[Pershing Square Philanthropies](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org)

September 2026 (Letter of Intent)

$750,000 total ($250,000/year for 3 years; includes up to 10% indirect costs)

Supports bold, high-risk neuroscience research by early- to mid-career independent investigators to advance breakthroughs in brain science and treatment.

Forecasted deadline; check the program page for updates.

--- ## Description The program provides substantial funding to early- and mid-career independent investigators pursuing innovative, high-risk, high-reward research in neuroscience. The aim is to catalyze transformative advances in understanding and treating neurodegenerative and neurocognitive diseases, with a particular emphasis on Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Projects that are interdisciplinary, radically innovative, and would be considered too risky for traditional funding sources are especially encouraged. Awardees join a network of leading researchers and benefit from networking events, annual retreats, and opportunities to present their work. --- ## Due Dates - Letter of Intent (LOI) anticipated deadline: **September 2026** (by 5:00pm ET) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Total award:** $750,000 over three years ($250,000/year) - Includes direct and indirect costs (indirect costs capped at 10% or $25,000/year) - Typically, 5–7 awards are made annually. - Funding is contingent upon annual progress review and milestone achievement. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must hold an MD, PhD, or equivalent. - Must have **1–8 years** of independent research experience as a tenure-track faculty member (or equivalent) at the project start date (May 2027, based on anticipated cycle). - Must be based at a US academic research institution (including independent research institutions such as Janelia or NIH, if running their own lab). - Only one LOI per PI per cycle; maximum of three total submissions to the MIND Prize per PI. - Applicants cannot apply to other Pershing Square Foundation prize programs (e.g., Sohn Cancer Prize, Lotus Award) in the same year. - Current grantees may not apply until their third and final year or after their award term ends. - Non-US citizens/permanent residents must ensure visa status allows project completion in the US. - Postdoctoral fellows and researchers at for-profit or non-academic institutions are not eligible. - Case-by-case eligibility exceptions may be made for parental leave or extenuating circumstances (contact the program). --- ## Application Process - **Stage 1:** Submit a one-page Letter of Intent (LOI), biosketch (using provided template), and budget (using provided template) via the [application portal](https://prizeapplication.smapply.io/). - LOI should address: the gap in the field, the proposed project, why the applicant is suited, and why the project is worth funding. - Only the LOI is required; there is no full proposal stage. - **Stage 2:** Selected finalists will be invited to present their proposal to the Scientific Board (in-person in NYC or remotely). - Presentation is limited to three slides, followed by Q&A. - Awardees and their institutions must sign an award agreement (no edits allowed except for factual errors). - Annual progress reports are required for continued funding. - Awardees join the MIND Prize network and attend annual retreats. --- ## Additional Information - Collaborations are encouraged, but only one PI (the applicant) is allowed per proposal (collaborators may be included). - Subcontracts to other institutions are permitted; all indirect costs (including subcontracts) must not exceed $25,000/year. - No salary cap, but a minimum 5% PI effort is recommended. - Carryover and no-cost extensions may be allowed with approval. - Budget must use the full $750,000 award; smaller budgets are not accepted. --- ## External Links - [Program Page](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/initiatives/programs/mind-prize) - [Application Guidelines (PDF)](https://prizeapplication.smapply.io/protected/nr/Kb5M7/MIND_Prize_-_2026_Application_Guidelines_RFP.pdf) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/initiatives/programs/mind-prize/page/frequently-asked-questions-2) - [Application Portal](https://prizeapplication.smapply.io/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |--------------------|----------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [info@mindprize.org](mailto:info@mindprize.org) | | Funder Contact | [info@persq.org](mailto:info@persq.org) | | Program Page | [MIND Prize](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/initiatives/programs/mind-prize) | ---

MIND Prize Initiative

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