Best Grants for Museums in Indiana

The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is offering the Shrek the Musical Jr. Pilot Grant, providing three no-cost licenses for schools. This innovative bilingual adaptation allows actors to perform in either American English or Latin American Spanish, enhancing accessibility and engagement. The initiative promotes educational theatre by supporting high schools with active Thespian troupes across the United States. By collaborating with Music Theatre International, ETF aims to refine the script and deliver a unique theatrical experience that fosters community and creativity.

Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre

Our Mission and Goals

The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).

ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:

• Subsidizing new, emerging, and underserved student theatre programs;
• Creating paths for theatre educators to develop new skills; and
• Commissioning research to showcase the value of a theatre education.

Grants for Educators & Theatre Programs

A core piece of the Educational Theatre Foundation’s work is supporting theatre educators and theatre programs directly. We do this through a series of production and educator grants available to both members of EdTA as well as non-members.

EdTA Membership Grant

Theatre matters.

It belongs in our classrooms and communities – now more than ever. Yet the role of the theatre educator has become increasingly complex, and financial support is often uncertain or even eliminated.

To help meet this moment, the Educational Theatre Foundation is proud to introduce the EdTA Membership Grant.

Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre

Our Mission and Goals

The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).

ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:

• Subsidizing new, emerging, and underserved student theatre programs;
• Creating paths for theatre educators to develop new skills; and
• Commissioning research to showcase the value of a theatre education.

Educator & Program Grants

Giving school theatre programs a boost

The Thespian Growth & Excellence Fund is committed to supporting the ongoing development of theatre programs and the pursuit of excellence for educators, students, schools, and communities by offering a number of grants that assist in EdTA membership, teacher support, and programmatic resources for theatre in schools.

By the end of 2024, the Thespian Growth and Excellence Fund has awarded 349 grants to 276 schools, totaling $286,167 in assistance provided to school theatre programs, many at schools with Title 1 designations.

Educator Support ($500)

Can be used for professional development for theatre educators that would benefit their students, including coursework, EdTA’s Theatre Education Conference registration fees, and related travel expenses.

The Educational Theatre Foundation (EdTA) offers the Thespian Growth & Excellence Grants to support production expenses for school theatre programs. Grants of up to $1,000 can cover essential costs such as licensing fees, rentals, sets, and costumes. With a commitment to enhancing educational theatre, EdTA prioritizes applications based on demonstrated need, particularly for Title 1 schools, helping to foster creativity and collaboration in diverse educational settings.

The EdTA Thespian Growth & Excellence Grants support theatre programs by providing financial assistance for troupe expenses, including travel to professional productions and participation in state conferences. Founded by the Educational Theatre Foundation, these grants aim to enhance educational theatre access and representation. By the end of 2024, 349 grants totaling over $286,000 will have been awarded, benefiting schools with Title 1 designations and empowering students and educators in their creative pursuits.

Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre

Our Mission and Goals

The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).

ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:

• Subsidizing new, emerging, and underserved student theatre programs;
• Creating paths for theatre educators to develop new skills; and
• Commissioning research to showcase the value of a theatre education.

Educator & Program Grants

Giving school theatre programs a boost

The Thespian Growth & Excellence Fund is committed to supporting the ongoing development of theatre programs and the pursuit of excellence for educators, students, schools, and communities by offering a number of grants that assist in EdTA membership, teacher support, and programmatic resources for theatre in schools.

By the end of 2024, the Thespian Growth and Excellence Fund has awarded 349 grants to 276 schools, totaling $286,167 in assistance provided to school theatre programs, many at schools with Title 1 designations.

Equipment Upgrade (up to $5,000)

Can be awarded to help school theatre programs with large technical purchases that upgrade the resources available for theatrical use, such as lighting and sound equipment.

