[Breakthrough T1D](https://www.breakthrought1d.org)

January 7, 2026: Letters of Intent (LOI) deadline

Up to $3,000,000 total for up to 3 years (Strategic Research Agreement); budget must match project scope.

Supports research on immune tolerance strategies to improve survival and function of islet cell replacement therapies for type 1 diabetes.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity from Breakthrough T1D seeks proposals for research focused on establishing immune tolerance in islet cell replacement therapy for type 1 diabetes (T1D). The program aims to overcome immunological barriers that lead to immune-mediated rejection or destruction of transplanted or implanted islet cells. Projects may explore cellular, molecular, biomaterials, immune-modulating, or combinatorial strategies to enhance the survival and long-term function of islet replacement therapies. The goal is to generate data that advance the field toward durable, effective cell-based therapies for T1D. --- ## Due Dates - January 7, 2026: Letters of Intent (LOI) deadline Subsequent deadlines for full proposals and funding decisions will be communicated to applicants invited to submit a full application. --- ## Funding Amount - Applicants may request up to **$3,000,000 USD total for up to three years** under the Strategic Research Agreement mechanism. - Budget should be appropriate to the scope and objectives of the proposed project; smaller budgets are also considered. - Indirect costs are capped at 10% of direct costs (excluding equipment, fee-for-services, consultants, or subcontract costs). - For-profit entities may apply via the Industry Discovery & Development Partnership (IDDP) mechanism, which requires matching funds and does not allow indirect costs. - See the [RFA document](https://www.breakthrought1d.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/RFA_ImmuneTolerance_CallDocument.pdf) and [Grant Handbook](https://www.breakthrought1d.org/granthandbook/) for full budget guidance. --- ## Eligibility - **Applicant:** Must hold an M.D., D.O., D.M.D., D.V.M., Ph.D., or equivalent and have a faculty position or equivalent at a research institution. - **Institutions:** Domestic and foreign non-profit organizations; public and private universities, colleges, hospitals, laboratories; units of state and local governments; eligible agencies of the federal government. - **For-profit organizations** may apply only under the IDDP mechanism and must provide matching funds. - There are no citizenship or geographic restrictions for applicants. - Breakthrough T1D encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including those underrepresented in science. --- ## Application Process 1. **Review the RFA and Grant Handbook:** Ensure your project aligns with the scientific scope and eligibility requirements. 2. **Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI):** - Due by January 7, 2026 via the [RMS360 portal](https://breakthrought1d.smartsimple.us/). - Use the LOI template provided online. - LOIs are reviewed for programmatic fit; selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal. 3. **Full Proposal:** - Invitation-only, following LOI review. - Full proposals must be submitted through RMS360 using provided templates and adhering to all content, budget, and formatting requirements. 4. **Review Process:** - Proposals are evaluated for significance, relevance, innovation, approach, environment, and clinical translation potential. - Both internal and external scientific review panels are used. 5. **Award Notification:** - Timeline for notification will be provided after LOI review. --- ## Additional Information - **Informational Webinar:** December 16, 2025, 11 a.m. ET ([register here](https://breakthrought1d-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_N20qazx4T_KZSjiWO4Mh7w#/registration)) - All funded research must comply with NIH guidelines for human subjects and animal research. - Applicants proposing clinical trials must address subject safety, study design, and investigational product information. - Only one application per project is permitted; resubmissions must address reviewer comments. - A [Participating Clinical Site Form](https://www.breakthrought1d.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/FY26_CVD_Participating-Clinical-Site-Form.pdf) is available for clinical sites interested in joining trials. --- ## External Links - [Breakthrough T1D Funding Opportunities](https://www.breakthrought1d.org/explore-research/funding-opportunities/) - [RFA: Immune Tolerance in Islet Cell Replacement (PDF)](https://www.breakthrought1d.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/RFA_ImmuneTolerance_CallDocument.pdf) - [Grant Handbook](https://www.breakthrought1d.org/granthandbook/) - [Application Portal (RMS360)](https://breakthrought1d.smartsimple.us/) - [Webinar Registration](https://breakthrought1d-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_N20qazx4T_KZSjiWO4Mh7w#/registration) - [Participating Clinical Site Form (PDF)](https://www.breakthrought1d.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/FY26_CVD_Participating-Clinical-Site-Form.pdf) - [Breakthrough T1D Research Strategy](https://www.breakthrought1d.org/explore-research/research-strategy/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Person | Email | |----------------------------|--------------------------|-------------------------------------| | Strategic fit, scientific | Courtney Ackeifi, PhD | cackeifi@BT1D.org | | Administrative | Sanjukta Mukerjee, PhD | smukerjee@BT1D.org | | General grants info | - | [Contact Form](https://www.breakthrought1d.org/contact-us/) | ---

Establishing immune tolerance in islet cell replacement therapy for type 1 diabetes (T1D)

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