Best Grants for Rare Diseases in Northern Mariana Islands

The Mentored Career Development Award (K01) from the NIH aims to diversify the biomedical research workforce by supporting candidates from underrepresented backgrounds. It provides mentoring and training in research independence, focusing on cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic diseases, and sleep disorders. Eligible institutions can guide faculty members in special studies, but applicants should not lead their own clinical trials. This initiative promotes diversity and enhances research capability in health disparities populations.

The T32 Training Program for Institutions That Promote Diversity aims to increase the involvement of individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in research related to cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic, and sleep disorders. This initiative seeks to support institutions dedicated to serving health disparity populations, ensuring they develop robust training programs. While trainees cannot lead independent clinical trials, they can gain valuable experience under the guidance of mentors, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes for underserved communities.

The NHLBI Career Transition Award (K22) program supports postdoctoral fellows in transitioning their research to extramural institutions. The program includes a mentored intramural phase (up to two years) followed by an extramural phase (three years), totaling five years of support. Applications have multiple deadlines, including October 12, 2024, and February 12, 2025, among others. Successful transition depends on the awardee's progress during the mentored phase, evaluated by NHLBI.

The NIDCD Mentored Research Education Pathway (R25) aims to enhance research education for otolaryngology residents and medical students. This program provides essential career development activities and mentored research experiences, fostering a new generation of researchers in biomedical and clinical sciences. By focusing on specialized training, it supports the recruitment of individuals from diverse backgrounds into impactful research careers, ultimately benefiting the field of otolaryngology and related health sciences.

The Stimulating Hematology Investigation: New Endeavors (SHINE) program aims to enhance nonmalignant hematology research aligned with the goals of the NIDDK, NIA, and NHLBI. It invites R01 grant applications focused on innovative and early translational hematology topics, fostering growth in this critical research area. Key deadlines for applications span from February 2025 to October 2027, allowing for both standard and renewal submissions.

The NHLBI SBIR Phase IIB Small Market Awards aim to bridge the funding gap for small businesses developing technologies for heart, lung, blood, and sleep disorders. This initiative supports later-stage research and development for projects addressing rare diseases or pediatric populations. By promoting partnerships with investors and advocacy organizations, the program seeks to facilitate regulatory approval and commercialization of innovative biomedical solutions, ultimately enhancing public health outcomes.

The NHLBI SBIR Phase IIB Bridge Awards aim to accelerate the commercialization of innovative technologies targeting heart, lung, blood, and sleep disorders. This funding supports small businesses in later-stage research and development, bridging the gap between SBIR Phase II awards and commercialization. Projects must align with NHLBI's mission and demonstrate potential for clinical relevance, emphasizing partnerships with investors to secure necessary funding for regulatory approval.

The Promotion of Doctoral Studies Scholarships, offered by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, provides a $7,500 annual scholarship for doctoral students completing coursework at accredited institutions. Applicants may receive up to $15,000 in pre-candidacy scholarships and a total of $45,000 throughout their doctoral program. The Foundation encourages research in areas such as acute care, cardiology, pulmonary health, and PT education, fostering a new generation of skilled researchers in physical therapy.

The T32 Training Program aims to enhance the participation of individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic, and sleep disorders research. This initiative, funded by the NIH, supports institutions committed to diversity and health disparity populations. By providing training opportunities for students and postdoctoral trainees, the program seeks to foster research that improves health outcomes for these communities. Note that appointed trainees cannot lead independent clinical trials but can gain experience in trials conducted by mentors.

The NHLBI Catalyze program aims to transition basic science discoveries into effective treatments for diseases under the NHLBI mission. This initiative supports early-stage product definition, prototype design, and assay development for HLBS disorders. The R61 phase focuses on initial designs and experimental setups, while the R33 phase extends support for prototype testing and user feedback. Successful completion prepares products for in vivo testing, enhancing health and societal outcomes with NIH and other support.

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.

The Asthma and Allergic Diseases Cooperative Research Centers (AADCRC) program, supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), aims to enhance research on asthma and related allergic diseases. This initiative fosters multi-center, multidisciplinary research to explore disease mechanisms and treatment responses. By promoting clinical trials and observational studies, the AADCRC seeks to advance understanding and improve interventions for conditions such as asthma and food allergies, ultimately benefiting public health.

The Childhood Asthma in Urban Settings Clinical Research Network (CAUSE) aims to enhance asthma prevention and treatment in economically disadvantaged pediatric populations. Funded by the NIH, CAUSE supports multi-site clinical studies to identify innovative strategies and treatment targets for asthma. Utilizing systems biology, the network seeks to discover specific disease endotypes suitable for new therapeutic approaches, addressing the high burden of asthma in urban settings.