About QuikTripQuikTrip believes in investing in the communities in which our employees live and work. Every year, QuikTrip donates 5% of our annual net profit to qualified 501c3 non-profit agencies, which includes our United Way campaign match, support for National Safe Place agencies, Folds of Honor scholarships and many other agencies that support at-risk youth and early childhood education.Mission: To wisely invest dollars in community efforts that will help impact (in measurable terms) individuals in our society who are dependent on the charitable support of others. We believe the most effective way to do that is to invest our contribution dollars and volunteers in strategic efforts that help those at risk reach their functional capacity as successful, independent citizens.About QuikTrip Charitable GrantsQuikTrip funds 501c3 agencies located in the cities in which we have stores and our employees live and work. Funding can include: “in-kind” products (coupons, gift cards or product donation), formal grants, fundraiser/event sponsorships and employee volunteer time.Focus Areas:

• Creating Safe Communities
  • First Responders: QuikTrip is proud to partner with law enforcement and first responders in every market we serve, making sure that they have the tools, training and support they need to keep our communities safe and to return home safely to their families after each shift.
  • Homeless Outreach & Alternatives to Police Response: To significantly reduce non-emergency calls and help people in crisis get back on their feet, QuikTrip funds dedicated homeless outreach teams across our communities. These teams engage individuals experiencing homelessness and living in encampments – connecting people to services, shelter, detox and long-term care.

• Creating Strong Communities
  • Ending Homelessness: We support emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing, diversion and prevention programs, and more.
  • Mental Health & Substance Abuse : We know that healthy communities are safe communities, which is why we invest in detox and substance abuse treatment centers, and behavioral health centers and services to end the perpetuation of cycles of trauma and addiction.
  • At-Risk Youth: We especially prioritize services for at-risk youth – those aging out of foster care, justice-involved or without stable support systems.
• Additional Community Commitments
  • United Way: Employee donation matching in all markets.
  • Folds of Honor: Scholarships for families of fallen or wounded service members and first responders.
  • National Safe Place: QT stores serve as Safe Place locations for youth in crisis, with trained staff ready to assist.

Dick & Judy Hoyt Inclusion Grant

The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism is excited to collaborate with the Hoyt Foundation for the Dick and Judy Hoyt Grant for Inclusion. Our joint effort is driven by a shared vision of fostering a society where individuals with autism and other disabilities are embraced and valued within their communities. In tribute to the pioneering spirit of Dick and Judy Hoyt, we will be distributing $50,000 through this community grant to support people with autism and other disabilities. Successful ways grant funds can be used: 

• Side-by-side participation with non-disabled peers in a swim program, the grant provides a private lifeguard to allow individualized support to ensure an inclusive experience.
• Grant provides the purchase of a racing chair to allow an individual with a disability to run in races with non-disabled peers.
• Competitive horseback riding supported by the grant to purchase specialized equipment to allow a rider to compete against non-disabled peers.
• Grant provides the purchase of an adaptive ski prosthetic to allow an individual to participate side by side with non-disabled peers on their high school ski teams.
• Participation in dance training and competitions to allow a student with a disability to compete in a dance competition with non-disabled peers, grant lessons, and staff to assist in dance training.
• Grant provides a mobile stand to allow a student with a disability to participate side by side with non-disabled peers in the college marching band. 

About us

SIR Foundation is a scientific foundation dedicated to fostering research in interventional radiology for the purposes of advancing scientific knowledge, increasing the number of skilled investigators, and developing innovative therapies that lead to improved patient care and quality of life. The foundation is committed to fostering the development and enhancement of innovative, minimally invasive, image-guided therapies from inception to mature clinical application and to conduct educational programs in the service of its mission.

Resident Research Award

Provides residents and fellows an opportunity to attend and present their scientific research at the SIR Annual Scientific Meeting. The intent is to expose young researchers who wish to further their careers in interventional radiology.

Award

Up to two recipients will receive complimentary registration and a travel stipend of $1,000.

About us

SIR Foundation is a scientific foundation dedicated to fostering research in interventional radiology for the purposes of advancing scientific knowledge, increasing the number of skilled investigators, and developing innovative therapies that lead to improved patient care and quality of life. The foundation is committed to fostering the development and enhancement of innovative, minimally invasive, image-guided therapies from inception to mature clinical application and to conduct educational programs in the service of its mission.

Research Scientist Award

Recognizes the contributions and accomplishments of PhD scientists and engineers at all levels of training for their basic and preclinical research on the topic of interventional radiology.

Award

Up to two recipients will receive complimentary registration and a travel stipend of $1,000.

About us

SIR Foundation is a scientific foundation dedicated to fostering research in interventional radiology for the purposes of advancing scientific knowledge, increasing the number of skilled investigators, and developing innovative therapies that lead to improved patient care and quality of life. The foundation is committed to fostering the development and enhancement of innovative, minimally invasive, image-guided therapies from inception to mature clinical application and to conduct educational programs in the service of its mission.

