[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 grants awarded annually.

Supports early-stage research on hearing and balance disorders, prioritizing innovative projects and early-career investigators.

--- ## Description The AHRF Discovery Grants program supports early-stage research projects investigating hearing and balance disorders related to the inner ear. The program aims to enable breakthroughs by funding promising, novel studies that may generate preliminary data for larger future grants. Both basic and clinical research are eligible, including topics such as genetics, neurotology, anatomy, auditory processing, molecular and cellular biology, therapeutic studies, and device investigations (e.g., cochlear implants). Special consideration is given to projects focused on Meniere’s disease and sudden hearing loss. Priority is placed on supporting early-career investigators. Grants cover one year of research and are intended for direct research costs only. --- ## Due Dates - August 15, 2025: Full application deadline (for 2026 awards) - August 15, 2026: Annual full application deadline (for 2027 awards) --- ## Funding Amount - Up to $50,000 for one year of research. - Typically, four to ten grants are awarded each year. - Funds are paid in one lump sum in January after the application deadline. - Grant period: January 1 – December 31 of the award year. - Funds may be used for direct costs only (e.g., staff salaries—excluding PI, equipment, supplies). No indirect costs, PI salary, travel, or educational expenses are allowed. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must hold an MD, PhD, AuD, or equivalent degree(s). - Must be associated with a university or hospital in the United States. - Open to both early-career and established investigators, with preference for early-career applicants. - Research topics must relate to hearing and balance disorders of the inner ear. --- ## Application Process - Review eligibility and ensure your project aligns with the grant’s focus. - Prepare application materials following the provided checklist: - Title page with project and investigator details - One-page project summary and lay summary (up to 150 words) - Detailed one-year budget (no PI salary, travel, or indirect costs) - Biographical sketches (max 3 pages each, plus one page for funding overlap) - Main body: specific aims (1 page), background/significance/methods (up to 5 pages) - For renewals, add up to 2 pages on progress - Optional: one-page letter of support - Save the proposal as a PDF (≤5 MB for online submission). - Submit the application via the [online portal](https://www.american-hearing.org/grant-application/). - If your study involves human or animal subjects, provide proof of IRB/ACUC application by March 31 of the grant year. - Applicants are notified of decisions in late November following review by the Research Committee and Board. --- ## Additional Information - Grantees must submit progress reports by the end of April of the funded year and a final report by the end of January after project completion. - No-cost extensions may be granted with approval. - Results may be highlighted on the AHRF website or in newsletters. - Special priority is given to projects on Meniere’s disease and 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/) - [Application Guidelines & Checklist](https://www.american-hearing.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2026-Grant-Opportunities-AHRF-Flyer-1.pdf) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.american-hearing.org/frequently-asked-questions-for-grant-applications/) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |--------------|------------------------------------------------------| | Email | info@american-hearing.org | | Phone | (773) 747-7280 | | Address | 4055 W. Peterson Ave., Suite 105, Chicago, IL 60646-6183 | | Contact Form | [Contact Page](https://www.american-hearing.org/contact/) |

AHRF Discovery Grants - American Hearing Research Foundation

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