stipend support. The proposed postdoctoral program should emphasize opportunities for new research training and broadening scientific competence of the applicant.

Fellowship support will not be provided for more than three years.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is bringing the world together to cure MS for every single person — as fast as possible. The Pathways to Cures Roadmap will drive progress by increasing alignment and focus of global resources on high-priority research questions.

Our research awards align with the three Pathways outlined in the Roadmap:

• STOPPING MS
• RESTORING function
• ENDING MS by prevention

MS research is a high priority for the Society, and we strategically invest in research worldwide to drive solutions for every single person with MS.

Applicants must clearly state the relevance of their proposals to at least one of the research questions outlined in the Roadmap.

The Society supports all types of research including laboratory models, human studies, population-based approaches, and data-intensive investigations that leverage both researcher and patient-reported outcomes.

We value studies that:

• promote synergies between researchers in diverse disciplines;
• adhere to principles of sharing data and resources;
• focus on underserved and understudied ethnic and racial MS populations (Please consult this toolkit for strategies regarding Minority Engagement in MS Research).

Sylvia Lawry Physician Fellowships

With the increasing number of new therapies being developed for use in MS, there is a need for physicians trained in conducting clinical trials. Clinical trials to test the safety and efficacy of therapies for multiple sclerosis are highly complex and require special expertise and knowledge to monitor this highly variable disease.

It is the intent of this program that the individual with an MD or equivalent medical degree will acquire formal training, under the tutelage of an established investigator, in a broad range of key elements associated with conducting clinical trials in MS. These may include design of study protocols, recruitment of patients, power calculations, randomization procedures, use of controls, identification of appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria, identification of primary and secondary outcome measures, maintenance and assessment of blinding, informed consent, safety monitoring and evaluation, and data access and statistical analysis. These elements must be integrated in the plan of training.

The proposal must provide documentation that:

• the clinical fellow will be actively trained in multiple ongoing MS clinical trials, preferably at various phases to provide exposure to the recruitment stage through data analysis.
• a formal curriculum appropriate for clinical trial training, including courses in biostatistics, epidemiology, or other related courses is available at the institution and will be part of the fellowship experience.
  • Although it is not required, the review committee looks favorably on a training plan that includes the completion of a Master’s degree in clinical research or another related research topic

Gupta Family Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, USA. Our mission is to support organizations that provide focused intervention in the lives of people who have been disadvantaged in some way to help them become self-reliant. We take a very broad view of “disadvantage” to include anything that holds a person back from realizing their potential, such as poverty, physical or mental disability, social alienation, etc. The foundation also supports relief agencies that serve people affected by emergencies such as natural disasters.

The foundation evaluates and awards annual and multi-year grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000 (USD). Our focus is on funding smaller organizations all around the world that are led by individuals with a deep personal commitment to their missions. 

Our selection criteria include:

• Mission alignment
• The organization is run by the founder or, if not, by a successor who embodies the original inspiration, passion and commitment of the founder.
• At least 90% of grant monies reaches the intended beneficiaries.
• The organization is non-sectarian, i.e.,
  • It does not, directly or indirectly, support or condone the proselytization of any religion,
  • It is not supported by or affiliated to a religious organization.