Dr. Gary J. Becker Young Investigator Award

Promotes excellence in academic research for members early in their careers. This award honors the founding editor of the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (JVIR) and recognizes the importance of the young investigator in developing interventional solutions for the future.

About

In 1990, SIR Foundation established the Dr. Gary J. Becker Young Investigator Award as a way to recognize promising young practitioners of interventional radiology early in their careers and encourage their pursuit of academic careers. Each year, the author of the most outstanding clinical science research paper submitted receives this distinguished award.

Award

$3,000 honorarium along with complimentary registration to the SIR Annual Scientific Meeting.

The award will be presented during the SIR Foundation Awards Ceremony at the SIR Annual Scientific Meeting.

About us

SIR Foundation is a scientific foundation dedicated to fostering research in interventional radiology for the purposes of advancing scientific knowledge, increasing the number of skilled investigators, and developing innovative therapies that lead to improved patient care and quality of life. The foundation is committed to fostering the development and enhancement of innovative, minimally invasive, image-guided therapies from inception to mature clinical application and to conduct educational programs in the service of its mission.

Dr. Constantin Cope Medical Student Research Award

Introduces interested medical students to the greater interventional radiology community at the SIR Annual Scientific Meeting. Recognizes the student author of an accepted abstract that best honors the spirit of inventiveness and scientific purity.

Award

Up to two recipients will receive complimentary registration and a travel award of up to $1,000.

Dr. Barry T. Katzen Master Clinician Award

Honors an interventional radiologist who exemplifies dedication to clinical practice, patient care, diligence in their work and continuous improvement within the field and who has also made a demonstrable impact at their institution or practice as a result.

About

The Dr. Barry T. Katzen Master Clinician Award seeks to honor an interventional radiologist who exemplifies dedication to clinical practice, patient care, diligence in their work and continuous improvement within the field as well as who has made a demonstrable impact at their institution or practice as a result. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to enhancing patient outcomes and advancing the reputation and practice of interventional radiology through their hard work, commitment and, most importantly, clinical practice. The award is being given in the name of Barry T. Katzen, MD, FSIR, who pioneered clinical practice for IR in 1976 and became a vocal advocate, champion and example for colleagues of the importance of IR being a clinical discipline for advancement of the specialty.

The recipient will receive:

• Complimentary annual meeting registration
• Recognition during the SIR Annual Scientific Meeting

About us

SIR Foundation is a scientific foundation dedicated to fostering research in interventional radiology for the purposes of advancing scientific knowledge, increasing the number of skilled investigators, and developing innovative therapies that lead to improved patient care and quality of life. The foundation is committed to fostering the development and enhancement of innovative, minimally invasive, image-guided therapies from inception to mature clinical application and to conduct educational programs in the service of its mission.

Excellence in Innovation Award

Fund compelling, novel ideas that lead to improved health outcomes in IR.

About

Interventional radiologists create and introduce novel, minimally invasive procedures and devices that help solve some of our toughest medical challenges. To continue this rich history of innovation in IR, the purpose of this award is to fund compelling, novel ideas that lead to improved health outcomes in IR.

Innovation, for this purpose, is broadly defined as any use of emerging methods, new devices, new procedures or new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and nanotechnology, that display an exceptional degree of potential for transforming and advancing the specialty of interventional radiology.

The Annual Meeting Research Award Committee selects one recipient for this award each year.

The recipient will receive:

• Complimentary annual meeting registration
• Travel stipend up to $1,000
• The opportunity to present their research as well as meet peers, network with senior scientists and participate in learning opportunities at the SIR Annual Scientific Meeting
• Recognition during the SIR Annual Scientific Meeting

Tipton County Foundation

Since its founding in 1986, the civic-spirited volunteers responsible for TCF’s Board leadership, fund-raising, investment decisions, and grantmaking have built a substantial endowment that will never be spent. The income earned from investments is used to help meet Tipton County’s charitable needs– from social services for youth and senior citizens, to art, culture, education, recreation, historical preservation, animal welfare, and community development projects of all types. TCF is also a conduit for individual support of organizations, receiving non-endowed contributions that are earmarked and sometimes matched for local needs.

Operating Grants

Each year, the Foundation runs one operating grant cycle, for those organizations seeking general operating support.

