Best Grants for Rare Diseases in Guam

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible states by increasing the number of university researchers and institutions conducting relevant science and engineering research. Sponsored by the Department of Defense, this program will fund multiyear awards to promote research aligned with national security needs. Applications require a multi-stage submission process, emphasizing early registration and timely proposal submissions.

The US Flu Vaccine Effectiveness (VE) Network aims to enhance the effectiveness of vaccines against influenza and other respiratory pathogens, which are significant contributors to morbidity and mortality. This funding opportunity invites proposals for surveillance studies, including annual VE assessments, acute respiratory illness tracking, household transmission research, and immunogenicity studies. Applicants can apply for either Component A or B, with the option to include additional components based on their primary selection.

Research institutions and clinical centers studying asthma and other respiratory or allergic diseases in Guam can access funding through the National Institutes of Health. Grants from NIH help Guam respiratory diseases & systems programs conduct multi-center, translational research on disease mechanisms, progression, and treatment responses, including small clinical trials and immune pathway-focused projects using human materials.

Research institutions and clinical organizations conducting pediatric asthma studies can apply for NIH support to run multi-site clinical trials in Guam and other eligible U.S. locations. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help respiratory disease researchers test prevention strategies, explore new treatment targets, and use systems biology to identify asthma endotypes in economically disadvantaged urban children.

Postdoctoral fellows in the NHLBI Division of Intramural Research planning clinical research careers can receive phased support to transition to independent positions, including in Guam. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help early-career investigators move from mentored intramural work to extramural institutions, which may include rare or respiratory disease-focused programs.

Biomedical, clinical, and behavioral science faculty seeking mentored career development to advance cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic, or sleep research in Guam and other U.S. territories can apply for this award, offering up to US $130,000. Focused on research training and independence, the National Institutes of Health supports projects that may include work on respiratory and related rare diseases.

Research institutions and similar organizations in Guam developing early-stage medical devices, diagnostic targets, or research tools for heart, lung, blood, and sleep (HLBS) conditions can access support through the National Institutes of Health Catalyze program. This phased R61/R33 award offers up to US $4,466,000 for prototype design, testing, assay development, and related translational work.

NIH provides Guam medical research institutions and universities with funding for basic and early translational nonmalignant hematology studies, including respiratory and related system diseases. Grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Institutes of Health support investigator-initiated R01 projects aligned with NIDDK, NIA, and NHLBI missions, with multiple application cycles through 2027.

Small U.S. small business concerns developing heart, lung, blood, or sleep technologies for rare diseases or young pediatric populations can access up to US $3,500,000 to advance products toward regulatory approval and commercialization. Grants from National Institutes of Health help Guam-focused respiratory and other relevant biomedical projects bridge the Phase II to market funding gap.

Doctoral students conducting physical therapy or respiratory-related research at accredited institutions, including those in Guam, can receive up to US $7,500 to support their coursework phase. The Foundation for Physical Therapy Research prioritizes projects in acute care, cardiology and pulmonary, PT education, and pelvic health, with potential for multiple awards over a doctoral program.

Small business concerns developing heart, lung, blood, or sleep-related technologies that need federal regulatory approval can seek up to US $3,500,000 for later-stage R&D and commercialization, including in Guam. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help bridge the SBIR Phase II to market gap and may benefit respiratory and rare disease-focused innovations.

The Gerber Foundation provides research grants focused on enhancing the health and nutrition of infants and young children, particularly those aged 0-3. The foundation seeks innovative projects that address critical health issues and improve developmental outcomes. Grants support applied research, diagnostic tools, and treatment regimens that promise significant advancements in pediatric health. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations, emphasizing a commitment to projects with a direct impact on children's well-being in the U.S.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public institutions conducting pediatric environmental health research in Guam can apply for Gerber Foundation grants, with awards up to US $350,000. Projects must generate new, applied knowledge on environmental hazards affecting infants and young children from pre-birth to age three, such as exposure impacts or methods to lessen those exposures.

The Heiser Program for Research in Leprosy, established by Dr. Victor G. Heiser, focuses on innovative biomedical research to combat leprosy. Since 1975, it has funded over 200 grants totaling more than $20 million, supporting early-career researchers and significant projects. The program aims to enhance diagnostic tools, improve treatments, and implement effective surveillance strategies. With a dedicated Scientific Advisory Committee, it ensures rigorous proposal reviews and fosters collaboration among grantees, ultimately advancing leprosy elimination efforts.

