Grants for Multiple Sclerosis Patients

About

Welcome to the Clif Family Foundation, an organization we started in 2006 to support grassroots groups led by people with vision and commitment. We believe that much of our nation's needed innovation will spring from grassroots organizations' daily efforts in local communities. The foundation has been proud to support hundreds of nonprofits that are working tirelessly to transform our food system, revitalize the environment, and enhance community health. Now that we’re grandparents, the urgency to build a healthy, just, and ecologically thriving world is even more personal. We look forward to expanding the reach and impact of the foundation in the years to come. This means working with nonprofits that prioritize people-centered solutions and address urgent gaps and historically underfunded priorities. We believe we can all do more good in the world. Together.

Strategic Priorities

• Regenerative and Organic Farming: Accelerate the adoption of regenerative farming practices, including organic, climate-resilient, equitable, and agroecological approaches.
• Food Production Workers’ Health and Safety: Amplify efforts to secure healthy, safe, just, and empowering working and living conditions for food production workers.
• Climate Justice: Expand community-centered solutions to climate change that build resilience and empower those who have been historically marginalized.
• Healthy Food Access: Advance food systems’ changes that make healthy and sustainably produced food accessible, affordable, and culturally appropriate.
• Inclusive Outdoor Access: Catalyze solutions that expand access to safe places to enable healthy physical activity and improve mental health.
• Indoors and Outdoors Safe from Pollution: Promote preventative health approaches by identifying and eliminating toxics from our air, water, soil, and human-made materials.

Open Call

These grants support general operating cost or specific projects and applicants must be registered as (or fiscally sponsored by) a 501(c)3 organization. The Foundation reviews applications twice a year; the deadlines are March 1 and August 1. Grant announcements occur approximately four months after the deadline. Typical grants range from $5,000 - $50,000 and last for one year.

Background

The Robert F. Schumann Foundation was established by Mr. Schumann out of his beliefs that the environment is essential to sustain the future of the planet, that education is essential to solve many quality of life issues for society, and that arts and cultural programs offer society hope and the ability to dream.  Mr. Schumann was an avid environmentalist and fought for open spaces where birds and other animals could maintain habitats and where people could enjoy nature.  He supported efforts to improve the planet through environmental education, as well as artistic and cultural institutions that sought to raise the quality of life for local communities. Robert F. Schumann developed a love of birds early in his life.  From a young age, he continued to learn and understand the importance of protecting the environment from over-development and pollution.  He purchased acreage in upstate New York where he created a bird sanctuary known as Nuthatch Hollow.  There he began a partnership with the local university allowing students, faculty and staff to use the land for environmental studies.  Mr. Schumann served on the board of many environmental and educational institutions seeking to encourage the interests of students of all ages to understand and appreciate the importance of protecting and enjoying the environment. Robert F. Schumann died on December 8, 2011.  His legacy of support for the environment, education, arts and culture will continue through the work of his foundation for many years to come.

Mission

The Robert F. Schumann Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life of both humans and animals by supporting environmental, educational, arts and cultural organizations and agencies.

There are no program limitations; however, the foundation is interested in primarily supporting environmental sustainability, education, the arts and humanities.

Program areas

• Environment, animals

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

Helping Build Better Futures

Our mission is to deliver great value to our customers every day. For over four decades, our deep commitment to the principles of providing value and caring for others has helped define our culture. It extends beyond the walls of our stores, distribution centers, and offices, and into our local communities around the world. The intersection of these principles defines our global community mission:

Deliver great value to our communities by helping vulnerable families and children access the resources and opportunities they need to build a better future.

Our Social Impact Areas

We bring our community relations mission to life around the world by focusing our giving on four social impact areas where we believe we can have the most impact and are critical to helping families and children succeed and thrive.

Basic Needs

We are passionate about supporting nonprofit organizations that help fill critical basic needs such as a warm meal, clean clothing, and a safe place to sleep for vulnerable families.

Education & Training

Our efforts have focused on quality enrichment and extracurricular programs that provide skills, resources, and opportunities to support school and career success for children, teens, and young adults.

Patient Care & Research

We support organizations that deliver services to families and children facing health challenges and life-threatening illnesses.

Empowering Women

We support programs that provide services ranging from help for those fleeing domestic violence, to others that offer education, training, and job placement resources.

Helping the Disadvantaged Become Self-Reliant

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.

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.

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.

Mission

The DanPaul Foundation will use its resources to help train teachers and parents in early childhood development, protect children from abuse and neglect, stimulate children's personal social responsibilities, and offer them opportunities for enrichment and growth.

The Foundation will also encourage children to be concerned and informed about the environment and the underprivileged, particularly with regard to clean air and water, and adequate housing and nutrition for all.