General support from TCF means that the applicant organization is seeking funding not for a specific program or project, but to continue running their organization. This may be salary expenses, utilities, building costs, etc.

All organizations seeking this type of funding are encouraged to contact TCF before applying to discuss next steps.

Tipton County Foundation

Since its founding in 1986, the civic-spirited volunteers responsible for TCF’s Board leadership, fund-raising, investment decisions, and grantmaking have built a substantial endowment that will never be spent. The income earned from investments is used to help meet Tipton County’s charitable needs– from social services for youth and senior citizens, to art, culture, education, recreation, historical preservation, animal welfare, and community development projects of all types. TCF is also a conduit for individual support of organizations, receiving non-endowed contributions that are earmarked and sometimes matched for local needs.

General Grants

The Foundation has two annual General Grant cycles, where almost anyone doing charitable work in Tipton County can apply. Typically, applicants are 501c3 organizations (or government entities) running a project or program which directly impacts Tipton County Citizens, but unofficial groups, service clubs, and other non-501 organizations may inquire as well.

Tipton County Foundation

Since its founding in 1986, the civic-spirited volunteers responsible for TCF’s Board leadership, fund-raising, investment decisions, and grantmaking have built a substantial endowment that will never be spent. The income earned from investments is used to help meet Tipton County’s charitable needs– from social services for youth and senior citizens, to art, culture, education, recreation, historical preservation, animal welfare, and community development projects of all types. TCF is also a conduit for individual support of organizations, receiving non-endowed contributions that are earmarked and sometimes matched for local needs.

Education Grants

The Foundation's Education Grantmaking cycle is available to projects or programs which advance the educational outcomes for Tipton County residents.

Teachers and administrators at either public school system are welcome to apply, as are those leading non-profit educational programs at local churches, homeschool associations, and pre-k organizations.

English Language Learning Foundation Incorporated

The English Learning Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in 2006 to assist English language learners. The mission of the ELL Foundation is to help English learners to become successful in their academic lives while honoring their cultural identities.

Our vision is to assist English learners in the Greater Cincinnati area so that students:

• Appreciate and are proud of their cultural identities;
• Receive the needed support service for their education;
• Graduate from high school and succeed in college;
• And serve their communities as role models.

ELL Foundation’s College Emergency Grant

The College Emergency Grant Program provides emergency assistance of up to $500 for Greater Cincinnati college/ university EL students who are experiencing temporary financial emergencies. The focus areas for the grants include: 

• Student food insecurity (meal plans are eligible)
• Student housing insecurity (student housing is eligible)
• Student transportation barriers (bus passes are eligible)
  • Note that all assistance will be disbursed to the University, and not the student.

Due to funding availability, grantees can only receive one emergency grant per academic year. The ELL Foundation will accept emergency grant applications at any time, but applications will be reviewed on a quarterly basis. 

English Language Learning Foundation Incorporated

The English Learning Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in 2006 to assist English language learners. The mission of the ELL Foundation is to help English learners to become successful in their academic lives while honoring their cultural identities.

Our vision is to assist English learners in the Greater Cincinnati area so that students:

• Appreciate and are proud of their cultural identities;
• Receive the needed support service for their education;
• Graduate from high school and succeed in college;
• And serve their communities as role models.

ELL Foundation’s Educational Event Grant Program

The ELL Foundation’s Educational Event Grant Program is intended to financially support co-curricular and curricular educational events for K-12 English learners in Greater Cincinnati. Community partners can request up to $2000 for an educational event. Due to funding availability, grantees can only receive one Educational Event Grant per calendar year. The ELL Foundation will accept Educational Event Grant applications at any time, but they will be reviewed on a quarterly basis. 

If you are interested in requesting funds for an educational event, please apply online. If you have any questions about the Educational Event Grant Program, please email the foundation.

Interact For Health

Our organization started in 1997, when ChoiceCare sold its health maintenance organization to Humana for $221 million. The proceeds were invested and The Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati was created, serving a 20-county region in Southwestern Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana. The foundation was charged with changing the way health care was delivered—especially for under-resourced communities.

Our mission is to ensure people in our region have a just opportunity to live their healthiest lives. Our Vision is focused on people in our region being healthy and thriving, regardless of who they are or where they live.

Interact For Health: Event Sponsorship

Interact for Health provides sponsorships as a way to support organizations within Greater Cincinnati with funding beyond our grantmaking work. Sponsorships are a competitive process, and funding is limited. We prioritize sponsoring events that serve our priority populations, align with our strategic plan, and benefit (and are located in) our 20-county service area.

