They are committed to supporting scientists from diverse backgrounds to foster creativity and innovation in addressing complex scientific challenges and strongly encourage applications from individuals who are from groups underrepresented in glaucoma research.

The goal of the BrightFocus Foundation research grants program is to advance innovative research promoting advances in the etiology, prevention, and treatments of Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Their goal is to help people live free from diseases of mind and sight. The Foundation is interested in supporting high risk studies that illuminate areas for which there currently is little understanding, helping to bring to light crucial knowledge about these three devastating diseases.

Funding Information

• Award Amount: $75,000 per year (total value $150,000)
• Duration: up to 2 years

Eligible Costs

• Personnel Costs: The Principal Investigator and any support personnel (usually Postdoctoral Fellows, Graduate Students, or Technicians) actively involved in research may request salary and benefits.
• Non-Personnel Costs Supplies: The amount of money requested for supplies should be divided into major research supply categories (e.g., cell biology reagents, test fees, etc.).
• Equipment: Any major item of equipment valued over US$1,000 should be specifically named in the budget. BrightFocus will not fund the purchase of large capital equipment. Requested equipment must be directly related to, and enabling of, the proposed research.
• Contractual Services: The Budget should specify any major support services required under the proposed research, such as preparation or laboratory testing of biological materials. The justification should indicate the period of contractual service.
• Travel: Travel must be relevant to the accomplishment of the project or dissemination of results of the supported research. The purpose of the travel and destination should be clearly indicated, justified, and may not include premium ticketing packages (i.e., first class or other luxury travel).
• Other: Itemize any other expenses by category. This category is often used by investigators seeking funding to defray costs of publication or registration at conferences where the results of the proposed research are to be presented.

Eligibility Criteria

• Standard Awards are open to tenure- and non-tenure track investigators of any career stage who are appropriately trained to lead an independent research study and are permitted by their organizations to manage grants and supervise key personnel.
• Specific eligibility criteria include:
  • Candidates must hold an MD, PhD, DVM, DO, OD or equivalent degree.
  • Postdoctoral fellows are eligible to apply as Co-Principal Investigator for the Standard Award.
  • Applicant must serve as the Principal Investigator on the project and have independent laboratory space. The applicant should use the indicated space on the application forms to clarify any position that is not immediately recognizable as an independent research position.
  • While some of the grant can be used to support salary for the PI, the percent requested should be limited to the lesser of 25% of the total grant request, or 25% of the individual’s salary. Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) salaries are capped at the lesser of 15% of the total grant request, or 15% of the individual’s salary.
  • Applicants may currently be working in a non-profit, governmental, academic research institution, or at a for-profit including start-up and biotech institution.

Application Requirements

• General Submission Guidelines:
  • Submit your application using the instructions provided in the application portal
  • Use font at a size no less than 11 points
  • Use margins no less than 3/4" on all sides
  • The color of the narrative text should be black
  • Applications must be legible and written in English
  • Do not use jargons or unusual abbreviations
  • Maximum character and/or word/page counts for individual sections will be enforced
  • Text in the descriptive legends or captions of figures, tables, or photographs must be included within maximum limit

For more information, visit BrightFocus Foundation.

https://www.brightfocus.org/about/for-scientists/apply-for-a-research-grant/glaucoma-apply-for-grant/