[March of Dimes](https://www.marchofdimes.org)

September 8, 2026 (Full application submission deadline)

Up to $200,000 total over two years (includes up to 10% indirect costs).

Supports established researchers conducting transformative translational research to improve clinical care and outcomes in maternal and infant health.

Open globally to doctoral-level researchers with a faculty appointment or equivalent; only one application per cycle per investigator.

--- ## Description Discovery Research Grants from March of Dimes are the organization's premier funding mechanism for established scientists with a demonstrated record in maternal and infant health research. These grants support ambitious, translational research projects aimed at significantly transforming clinical care for pregnant individuals and babies. Funded research must focus on one or more of the following priority areas: - Prevention, diagnosis, and intervention for spontaneous preterm birth. - Reducing maternal and infant morbidity and mortality by improving access to high-quality health care. - Addressing cardiovascular health conditions that arise or are exacerbated during pregnancy. Projects may include human studies, studies with human tissue, population-level research, or innovative uses of information and communications technology. Multidisciplinary collaborations, including partnerships with community-based organizations, are encouraged. All research must aim for tangible improvements in clinical care and outcomes. --- ## Due Dates - September 8, 2026: Full application submission deadline (application portal closes) Application portal opens: June 8, 2026 Notification of awards: Mid-January 2027 Award period: February 1, 2027 – January 31, 2029 --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: $200,000 total per grant, distributed over two years (includes up to 10% indirect costs). - Typical duration: 24 months. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must have a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent) and a faculty appointment or equivalent at a university, hospital, or research institution. - Eligible organizations include academic institutions, hospitals, research institutes, small businesses, startup companies, non-profit organizations, and pharmaceutical companies with a commitment to maternal and infant health research. - Open to global applicants; U.S. citizenship is not required. - Applicants may not hold another current March of Dimes grant at the time of application. - Only one application per investigator per cycle (as PI or co-PI). - Model systems research is discouraged unless used to validate novel human disease processes. --- ## Application Process - All applications must be submitted online via the [March of Dimes Research Grants Portal](https://modresearchgrants.aibs-scores.org/). - Required materials include: - Project title and abstract - Statement of objectives and hypothesis - Preliminary data and background - Research approach and intended deliverables - Budget and justification - Biographical sketch of the candidate - Description of available facilities - Current and pending financial support - Only one submission per applicant per cycle is allowed. - For exceptions regarding timing (e.g., parental leave), contact Courtney Dower at cdower@marchofdimes.org. --- ## Additional Information - Awardees are expected to participate in meetings related to the grant program and collaborate with other March of Dimes partners. - Awardees must notify March of Dimes of publications, presentations, and other research outputs for amplification and reporting. - Multidisciplinary and community-based collaborations are strongly encouraged. - Research must have the potential for direct clinical impact to reduce maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. --- ## External Links - [March of Dimes Discovery Research Grants Program Page](https://www.marchofdimes.org/our-work/research/grants-awards/discovery-research-grants) - [March of Dimes Research Grants Portal (Apply)](https://modresearchgrants.aibs-scores.org/) - [March of Dimes Grants & Awards Overview](https://www.marchofdimes.org/our-work/research/grants-awards) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |---------------------------------|-------------------------------------------| | General grant inquiries | [researchgrantssupport@marchofdimes.org](mailto:researchgrantssupport@marchofdimes.org) | | Timing or eligibility exceptions| [cdower@marchofdimes.org](mailto:cdower@marchofdimes.org) | | Funder contact page | [March of Dimes Contact Us](https://www.marchofdimes.org/contact-us/) |

Discovery Research Grants

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