In general, sponsorship opportunities are meant to benefit organizations that are not current grantees of Interact for Health. 

Alkermes

At Alkermes, we apply our deep neuroscience expertise to develop medicines designed to help people living with complex and difficult-to-treat psychiatric and neurological disorders, including addiction, serious mental illness and sleep disorders. With our portfolio of marketed medicines and investigational pipeline candidates, we seek to make a meaningful difference in the way people manage these chronic diseases. Our patient-inspired science, integrated research strategy, sophisticated development capabilities and specialized commercial infrastructure enable us to pursue the development and commercialization of innovative new medicines, including those for people with conditions that have traditionally been overlooked or stigmatized.

Our greatest strengths at Alkermes are our people and our inherent empathy for patients, families and caregivers. Neurological and psychiatric disorders strike people at the core of who they are and impact many facets of their lives. We work with urgency to develop new treatment options for people living with these conditions.

Investigator Sponsored Studies Program

Alkermes seeks to support research designed and conducted by independent clinicians and scientists through our Investigator Sponsored Studies (ISS) program. Alkermes may occasionally announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) for research in clinical areas where gaps in data have been identified. 

The ISS research Alkermes supports must be based in the United States and is typically conducted by experienced researchers who have an established history of successfully completing research with independent funding. Alkermes can provide its marketed products to the ISS programs it supports. In addition, there may be financial support available, but please note that study budgets cannot exceed $300,000 (inclusive of overhead).

• ISS Areas of Interest
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Schizophrenia & Bipolar I Disorder
  • Schizophrenia

The ASPECT program, initiated by the DOE, aims to bolster the U.S. energy future by enhancing domestic critical mineral supply chains and developing innovative chemical technologies. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) invites proposals for research and pre-pilot testing of technologies that convert alternative and waste feedstocks into valuable chemicals. By offering distinct pathways for technologies at various stages of development, the program seeks to advance solutions that contribute to sustainable energy practices and promote resource efficiency.

Alkermes

At Alkermes, we apply our deep neuroscience expertise to develop medicines designed to help people living with complex and difficult-to-treat psychiatric and neurological disorders, including addiction, serious mental illness and sleep disorders. With our portfolio of marketed medicines and investigational pipeline candidates, we seek to make a meaningful difference in the way people manage these chronic diseases. Our patient-inspired science, integrated research strategy, sophisticated development capabilities and specialized commercial infrastructure enable us to pursue the development and commercialization of innovative new medicines, including those for people with conditions that have traditionally been overlooked or stigmatized.

Our greatest strengths at Alkermes are our people and our inherent empathy for patients, families and caregivers. Neurological and psychiatric disorders strike people at the core of who they are and impact many facets of their lives. We work with urgency to develop new treatment options for people living with these conditions.

Pathways APN Research Awards

The Alkermes Pathways Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) Research Awards™ program is designed to empower the advanced practice nursing community by offering funding opportunities that recognize their vital role in evidence-based care and the advancement of mental health research.

The Alkermes Pathways APN Research Awards provide opportunities for individual grants of up to $10,000 per project for licensed psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners who are actively engaged in clinical, academic, and/or community health settings and are committed to advancing research in schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder.

Lumina Foundation

Lumina Foundation is an independent, private foundation in Indianapolis that is committed to making opportunities for learning beyond high school available to all. We envision a system that is easy to navigate, delivers fair results, and meets the nation’s need for talent through a broad range of credentials.

Our mission is to prepare people for informed citizenship and success in a global economy. Lumina Foundation works with governmental, nonprofit, and private-sector organizations to bring about change. We rely on communications outreach, meetings and events that engage and mobilize people, state and federal policy outreach, investments in proven and promising practices, and targeted efforts to measure and evaluate progress.

Lumina Foundation Sponsorships

Lumina Foundation believes that education provides the basis for individual opportunity, economic vitality, and social stability. With its partners, Lumina works toward a goal of 75 percent of Americans with a college degree, workforce certificate, or another high-quality credential beyond high school by 2040. Lumina’s outcomes-based approach focuses on helping to design and build an equitable, accessible, responsive, and accountable post-high school education system for all.

