Limited and External Funding Opportunities

Contact us...

• Email LSO@vanderbilt.edu if you are interested in an opportunity not listed below or have questions regarding the LSO submission process.

 

Have you been awarded a Limited Submission recognition?

Please let us know at LSO@vanderbilt.edu

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Special Research Focus: COVID-19 Funding Opportunities

Curated collections of funding opportunities

Edge for Scholars offers curated list of COVID-19 funding opportunities

Updated regularly. Check the site often for updates about research funding opportunities, including to special calls & announcements, in response to the coronavirus pandemic. 

GrantForward funding database provides list of COVID-19 funding opportunities

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Active Internal Calls for Limited Submission Nominations 

Internal review process required to choose institutional nominees

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Limited Submission Eligibility Guidelines

The following tags serve as a guide for submission instructions.

 Vanderbilt (VU + VUMC):  

• VU and VUMC submit collaboratively to this LSO. ALL investigators should follow the guidelines posted on this site.

 VUMC :

• VU and VUMC submit separately to this LSO. VUMC investigators should follow the guidelines posted on this site. VU investigators should apply through InfoReady and address any questions to VU-LSO@vanderbilt.edu.

FEATURED OPPORTUNITY

• High-profile or prestigious awards of particular interest to Vanderbilt investigator

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2022 Mallinckrodt Scholars Program

Applications due October 28, 2021

Vanderbilt (VU + VUMC): This is a joint competition for VU and VUMC investigators. All investigators should follow these instructions.

Vanderbilt (VU and VUMC, collaboratively) anticipates the opportunity to nominate two candidates for the Edward Mallinckrodt, Jr Foundation Scholar Award Program. The Foundation supports early stage investigators engaged in biomedical research that has the potential to significantly advance the understanding, diagnosis, or treatment of disease. This award typically provides $400,000 over four years in order to move a project forward to the point where other independent funding can be obtained. No indirect costs are allowed.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Hold M.D. and/or Ph.D. degree
• In 5^th to 8^th year of a tenure-track position
• Candidates may have an R01

Internal Application Process:

Anyone interested in being considered as Vanderbilt’s potential nominee must submit the following (in a single PDF) to LSO@vanderbilt.edu by 5:00 p.m. on October 28, 2021: 

1. Brief research lay summary (1/2 page max);
2. Brief research plan including summary budget (2 page max including summary budget);
3. Letter of support from department chair/center director;
   1. Letter must additionally acknowledge that this grant does not allow indirect costs.** This statement can be used/modified within the letter: “The Department recognizes that this grant does not allow indirect costs and will commit to covering any associated indirect costs per applicable school/institutional policy.”
4. NIH Biosketch or Brief CV (5 page max)

**Process for cost-sharing typically coordinated at the departmental/school level and approved by department chair and/or dean. Please consult LSO@vanderbilt.edu for further guidance.

Submissions should reference the program name in the subject line of the email. All applicants should verify their eligibility in advance through the foundation website.

Any questions about this opportunity or the LSO process may be directed to LSO@vanderbilt.edu.

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NIH Collaborative Program Grant for Multidisciplinary Teams (RM1- Clinical Trial Optional)

Applications due November 4

 VUMC:  These instructions are for VUMC investigators. VU investigators should apply through InfoReady and address any questions to VU-LSO@vanderbilt.edu.

Overview:

VUMC may submit one proposal to the January 2022 cycle of the NIH Collaborative Program Grant for Multidisciplinary Teams (RM1). The program is designed to support highly integrated research teams of three to six PD/PIs to address ambitious and challenging research questions that are important for the mission of National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) and are beyond the scope of an individual or a few investigators. Collaborative program teams are expected to accomplish goals that require considerable synergy and managed team interactions. Project goals should not be achievable with a collection of individual efforts or projects. While applications may request research program budgets of up to $1.5 million direct costs per year, it is anticipated that most awards will be between $700,000-$900,000 direct costs.

Eligibility:

Successful applications will bring together scientists to apply complementary approaches to work on an important and well-defined problem. Applications may address any area of science within the NIGMS mission, which is to support basic research that increases understanding of biological processes at a range of levels, from molecules and cells to tissues, whole organisms and populations. NIGMS also supports research in a limited number of clinical areas that affect multiple organ systems (see here for scientific areas supported by NIGMS).

Truly new interdisciplinary ideas for approaching significant biological problems are encouraged. Applications that bridge the research interests of more than one NIGMS division are also encouraged, but must remain within the scope of the NIGMS mission. Consultation with NIGMS staff prior to preparing an application is strongly encouraged.

We recommend that applicants review the RFA in detail to review the research areas that are within the NIGMS mission. Applications that focus solely on a specific organ or disease state and that are within the mission areas of other NIH Institutes and Centers are not appropriate for this FOA. Applications that employ specific cells or tissues to address a fundamental biomedical question are appropriate.

