Research Grant Program

The Immune Deficiency Foundation Research Grant Program is administered by the Immune Deficiency Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for individuals affected by primary immunodeficiency. The foundation advances research and clinical care through funding initiatives, community engagement, and advocacy. This grant program is supported in part by proceeds from the foundation’s Walk and Community Days and is designed to stimulate patient-centered scientific inquiry in the field of primary immunodeficiency. The purpose of the program is to support well-defined, non-commercial research projects that directly benefit individuals living with primary immunodeficiency. Funded projects must focus on improving treatment, health outcomes, disease management, or diagnostic approaches, or contribute meaningfully to the broader body of knowledge in this medical field. The program explicitly prioritizes patient-oriented research and excludes studies that rely on animal models, reinforcing its emphasis on direct human impact and translational outcomes. Funding is provided through one-year grants ranging from 25000 to 50000 dollars. The highest-scoring application in each funding cycle receives the Michael Blaese Research Grant Award, recognizing exceptional scientific merit. Funds are restricted to direct research costs, as no institutional overhead is permitted. Applicants are limited to one submission per cycle, and any unused funds must be returned to the foundation at the end of the grant period. Awardees are also required to submit a scientific summary and provide evidence of research dissemination, such as manuscripts or presentations acknowledging foundation support. Eligibility is limited to United States-based academic researchers in medicine and science, including those holding MD, DO, PhD, or RN credentials. Early-career investigators such as medical students, graduate students, residents, and fellows may apply if they have the formal support of an academic mentor. This support must be documented through a letter and accompanied by the mentor’s NIH biosketch, demonstrating commitment to supervision and project guidance. Only non-commercial proposals are eligible, and applicants must have access to appropriate facilities and patient populations or data relevant to primary immunodeficiency. Applications must be submitted electronically using the foundation’s designated form after completing a required PDF application. The application package must be assembled into a single PDF and include specific components such as an abstract, specific aims, background and significance, research approach, budget justification, references, letters of support, and NIH biosketches. Formatting requirements include font size and page limits, with the full application not exceeding 15 pages. Applicants must upload their completed materials through the official submission portal. Proposals are evaluated by a Research Committee composed of experienced immunologists and prior award recipients. The review process follows a peer review model similar to that used by the National Institutes of Health, assessing criteria such as scientific significance, methodological rigor, investigator qualifications, and institutional support. Particular emphasis is placed on relevance to underserved populations and direct applicability to individuals with primary immunodeficiency. The application deadline for the current cycle is September 14, 2026 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time. The program operates on an annual cycle, with awards granted for a one-year performance period. Questions regarding the program may be directed to the foundation via its contact channels or specifically to Julie Magnusson via email. The program represents a recurring opportunity for researchers to contribute to advancements in diagnosis, treatment, and care for individuals with primary immunodeficiency.

Emphasize direct patient impact scientific rigor and relevance to underserved populations and ensure strong mentor support documentation