The SPARK Grant: Supporting Pediatric Neurology Advances through Research in K-Awards
The SPARK Grant from the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Foundation provides bridge funding to early-stage investigators in pediatric neurology reapplying for NIH K-series or K12 research awards.
Funder: Pediatric Epilepsy Research Foundation
Due Dates: August 13, 2026 (Summer, K08/K23) | January 14, 2027 (Winter, K08/K23/K12) | April 22, 2027 (Spring, K08/K23)
Funding Amounts: Bridge funding for early-stage investigators reapplying for NIH K08, K23, or CNCDP-K12 awards; typical award size and duration set by program guidelines.
Summary: Bridge funding for early-stage investigators in pediatric neurology to strengthen and resubmit NIH K-series or CNCDP-K12 career development awards.
Description
The SPARK Grant, offered by the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Foundation (PERF), is a bridge funding initiative tailored for early-stage investigators in pediatric neurology who are reapplying for NIH K08, K23, or CNCDP-K12 career development awards. Its purpose is to provide critical financial support between an initial, unfunded K-series or K12 application and a planned resubmission, helping promising researchers strengthen their proposals and continue advancing their work in child neurology. The grant aligns with PERF’s mission to foster the next generation of leaders in pediatric neurology research.