The PFF Research Fund to Cure Pulmonary Fibrosis aims to support innovative research that enhances understanding and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. The PFF Scholars Program provides $100,000 over two years to early-stage researchers, encouraging them to pursue independent funding opportunities. Eligible applicants include post-doctoral trainees and early Assistant Professors committed to interstitial lung disease research. This initiative fosters mentorship and collaboration, ultimately advancing the field and improving patient care.

Health care professionals outside the U.S. interested in respiratory care can access an intensive observational fellowship that includes site visits and conference participation in Guam and nationwide. Grants from American Respiratory Care Foundation help respiratory and rare disease clinicians observe U.S. hospital, educational, and alternate care practices and attend the AARC Congress, with in-country expenses covered during the fellowship.

Early-career respiratory care researchers focusing on pediatric respiratory therapy can receive up to US $5,000 to support their first research projects and professional development. American Respiratory Care Foundation supports respiratory diseases and systems work in Guam and across the U.S., with funds typically used for mentoring, hands-on experience, and initial equipment or supplies.

Nonprofit organizations conducting respiratory care or cardiopulmonary research, with respiratory therapists or technicians meaningfully involved, can seek supplemental funding for original studies through the Jerome M. Sullivan Research Fund. The American Respiratory Care Foundation supports respiratory diseases and systems research in the U.S.; Guam-based projects may be eligible if they meet these criteria.

Nonprofit organizations conducting respiratory care research in Guam can seek up to US $10,000 to support projects involving respiratory therapists or technicians. The American Respiratory Care Foundation’s Parker B. Francis Respiratory Research Grant funds investigations in respiratory care and related topics, supplementing other research support for qualified physician or respiratory care practitioner principal investigators.

Graduate students and other qualified investigators conducting educational or credentialing research in respiratory care, including work on respiratory diseases and systems, can apply for support from the American Respiratory Care Foundation. With a mission to promote respiratory health, this U.S. grant offers up to US $5,000 and may benefit Guam rare disease researchers focused on lung involvement.

Residents in accredited U.S. or Canadian training programs conducting basic, translational, or clinical rhinology research can apply for the ARS Resident Research Grant, which may benefit work impacting rare respiratory diseases in Guam. With a mission to advance respiratory disease research, American Rhinologic Society provides eligible investigators with up to US $10,000 for projects designed with an ARS-member faculty preceptor.

The FSR Early Career Fellowship Grant supports early-stage researchers in sarcoidosis, fostering skills and knowledge advancement. With $150,000 over two years, this grant aims to enhance medical care and scientific understanding of the disease. Eligible applicants, including international candidates, must present innovative study proposals and demonstrate a commitment to sarcoidosis research. FSR encourages transitions from fellowships to faculty positions, thereby strengthening academic credentials and promoting impactful research contributions.

The Emerging Global Leader Award (K43) offers essential research support and protected time for early career scientists in low- and middle-income countries. This program, aligned with NIH's clinical trials policy, aims to cultivate independent research careers by providing mentorship and funding over three to five years. Eligible candidates must hold a junior faculty position at an accredited LMIC institution, fostering the growth of research capacity in their regions.

The Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award supports early career research scientists from low- or middle-income countries (LMIC) by providing research funding and mentored career development for three to five years. This program encourages LMIC scientists in health-related fields to develop projects aligned with their country's health priorities, fostering independent research careers within their institutions. Applications are welcomed from junior faculty members, enhancing global health research and capacity in LMICs.

The EMF/Fisher and Paykel High Flow Therapy Research aims to explore the use of high flow therapy as a first-line respiratory support in emergency departments. This research seeks to assess the number of patients with acute respiratory failure who may benefit from this therapy, understand the characteristics of EMS services, and identify patient outcomes. By analyzing these factors, the study intends to enhance patient care and inform effective health policies in emergency medicine.

The IRSS RIFM Special Award for Inhalation Toxicology offers a $500 prize for trainees contributing to inhalation toxicology research. Sponsored by the Society of Toxicology, this award encourages innovative evaluations of inhaled toxicants, exposure science advancements, and risk assessment research. Applicants must submit a one-page summary of their work and a pending abstract for presentation at the SOT Annual Meeting, alongside a mentor's support letter. This award aims to promote excellence in the field.