[National Ataxia Foundation](https://ataxia.org)

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

Up to $50,000 for a one-year project; no indirect costs allowed.

One-year seed funding for early-career researchers to advance understanding and treatment of ataxia.

--- ## Description This grant supports early-career investigators pursuing innovative research in ataxia, including basic, translational, or clinical studies. The program is designed to foster independent research careers by providing seed funding for projects that advance understanding of the causes, mechanisms, or treatment of hereditary, sporadic, or acquired ataxias. The award prioritizes proposals that demonstrate strong scientific merit, innovation, and a clear commitment to ataxia research, with the goal of catalyzing significant progress and supporting the career development of promising early-stage scientists. --- ## Due Dates - August 2026: Letter of Intent deadline (anticipated/projected) - December 2026: Full application deadline (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: **Up to $50,000** for a one-year project. - No indirect costs or cost sharing allowed. - Personnel costs may not exceed 50% of the total award. - No-cost extensions are considered only under extenuating circumstances and require approval. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must have completed a PhD, equivalent research degree (e.g., PharmD, PsyD, ScD), or combined professional/clinical and research doctoral degree (e.g., MD/PhD, DDS/PhD). - Must have completed postdoctoral training within the past 6 years and hold a junior faculty or clinical fellow appointment at the time of application. - Appointment must be full-time at an academic institution, non-profit, or for-profit organization; open to both U.S. and international applicants. U.S. citizenship is **not** required. - Associate Professors and above are **not** eligible. - Clinician scientists must have completed residency no more than 5 years prior to applying. - Applicants cannot have been the lead PI on a funded NAF grant in the past two fiscal years. - Only one application per applicant per year is allowed. --- ## Application Process 1. **Register on ProposalCentral**: All applications are submitted through [ProposalCentral](https://proposalcentral.com). 2. **Submit Letter of Intent (LOI)**: Prepare a statement of need, impact statement, specific aims (1 page), and biosketch (5 pages). Only selected LOIs will be invited to submit a full application. 3. **Full Application (by invitation)**: Includes a detailed research plan (6 pages), budget and justification, and references. 4. **Review and Notification**: LOIs are competitively reviewed; top proposals are invited for full application. Funding decisions are communicated after review. --- ## Additional Information - Projects must focus on ataxia (hereditary, sporadic, or acquired) and demonstrate potential for significant scientific or therapeutic advances. - Strong mentorship, institutional support, and a clear plan for career development are encouraged. - Only one application per year per applicant; choose the most appropriate program for your career stage. --- ## External Links - [National Ataxia Foundation – Researcher Resources](https://www.ataxia.org/researcher-resources/) - [FY2026 Early Career Award Application Instructions (PDF)](https://www.ataxia.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/FY2026-Early-Career-Award-Instructions.pdf) - [Contact NAF](https://ataxia.org/contact) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | |------------------------|------------------------|------------------| | National Ataxia Foundation | naf@ataxia.org | +1 763-553-0020 |

Early Career Investigator Award

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