Beliefs

The DanPaul Foundation believes that children should have ample opportunities for enrichment in their lives, and thus strives to provide many different ways to enrich and expand children's minds through direct programs and monetary support to organizations doing similar work.

We have provided or currently provide grants related to the following program areas:

• Workshops, Conferences, + Seminars: We strive to offer educational workshops, conferences, and seminars for parents and teachers on topics related to early childhood development.
• Student Scholarships: We aim to help students attending post-secondary education institutions by providing need-based and academic scholarships.
• Scientific Endeavors: We desire to advance scientific endeavors which seek to improve the quality of life for everyone in the world.
• Clean Air + Water: We hope to pass on knowledge and practical life skills to youth regarding their personal responsibility to the environment, teaching them about issues surrounding clean air and water.
• Child Advocacy: We believe in protecting children from abuse and neglect and particularly love to support programs that provide education and assistance to children as well as organizations advocating or caring for vulnerable children.
• Homelessness: We want to encourage young people to take a personal interest in seeing that adequate housing and proper nutrition, especially for the underprivileged and homeless, are available.
• Poverty + Neglect: We seek to help those in poverty as well as educate youth about their responsibility to consider the underprivileged and take care of those most in need of life's basic essentials like adequate housing and proper nutrition.
• Refugee Enrichment: We wish to help refugee youth by supporting programs that provide them enrichment and help them transition to life in a new country.

The DanPaul Foundation provides grants to 501(c)3 tax-exempt non-profit organizations as defined by the IRS. The Foundation is interested in providing funding to programs that directly serve the health, education, development, and welfare of the world's youth.

Grants range from a few hundred dollars up to $15,000 per calendar year.

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

We are currently accepting applications for research projects with a budget limit of $200,000 per year total costs (including indirects) for up to 3 years in length, and budget must be justified based on the aims of the proposal.

Eide Bailly Resourcefullness Award

Our nonprofit industry advisory group is thrilled to offer this opportunity for nonprofit organizations who develop outstanding initiatives to support their communities. Our Resourcefullness Award program was established in 2013 and each year we receive an abundance of wonderful applications. It’s hard choosing a winner!

Ultimately, we are passionate about helping our clients (and non-clients) thrive and succeed. This award program allows us to showcase nonprofit organizations that stand out and in turn, we are able to offer education around revenue generating trends, ideas and campaign strategies.

Eide Bailly’s Resourcefullness Award is our way to support the financial health of the nonprofit sector while recognizing and celebrating nonprofits across the nation for their creative and sustainable revenue-generating initiatives. Through a short application process, three judges from outside of the firm will select one 501(c)(3) organization as the Award winner, receiving a $50,000 prize.

Criteria for Evaluation

Our Resourcefullness Award judges will reference the following criteria when evaluating application submissions:

• Sustainability
• Creativity
• Financial Impact
• Overall Impression
• Implementation

Our Mission

The Tony Robbins Foundation is a nonprofit organization created to empower individuals and organizations to make a significant difference in the quality of life of people often forgotten.

We’re dedicated to creating positive changes in the lives of youth, seniors, the hungry, homeless and the imprisoned population, all who need a boost envisioning a happier and deeply satisfying way of life. Our passionate staff, generous donors and caring group of international volunteers provide the vision, inspiration, and resources needed to empower these important members of our society.

Grants

Dedicated to meeting challenges within the global community, creating solutions and taking action, The Tony Robbins Foundation provides monetary donations to various organizations around the world. Funding requests are evaluated on an ongoing basis. We look for organizations that align with our mission to empower individuals and organizations to make a significant difference in the quality of life of those often forgotten.

Background

Our healthcare system is failing too many patients, so we’re doubling down on bold new ideas to root out inequities for good.

As the pioneers of the biotech industry, it’s our responsibility to catalyze change and help build a healthcare system where all patients can benefit equally from groundbreaking medical advances. That’s why we launched the Genentech Health Equity Innovation Fund in 2019 to invest in game-changing ideas with the potential to transform healthcare.

Through the Innovation Fund, we are working to eliminate the unjust inequities that force patients of color to navigate a broken system. But our impact also extends much further. Racial and ethnic health disparities currently cost our society almost $500 billion annually, and by addressing them, we can improve the lives of everyone..

Why We Invest: Patients Deserve Better

Though our industry has known for decades that racism negatively impacts health outcomes for people of color, there has been little progress to fix it – and patients deserve better. Stark inequities persist, including:

• Black and Latinx/Latine people are 2-3 times more likely to develop diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema, and are less likely to have access to screening.
• Black and Indigenous people remain underrepresented in the healthcare workforce, meaning healthcare providers aren’t as diverse as their patients.
• Fewer than 20% of new drugs between 2014 and 2021 had clinical study data on benefits or side effects for Black patients.

