Funder: Milken Institute
Due Dates: November 4, 2026 (Letter of intent) | February 9, 2027 (Invited full proposal)
Funding Amounts: Up to US$500,000 over two years, inclusive of indirect costs; up to five awards
Summary: Supports fundamental science and early-stage translational research explaining why and how sporadic frontotemporal dementia develops.
Key Information: Independent doctoral-level investigators worldwide may apply; current Kissick-funded FTD PIs and co-investigators are ineligible.
Description
The Kissick Family Foundation runs this program in partnership with the Milken Institute’s Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC). Its fourth funding cycle supports fundamental science and early-stage translational research into sporadic frontotemporal dementia (FTD), defined here as FTD without an identified known causal gene mutation. The goal is to expand foundational knowledge and advance diagnosis and treatment through creative approaches and emerging hypotheses.
Responsive work includes disease biology, computational and data-driven approaches, biomarker development and validation, and preclinical assessment of therapeutic targets. Illustrative topics include co-pathologies, proteinopathies, synaptic dysfunction, genetic risk factors, neuroimaging, non-neuronal cells, environmental influences, and innovative experimental models. Researchers outside traditional FTD disciplines are encouraged to apply, provided their teams include sufficient knowledge of FTD biology. Early-career and newly independent investigators are a priority.
