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

August 15, 2025 | August 15, 2026

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

Supports early-career research on hearing and balance disorders, with emphasis on Meniere’s disease and sudden hearing loss.

Applicants must hold an MD, PhD, AuD, or equivalent and be affiliated with a U.S. university or hospital.

--- ## Description The American Hearing Research Foundation (AHRF) Discovery Grants provide seed funding for innovative research projects investigating hearing and balance disorders related to the inner ear. The program is designed to support early-career investigators aiming to generate preliminary data for future, larger grant applications. Areas of interest include genetics, neurotology, anatomy, auditory processing, molecular and cellular biology, therapeutic studies, and experimental devices. Special consideration is given to proposals addressing Meniere’s disease or the causes of sudden hearing loss, in line with AHRF’s donor priorities. --- ## Due Dates - August 15, 2025: Full application deadline (AHRF Discovery Grants) — 5:00 p.m. Central Time - August 15, 2026: Full application deadline (AHRF Discovery Grants) — 5:00 p.m. Central Time _All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates._ --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum request: **$50,000** for a one-year project. - Grants are paid in one lump sum in January following the application deadline. - Typically, 4–10 Discovery Grants are awarded each year, though this may vary based on available funds. - Funds may only be used for direct costs (e.g., technical/support staff salaries, equipment, supplies). Salaries plus fringe benefits may not exceed 80% of direct costs. - Funds **cannot** be used for PI or co-PI salaries, travel, conference attendance, educational costs, or indirect/overhead costs. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must hold an **MD, PhD, AuD, or equivalent degree**. - Must be affiliated with a **university or hospital in the United States**. - Applicants do not need to be U.S. citizens but must be associated with a qualifying U.S. institution. - The grant is open to both basic and clinical researchers. - Research must focus on hearing or balance disorders of the inner ear. --- ## Application Process - Confirm eligibility and ensure research topic aligns with grant priorities. - Prepare the application using the required format and checklist: - Title page - One-page project summary and lay summary - Detailed one-year budget (excluding PI/co-PI salary, travel, indirect costs) - Biographical sketches (max 3 pages each; NIH format accepted) - Main body: specific aims (1 page), background/significance/methods/subjects (up to 5 pages) - For renewal projects, include up to 2 pages on prior progress - Letter of support (optional, 1 page) - Save the proposal as a PDF (≤5 MB preferred for online submission). - Submit via the [AHRF online portal](https://www.american-hearing.org/grant-application/). Larger files may be emailed to info@american-hearing.org. - If the study involves human or animal subjects, IRB or ACUC approval must be applied for by March 31 of the grant year (approval not required at time of application). - Proposals are reviewed by the AHRF Research Committee and Board in the fall, with notifications sent in late November. --- ## Additional Information - Progress reports are required by the end of April in the grant year; final reports are due by end of January following the funded year. - No-cost extensions may be requested with justification and approval. - Overlapping funds must be returned to AHRF. - Special consideration is given to projects on Meniere’s disease or sudden hearing loss. - Comments on proposals are not provided to applicants. --- ## External Links - [AHRF Discovery Grants Information](https://www.american-hearing.org/grant/ahrf-regular-grants/) - [Grants We Offer & Application](https://www.american-hearing.org/research-grants/grants-we-offer-2/) - [Application Portal](https://www.american-hearing.org/grant-application/) - [How AHRF Makes Grant Decisions](https://www.american-hearing.org/research-grants/grant-process/how-ahrf-makes-grant-decisions/) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.american-hearing.org/frequently-asked-questions-for-grant-applications/) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |-----------------|------------------------------------------------------| | Email | [info@american-hearing.org](mailto:info@american-hearing.org) | | Phone | (773) 747-7280 | | Mailing Address | 400 Randolph St, Suite 3115, Chicago, IL 60601 | | Contact Page | [AHRF Contact Form](https://www.american-hearing.org/contact/) |

AHRF Discovery Grants

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