Applications that are mainly focused on the creation, expansion, and/or maintenance of community resources, creation of new technologies or infrastructure development are not appropriate for this FOA.

See the solicitation for more information.

Internal Application Process:

Anyone interested in being considered to submit VUMC’s proposal must submit the following (in a single PDF) to LSO@vanderbilt.edu by 5 p.m. on November 4:

• Brief project description including summary budget and role of each PI (2 page max);
• Letter of support from department chair/center director;
• NIH Biosketch for all PIs

Full applications are due to NIH by January 27, with an LOI requested 30 days prior. Any questions about this opportunity or the LSO process may be directed to LSO@vanderbilt.edu.

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2022 SebastianStrong Foundation Discovery Science Award

Applications due November 8, 2021

VUMC: These instructions are for VUMC investigators. VU investigators should apply through InfoReady and address any questions to VU-LSO@vanderbilt.edu.

VUMC can select two candidates for the 2022 SebastianStrong Foundation Discovery Science Award. The SebastianStrong Foundation is committed to raising awareness about and finding less toxic cures for pediatric cancers. SebastianStrong funds cutting-edge, peer-reviewed pediatric research projects in early stages. The Foundation believes in supporting bold ideas that use innovative methodologies and out-of-the-box approaches in the quest for less toxic cures.

The 2022 Discovery Science Award will be awarded to an individual or team of researchers whose proposal is focused primarily on pediatric cancers in general, or a specific pediatric cancer without a high survival rate or one with a low survival rate upon relapse. Budgets are flexible but awards are typically between $100,000 and $300,000. The foundation has historically limited overhead costs to a maximum of 15%.

Research Proposal Criteria:

• Proposal should be focused on pediatric cancer.
• Research will lead to “less toxic” cures.
• Proposal can be understood by the foundation’s Board of Directors and donors (e.g. use examples and spell out acronyms).
• Research may lead to a clinical trial in 1-3 years.
• Peer-reviewed new, ongoing, and/or updated research is appropriate.
• Trials in progress or ongoing clinical trials are not eligible.

See descriptions of previous award winners here.

Internal Application Process:

Anyone interested in being one of VUMC’s nominees must submit the following (in a single PDF) to LSO@vanderbilt.edu by 5 p.m. on November 8. Submissions should reference “SebastianStrong Discovery Science Award” in the subject line of the email.

1. Brief lay-summary of the research including a summary budget (2-page maximum)
   1. A clear explanation, understandable by donors and the Board of Directors is a key component of consideration
2. Letter of support from department chair/center director
3. NIH Biosketch or brief CV (5-page maximum)

Any questions about this opportunity or the LSO process can be directed to LSO@vanderbilt.edu

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2022 Brain Research Foundation - Seed Grant Program

Applications due November 9, 2021

Vanderbilt (VU + VUMC): This is a joint competition for VU and VUMC investigators. All investigators should follow these instructions. 

Overview:

Vanderbilt (VU and VUMC, collaboratively) may nominate one candidate for the Brain Research Foundation Seed Grant Program for 2022. This award provides $80,000 (direct costs) over two years to support new research projects in the field of neuroscience that will likely lead to extramural funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or other outside funding sources. The objective of the BRF Seed Grant Program is to support new and innovative neuroscience projects, especially those of junior faculty, who are working in new research directions. Funds must be utilized within the grant period.

Eligibility:

• PI must be a full-time Assistant or Associate Professor working in the area of studies of brain function. This includes molecular and clinical neuroscience as well as studies of neural, sensory, motor, cognitive, behavioral and emotional functioning in health and disease.
  • Assistant Professor – Junior faculty with a new research project that will generate pilot data that will lead to R01 funding or a comparable outside grant will be first priority.  Must provide abstract and specific aims for current grants and indicate if there is any overlap.
  • Associate Professor – Faculty who are pursuing new research directions. Must explain how the project is a new research direction. A new technique is not considered a new direction unless it pertains to a different area of study. Must provide abstract and specific aims for current grant(s) and indicate if there is any overlap.
• Research assistant professors, research associate professors, and Full Professors are not eligible.
• The grant proposal must detail a new research project that is not funded by other sources.
• All applicants should verify their eligibility in advance through the foundation website.

Internal Application Process:

Anyone interested in being considered as Vanderbilt’s potential nominee must submit the following (in PDF format) to LSO@vanderbilt.edu by 5:00 p.m. on November 9, 2021. 