The Gerber Foundation's Novice Researcher Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for infants and young children by funding innovative research in health and nutrition. With a focus on practical solutions that can be rapidly implemented, the grant supports projects addressing everyday challenges faced by young children and their caregivers. Eligible applicants include early-career researchers, with grants capped at $30,000, making it accessible for those looking to contribute to significant advancements in pediatric care.

The Gerber Foundation offers grants for pediatric research focusing on environmental hazards that affect infants and young children. The foundation seeks projects that provide innovative solutions to health and nutritional challenges faced by this vulnerable population. Grant applications are encouraged from organizations recognized as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3), with an emphasis on research that produces new information to improve practices in infant care and development.

The NBRC Frederic Helmholz, Jr., MD Educational Research Fund, established by the American Respiratory Care Foundation, supports educational and credentialing research in respiratory care. With an endowment of up to $5,000, this fund encourages submissions of Master’s Theses, Doctoral Dissertations, and complete research proposals from qualified investigators. Award recipients will receive cash, a certificate of recognition, airfare, lodging, and registration for the AARC Congress, promoting advancements in respiratory health.

The Parker B. Francis Respiratory Research Grant, offered by the American Respiratory Care Foundation, aims to support innovative research in respiratory care. Grants are available to qualified investigators, with a focus on projects involving respiratory therapists or technicians. Awards typically do not exceed $10,000 annually and are intended to supplement other funding sources. This initiative underscores the foundation's commitment to enhancing respiratory health through research and education.

The Jerome M. Sullivan Research Fund, established by the American Respiratory Care Foundation, aims to promote original research in respiratory care. Grants, typically up to $10,000, are available for projects involving respiratory therapists or technicians. The fund supports both applied clinical and basic research in respiratory care and cardiopulmonary medicine, fostering advancements in the field. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance respiratory health through research and education.

The Smallwood Young Investigator Fellowship, established in memory of Craig Smallwood, PhD, RRT, supports emerging researchers in pediatric respiratory therapy. It provides funding up to $5,000 to help candidates gain mentorship, hands-on experience, and essential resources to launch their research projects. Ideal applicants are members of the American Association for Respiratory Care, either at the thesis phase of their education or recently graduated. This initiative aims to foster growth in the field of respiratory health.

The International Fellowship, offered by the American Respiratory Care Foundation, supports healthcare professionals from abroad to enhance their expertise in respiratory care. Participants will engage in site visits across the U.S., observing practices in hospitals and educational institutions, while attending the AARC Congress. This fellowship covers travel expenses, lodging, and food allowances, promoting global collaboration and knowledge exchange in respiratory health.

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.

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) intends to release an Implementation of Findings From PCORI's Research Investments PCORI Funding Announcement (PFA) on Aug. 4, 2026, seeking to fund implementation projects that promote the uptake of peer-reviewed findings from specific PCORI-funded patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) in the context of the body of related evidence. This PFA is an open competition opportunity for principal investigators to propose implementation projects that move evidence toward practical use in improving health care and health outcomes. Applicants may propose projects with budgets up to $1.8 million in total direct costs.

PCORI seeks to fund implementation projects that incorporate active, multicomponent strategies that will lead to uptake and integration of evidence generated by PCORI-funded research in practice settings. Implementation should target specific end users with a clear interest in — and ability to benefit from — the evidence. Proposed implementation projects will adapt findings as needed to facilitate uptake in the proposed settings and accomplish scale-up to reach larger numbers and/or scale-out to reach broader populations and settings. Applicants must demonstrate commitment and buy-in — including from leadership as well as frontline staff critical to the success of the project — from proposed implementation sites across multiple health systems, such that they provide a supportive context and infrastructure for undertaking the proposed project. In addition, projects should involve regional and national stakeholder organizations positioned to extend uptake in broader venues.  

Applications must be guided by an established conceptual model or framework and, where possible, by evidence regarding effective strategies for implementing evidence-based practices and interventions. Additionally, applications must include a rigorous evaluation plan that documents the successful execution of the implementation approach and the impact of the project on health care and health outcomes as feasible and appropriate within the project scope.

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 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 Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Heidi Norris Scholarship

Auglaize, Shelby or Mercer County residents majoring in Respiratory Therapy or a closely related field who are one year removed from high school, surpassed college freshman status and, have maintained a college GPA of not less than 2.5, and who are pursuing an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree.

Selection based upon:

Financial need, academic ability, community and school service, and recommendations.

Awards

• One $1,500 scholarship