To request a civic sponsorship, please submit your request using the sponsorship form. Please use Google Chrome to complete this form.

Interface Health Foundation

Interface Health Foundation is a non-profit, 501c3 tax-exempt organization driven by a collective vision of positive change. In healthcare industry policy, understanding the intricate dynamics of funding and its impact on public access, quality, and cost remains paramount. IHF is dedicated to advancing analysis and research into the crossroads of healthcare industry policy, structural frameworks and affordability.

At IHF, our mission is clear: to empower and support student-led research endeavors that shed light on critical healthcare policy and structural issues affecting the public. Through our initiatives, we seek to foster a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics shaping the healthcare landscape.

Interface Health Foundation: Research Grant

Healthcare administrative grant award opportunities are highly competitive and allow candidates to stand out as they enter the job market. Through this IHF grant award, you will get the opportunity to pull together research and content on topics that aren't fully studied or publicized. Depending on the grant topic, some grantees will also have access to a preceptor who is an executive leader in the healthcare field. The preceptor will serve as a valuable resource to the grantee during the development of the research paper and beyond.

An example of a research topic is the impact of legislated acute care nurse staffing levels on the following: nursing professional job satisfaction, the patient experience, and the standard nursing quality indicators as part of nursing Magnet status accreditation.

Mary Kay Ash Foundation

Guided by Mary Kay Ash’s dream to enrich the lives of women everywhere, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation® raises and distributes funds to invest in breakthrough cancer research and clinical trials to find a cure for women-related cancers and ending domestic violence.

Since 1996, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation®, a 501(c)3 organization, has contributed more than $100 million to organizations aligned with its two-fold mission. In addition, the Foundation supports awareness initiatives, community outreach programs, and advocates for legislation to ensure women are healthy and safe. Through our global charitable foundations in Brazil, Canada, China and the United States, we are collectively making a deeper impact on the lives of women around the world.

Mary Kay Ash Foundation: Cancer Research Grant

The Mary Kay Ash Foundation is a non-profit public foundation, which focuses on funding research for innovative grants for translational research of cancers affecting women (ovarian, uterine, breast, endometrial or cervical cancer among others). Translational research is broadly defined as research that will provide a scientific link between laboratory research and the clinic. Ultimately, such research would lead to improvement in diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, or treatment of the cancer. Each year the Foundation extends invitations to NCI designated cancer institutes and accredited medical schools to apply. Only one application is accepted per institution.

Grant proposals are reviewed by a Scientific Research Review Committee comprised of notable members of the American medical and scientific community. Grants are awarded up to $100,000 (combined direct and indirect costs) for a two-year period. The Foundation anticipates funding between 10 and 15 grants annually. 

Multiplex Platforms to Assess Indicators of Micronutrient Status, Inflammation and Infectious Disease

The Challenge

Although combined immunological measurement of several micronutrient biomarkers has been demonstrated, current methods still have important limitations. These include heterogeneity in the composition of standards and controls; inconsistent batch-to-batch performance of analyte-binding molecules; variable reactivity for some analytes, especially soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR); and a functional analytical range that is too narrow to cover the physiological values of some analytes, such as CRP. It would also be valuable to add bioindicators for vitamins B1, B2, B9 and B12, which may require binding molecules that recognize metabolites or proteins associated with deficiency, a specific vitamer (plasma methyl-tetrahydrofolate without reacting with folic acid), comparable reactivity across vitamers (several folate forms in red blood cells), or a specific carrier-protein form (holo-transcobalamin rather than apo-transcobalamin or haptocorrin for vitamin B12).

The improved assays must combine high analytical specificity, sensitivity and robustness with a functional analytical range matched to the physiological values expected in the target populations (women of reproductive age, including during pregnancy and lactation, preschool-age children and older adults). Assays must remain low-cost (no more than US$20 for all analytes measured in duplicate) and require very small sample volumes, preferably less than 10 µL of plasma or serum). The tests are intended for population surveillance rather than local clinical (point-of-care) use. They should be designed to run many samples in a single batch in a small number of national or regional reference laboratories. The goal is to reduce dependence on expensive, infrequent population surveys and on export of samples to specialized laboratories in high-income settings.

This challenge is structured around two alternatives, a minimum-scope approach and an optimistic-scope approach. Targets are aligned with the candidate Target Product Profile for this platform, and applicants will be held to the relevant performance, cost and instrument targets.