1. Brief research plan including summary budget (2 page max including budget);
   • Include closing paragraph that explains how this research will develop (next steps)
   • Refer to budget guidelines
2. Letter of support from department chair/center director;
   • Letter must additionally acknowledge that this grant does not allow indirect costs.** This statement can be used/modified within the letter: “The Department recognizes that this grant does not allow indirect costs and will commit to covering any associated indirect costs per applicable school/institutional policy.”
3. NIH Biosketch (5 page max)
   • Biosketch should contain “other support page”

**Process for cost-sharing typically coordinated at the departmental level and approved by department chair and/or dean. Please consult LSO@vanderbilt.edu for further guidance.

Submissions should reference the program name in the subject line of the email. Vanderbilt’s nominee will submit a required LOI to the Foundation by January 4, 2022.

Any questions about this opportunity or the LSO process may be directed to LSO@vanderbilt.edu.

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St. Baldrick’s Foundation Scholar (Career Development) Awards

Applications due November 11, 2021

Vanderbilt (VU + VUMC): This is a joint competition for VU and VUMC investigators. All investigators should follow these instructions.

Vanderbilt (VU & VUMC combined) may submit one Scholar (Career Development) Award proposal for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation spring grant cycle. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a nonprofit organization raising funds for childhood cancer research. All projects must have direct applicability and relevance to pediatric cancer.

The Scholar (Career Development) Award is meant to help develop the independent research of highly qualified individuals still early in their careers. This award is granted for two years with an opportunity to apply for an additional three years of funding based upon the demonstration of significant accomplishment. Funding for years 1–2 will be up to $110,000 per year (up to $115,000 per year for years 3–5), to be used entirely for the Scholar’s salary and fringe at the applicant institution.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Adolescents & young adults
• Survivorship, outcomes, and quality of life
• Supportive care
• Epidemiology and pediatric cancer predispositions
• Precision medicine
• Alternative & complementary therapies

There is particularly high interest in the following. (Research on these conditions may qualify for an additional institutional submission, and therefore may receive priority.)

• Brain tumors – all types, including rare forms 
• Burkitt lymphoma
• Complementary and alternative therapies
• Hepatoblastoma
• Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis
• Rhabdoid tumors

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicant Eligibility

• Research projects must have direct applicability and relevance to pediatric cancer. They may be in any discipline of basic, clinical, translational, or epidemiological research.
• Applicants should hold a Ph.D., M.D., or D.O. degree in a field of research specialty by the date the award becomes effective.
• Applicants must currently hold (for no longer than 7 years at the time the award begins), or will hold by start of the award, a title that is considered by the institution to be a fulltime, faculty position. (Contact lso@vanderbilt.edu with any questions about eligible positions.)
• This is an early-career award. The Scholar award is intended to develop the independent pediatric cancer research careers of highly qualified investigators, not to support well established or senior investigators.
• Scholars may receive funding from other sources to support their research. However, no other comparable or higher (monetary value) career development award may be held prior to or at the time the award begins. Scientific or budgetary overlap with other funded projects is not allowed.
• Applicants holding or awarded R01s at the time of the LOI are not eligible to apply. Applicants cannot hold a NIH K-award at the time that they apply (institutional K12 funding is allowable). If other awards are received after application, adjustments to the Scholar award may be possible – see guidelines.
• Applicants must have an appropriate Sponsor who provides supervision, facilities, and research support. If appropriate for the project, applicants may have more than one (1) Sponsor.

Additional Conditions of Award

• Scholar awards are to be used entirely for the Scholar’s salary and fringe at the applicant institution. Other personnel and/or non-personnel costs are NOT allowed on Scholar awards.
• No institutional overhead or indirect funding is allowed.
• The Scholar must devote no less than 40% effort to the funded project.
• St. Baldrick’s funds may not be used for human embryonic stem cell research.

Applicants should review full eligibility and budget requirements in the Scholars grant guidelines document.

Internal Selection Process:

Anyone interested in being considered as Vanderbilt’s nominee must submit the following (in a single PDF) to LSO@vanderbilt.edu by 5 p.m. on November 11, 2021.

1. Research plan (2 page max)
   1. If your research will focus on any of the six high-interest areas listed above, please identify the area
2. Letter of support from department chair/center director;
   1. Letter must additionally acknowledge that this grant does not allow indirect costs.** This statement can be used/modified within the letter: “The Department recognizes that this grant does not allow indirect costs and will commit to covering any associated indirect costs per applicable school/institutional policy.”
3. NIH Biosketch or brief CV (5 page max)

Submissions should reference the program name in the subject line of the email. Following internal selection, Vanderbilt’s nominee(s) will submit a Letter of Intent to St. Baldrick’s by December 3, 2021.

**Process for cost-sharing typically coordinated at the departmental level and approved by department chair and/or dean. Please consult LSO@vanderbilt.edu for further guidance.

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Active Calls for NON-Limited External Opportunities 

Internal review process NOT required- Submit directly to Sponsor​

The VUMC Corporate & Foundation Relations team provides hands-on proposal development assistance for non-federal awards. Contact cfr@vumc.org for more information.