Pilot Study Grants
Pilot Study Grants from the Retina Research Foundation fund early-stage, innovative research to advance understanding and treatment of retinal diseases.
Funder: Retina Research Foundation
Due Dates: August 18, 2026 (completed application due)
Funding Amounts: $25,000–$50,000 per year; renewable up to 3 years based on progress
Summary: Supports innovative retina research projects to generate preliminary data for larger future grants.
Key Information: Retina research only; PI salary, indirect costs, and travel not allowed in budget.
Description
The Retina Research Foundation (RRF) offers annual Pilot Study Grants to support researchers conducting novel projects in the field of retinal research. These grants are designed to generate preliminary data that can strengthen applications to major funding sources such as the NIH. The program encourages innovative basic, translational, or clinical research with the aim of advancing knowledge and treatment of retinal diseases. Grants may be renewed annually for up to three years, contingent on satisfactory progress, fostering sustained research efforts to reduce retinal blindness.
