[American Hearing Research Foundation](https://www.american-hearing.org)

August 15, 2025 | August 15, 2026

Up to $50,000 for one year; typically 4–10 awards annually.

Supports early-stage research on hearing and balance disorders of the inner ear, emphasizing innovative and foundational studies.

Priority given to early-career investigators; U.S. university or hospital affiliation required.

--- ## Description The American Hearing Research Foundation (AHRF) Discovery Grants program funds early-stage research projects focused on hearing and balance disorders of the inner ear. Both basic and clinical studies are eligible, including topics such as genetics, neurotology, anatomy, auditory processing, molecular and cellular biology, therapeutic interventions, and device investigations (e.g., cochlear implants). Special consideration is given to proposals addressing Meniere’s disease and sudden hearing loss. The grants are intended to help researchers generate preliminary data to support future, larger-scale funding applications (such as NIH grants). Funding is provided for direct costs only, such as technical staff salaries, equipment, and supplies. Principal investigator salary, travel, conference attendance, educational costs, and indirect costs are not supported. --- ## Due Dates - August 15, 2025: Full application deadline for AHRF Discovery Grants (5:00 p.m. Central Time) - August 15, 2026: Next annual full application deadline for AHRF Discovery Grants (5:00 p.m. Central Time) Grant period for awards submitted in 2025 is January 1 – December 31, 2026. --- ## Funding Amount - Up to $50,000 per project for a one-year period. - Typically, 4–10 Discovery Grants are awarded annually. - Funds are disbursed in a lump sum in January following the award notification. - In select cases, exceptional proposals may be invited for additional funding through the Birtman Grant ($75,000) or the Richard G. Muench Chairman’s Grant ($65,000), but these are by invitation only. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must hold an MD, PhD, AuD, or equivalent degree(s). - Must be affiliated with a university or hospital in the United States. - No requirement for U.S. citizenship, but institutional affiliation must be with a U.S. university or hospital. - Priority is given to early-career investigators. - Research topic must relate to hearing and/or balance disorders of the inner ear. --- ## Application Process 1. **Confirm Eligibility**: Ensure you meet degree and institutional requirements. 2. **Prepare Application**: Follow the detailed application checklist, including: - Title page and contact information - Project summary and lay summary - Detailed one-year budget (no PI salary, no indirect costs) - Biographical sketches (max 3 pages each; NIH format accepted) - List of current/pending/overlapping funding - Letter of support (optional, one page) - Project aims (1 page) and research plan (up to 5 pages) 3. **IRB/ACUC Approval**: For projects involving human or animal subjects, demonstrate application for approval by March 31 of the grant year. 4. **Submission**: Save your proposal as a PDF and submit via the [AHRF online portal](https://www.american-hearing.org/grant-application/). If file exceeds 5 MB, email to info@american-hearing.org. 5. **Review & Notification**: Proposals are reviewed in October–November; notification occurs in late November. --- ## Additional Information - Grant recipients are required to submit a progress report by the end of April during the funded year, and a final report by the end of January following the grant period. - No-cost extensions may be granted upon request and approval. - Overlapping funding must be returned to AHRF. - Comments on reviews are not provided to applicants. - Special donor-supported priorities include Meniere’s disease and causes of sudden hearing loss. --- ## External Links - [AHRF Discovery Grants Program Page](https://www.american-hearing.org/research-grants/grants-we-offer-2/#ahrf-regular-grants) - [Application Portal](https://www.american-hearing.org/grant-application/) - [2026 Grant Opportunities Flyer (PDF)](https://www.american-hearing.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2026-Grant-Opportunities-AHRF-Flyer-1.pdf) - [Application Guidelines & Checklist](https://www.american-hearing.org/research-grants/grants-we-offer-2/#ahrf-regular-grants) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.american-hearing.org/frequently-asked-questions-for-grant-applications/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------|---------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [info@american-hearing.org](mailto:info@american-hearing.org) | | Phone | (773) 747-7280 | | Address | 4055 W. Peterson Ave., Suite 105, Chicago, IL 60646-6183 | | Online Contact Form | [Contact AHRF](https://www.american-hearing.org/contact/) | ---

AHRF Discovery Grants

Sign in to see full grant listing