2024 Innovation Fund

We are at a critical inflection point in our efforts to eliminate health inequities. Across the conditions that our medicines treat, there are significant barriers for patients at every point in the care journey. Often, these unjust and avoidable barriers are the result of systemic racism, and cannot be overcome by individual behavior change alone.

At Genentech, we prioritize health equity in everything we do – from clinical study design to our access/policy priorities to our philanthropic investments. That’s why, in 2019, we launched the Genentech Health Equity Innovation Fund to catalyze efforts to eliminate inequities in patient health outcomes. Through the 2024 Innovation Fund, we are seeking to fund teams focused on measurably and sustainably closing racial/ethnic inequities in healthcare to create a future where:

• All patients – especially those marginalized by our healthcare system – define and attain their highest levels of health supported by a system that is accountable for delivering high-quality competent care.
• The medical/scientific workforce is diverse, inclusive, thriving and accountable to all patients.

Grant periods are flexible, though generally range from 18 months to 3 years. 

See FAQs for more informations.

Our Mission

Our mission is to continue and further the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. and the Cowles family, which includes promotion of education, social justice, health, and the arts.

The Founder

The Cowles Charitable Trust was first established in 1948 by Gardner “Mike” Cowles, Jr. (1903-1985). Born into the Cowles publishing family of Des Moines, Iowa, Mike was the youngest of Gardner Cowles and Florence Call Cowles’ six children. A newspaper editor and publisher by trade, he was committed to his family’s traditions of responsible, public-spirited, and innovative journalism as well as philanthropy. 

The Cowles Charitable Trust supports the arts, education, the advancement of ethical journalism, medical and climate research.

We have strong partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the country that are working to advance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities. Our focus areas include basic needs like food and housing, workforce development and education, and community development. In addition to our philanthropic investments, we also encourage our employees to make a difference by offering robust employee giving and volunteering programs, including the opportunity to direct funds to organizations they support through volunteer efforts, and a matching gifts program that doubles their individual giving to causes they care about. Last year, we invested $350 million in the communities we serve, and employees contributed more than 1 million volunteer hours and directed $65 million through individual giving and matching gifts to support nonprofits.Through our regional U.S. sponsorships, we support the economic, social and cultural life of the places we live and work. We provide an extensive program of arts and sports sponsorships to help maintain vibrant, healthy communities.Sponsorships supporting communitiesBank of America welcomes your sponsorship proposal for opportunities that make our communities a better place to live and work. We are particularly interested in providing support to address needs vital to the health of our communities through a focus on:

• preserving neighborhoods;
• educating the workforce for 21st century jobs;
• addressing critical needs such as hunger and emergency shelter;
• arts and culture;
• the environment; and
• diversity and inclusion programs.

Grants are made at the Foundation’s discretion based on our current funding strategies focused on housing, jobs and hunger. 

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.

Base salary scale is determined according to post-graduate year and is supplemented by an institutional allowance.

Through the generosity of the American Brain Foundation (ABF) one meritorious applicant will be chosen by the ABF to receive The National MS Society-ABF MS Clinician Scientist Development Award. This Awardee will receive the benefits described for the Clinician Scientist Development Award as well as an additional $25,000 annual salary supplement sponsored by the ABF (paid through the National MS 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).

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.

A limited number of awards will be offered 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).

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).

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.

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

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).

Commercial R&D Funding

The mission of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is to cure multiple sclerosis (MS) while empowering individuals affected by MS to live their best lives. To achieve this mission, the Society has developed the Pathways to Cures Research Roadmap. This Roadmap was developed in consultation with global scientific experts and people affected by MS and outlines a vision of the most promising research that will ultimately lead to cures for MS. This RFA invites applications to establish research partnerships with the Society’s commercial development program, Fast Forward, LLC, to accelerate and support development of therapeutic strategies specifically relevant to the Roadmap priority of addressing MS progression and progressive forms of MS. This RFA is open to applicants from for-profit commercial organizations and not-for-profit research institutions worldwide (see Mechanisms of Support section for additional important details).

Examples of research and development to be supported by this RFA include, but are not limited to:

• Proof of concept studies using sufficiently characterized compounds or biologics.
• Studies to measure target engagement or target-related pharmacodynamic effects, particularly those involving endpoints with clinical utility.
• Medicinal chemistry or biologic product development optimization.
• PK/ADMET studies
• IND-enabling studies such as GLP toxicology, compound scale-up, process method validation

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, is $100,000 to be used at the discretion of 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 team of individuals, by one or more colleagues or mentors. Nomination letters should include current institution and contact information of the nominee, and should address the nominee’s scientific accomplishments with an emphasis on citing the innovative and impactful aspects of the nominee’s work. A selection committee comprised of leaders in science, medicine, and MS advocacy will review nominees.

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).

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.

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.)

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: 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).

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).

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.

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.

The fellowship is for salary support only. 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.