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

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

Up to $35,000 for one year; direct research expenses only; no indirect costs allowed.

One-year fellowship for early-career researchers to advance innovative ataxia research and foster independent scientific careers.

Forecasted cycle—dates are projected; see program page for updates.

--- ## Description This fellowship provides one year of support to early-career researchers (postdocs) undertaking innovative studies on the causes, mechanisms, or treatment of hereditary, sporadic, and acquired ataxias. The program aims to accelerate the development of new knowledge and therapies for ataxia by supporting mentored research experiences that help fellows transition toward independent research careers. Funded projects are expected to yield high-quality preliminary data, strengthen research skills, and position fellows for future grant applications and leadership roles in the ataxia research community. The award emphasizes scientific merit, innovation, and a demonstrated commitment to ataxia research. --- ## Due Dates - August 2026 (anticipated): Letter of Intent deadline - December 2026 (anticipated): Full application deadline *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: Up to $35,000 for a one-year period - Funds may be used for direct research expenses only (e.g., supplies, equipment, salary/stipend up to NIH postdoc cap, travel for scientific meetings up to $2,000, publication costs up to $2,500) - No indirect costs or cost sharing permitted - No-cost extensions may be considered in extenuating circumstances, subject to approval --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must have completed a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree (e.g., PharmD, PsyD, ScD, MD/PhD, DDS/PhD) - Must hold a full-time postdoctoral appointment at an academic institution, non-profit, or for-profit organization - Must have completed at least one year but not more than four years of postdoctoral training at the time of application - Open to U.S. and international researchers; non-U.S. citizens are eligible - Ineligible if previously awarded a NAF Post-doctoral Fellowship or served as lead PI on a funded NAF grant within the past two fiscal years - Must be in good standing with any previous NAF awards - Only one application per applicant per year (as lead PI) --- ## Application Process 1. **Create a ProposalCentral Account** - Register at [ProposalCentral](https://proposalcentral.com/) 2. **Submit Letter of Intent (LOI)** - Submit via ProposalCentral by the anticipated August 2026 deadline - LOI components: Statement of Need, Impact Statement, Specific Aims (1 page), Biosketch (5 pages) - Only top 30–50% of LOIs will be invited to submit a full application 3. **Full Application (by invitation only)** - Submit via ProposalCentral by the anticipated December 2026 deadline - Application components: Scientific Abstract, Lay Summary, Specific Aims, Biosketch, Research Plan (up to 6 pages), Budget and Justification, References 4. **Review and Notification** - Applications are peer reviewed for scientific merit, innovation, relevance, and career development - Funding decisions are typically communicated in February following the application deadline --- ## Additional Information - Funds must be used for direct research expenses; indirect costs, tuition, relocation, and cost sharing are not allowed - Awardees are required to submit final and follow-up reports via ProposalCentral - All research involving human or animal subjects must have appropriate IRB/IACUC approval before funds are released - Data sharing and open access publication are strongly encouraged --- ## External Links - [Program Instructions (PDF)](https://www.ataxia.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/FY2026-Post-Doc-Fellowship-Award-Instructions.pdf) - [General Grant Policies (PDF)](https://www.ataxia.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/FY2026-General-Grants-Policy.pdf) - [Letter of Intent Instructions (PDF)](https://www.ataxia.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/FY2026-LOI-Instructions.pdf) - [ProposalCentral Submission Portal](https://proposalcentral.com/) - [Funder’s Researcher Resources](https://www.ataxia.org/researcher-resources/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Webpage | |--------------------------|---------------------------|-----------------|---------------------------------------------| | National Ataxia Foundation | naf@ataxia.org | +1 763-553-0020 | [Contact Page](https://ataxia.org/contact) | | Program Manager (for questions) | Aimee Alcott: aimee@ataxia.org | | |

NAF Post-doctoral Fellowship Award FY2026

Sign in to see full grant listing