[Hearing Health Foundation](https://hearinghealthfoundation.org)

April 2026 (Full application) | December 2026 (Letter of Intent)

Up to $50,000–$100,000 per year; max $100,000–$200,000 over 2 years depending on award type.

Provides seed funding for innovative hearing and balance research, especially for early-career investigators, across a broad range of topics.

--- ## Description The Emerging Research Grants (ERG) program from the Hearing Health Foundation offers seed funding to researchers focused on hearing and balance science, including underfunded and high-impact areas of otology. The program is designed to support both early-career and established investigators, with a special emphasis on launching the careers of new researchers in otolaryngology and related fields. Projects may address diverse topics such as age-related hearing loss, central auditory processing disorders, pediatric hearing loss, hyperacusis, Ménière's disease, tinnitus, Usher syndrome, and general hearing and balance health. The ERG program is highly competitive and aims to fund research that can serve as a foundation for future federal funding and major scientific advances. --- ## Due Dates - December 2026 (anticipated): Letter of Intent deadline - April 2026 (anticipated): Full application deadline for invited applicants *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Elizabeth M. Keithley, Ph.D. Early Stage Investigator Awards (EMKESIA):** - Up to $50,000 per year (max $100,000 over 2 years) - **Focused Discovery Awards (HHF-FDA):** - Up to $50,000 per year (max $100,000 over 2 years) - **Expanded Discovery Awards (HHF-EDA):** - Up to $100,000 per year (max $200,000 over 2 years) - All awards are made for one year initially and may be renewed for a second year. --- ## Eligibility - Open to investigators at all career stages; early-career researchers are especially encouraged to apply. - Applicants must be based at a U.S. research institution (higher education, government, or non-profit). - Required degrees: Au.D., M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent. - Additional eligibility requirements may apply depending on award type; see the [full policy](https://hearinghealthfoundation.org/policy-on-grants) for details. - Institutional indirect costs are not typically covered. - Applicants should not have significant overlapping funding for the same project. --- ## Application Process - The process begins with a Letter of Intent (LOI), typically due in December (anticipated). - Selected applicants are invited to submit a full proposal, typically due in April (anticipated). - Awards are announced in August, with the funding period running from October 1 through September 30 of the following year. - The Request for Proposals is usually published in October. - For detailed instructions and timeline, visit the [application page](https://hearinghealthfoundation.org/how-to-apply). --- ## Additional Information - Three award types are available each cycle; specific Focused and Expanded Discovery Award topics may vary annually. - The program is governed by the Council of Scientific Trustees, which evaluates proposals for scientific merit and relevance. - ERG alumni have a strong track record of leveraging this seed funding into substantial federal research grants. --- ## External Links - [Emerging Research Grants Program Overview](https://hearinghealthfoundation.org/emerging-research-grants) - [How to Apply](https://hearinghealthfoundation.org/how-to-apply) - [Policy on Grants: Eligibility & Terms](https://hearinghealthfoundation.org/policy-on-grants) - [Current and Past ERG Researchers](https://hearinghealthfoundation.org/mtr) - [Subscribe for Grant Alerts](https://hearinghealthfoundation.org/subscribe) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Details | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | General information | [info@hhf.org](mailto:info@hhf.org) | | Grants/program queries | [grants@hhf.org](mailto:grants@hhf.org) | | Phone | 212-257-6140 | | Contact page | [Contact HHF](https://hearinghealthfoundation.org/contact-us) |

Emerging Research Grants - Hearing Health Foundation

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