What is the purpose of this grant?

Grants provide funding to identify a potential microbial link to Alzheimer’s disease. All awards must be narrowly focused on elucidating the possible roles of infectious agents in the causation of Alzheimer’s disease. The grant awards will support innovative research including basic, clinical and/or non-traditional approaches. This includes proposals that span the breadth of the microbial world, including bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses and microbial synergy, among other possibilities.

Who can apply for the grant?

Both members and non-members of IDSA are encouraged to apply. This includes established investigators and academic and health professionals in all disciplines and health-related professions.

• PhDs and MDs are welcome to apply.
• Interdisciplinary research is encouraged, including collaborations between experts in Alzheimer’s research and infectious diseases.
• Clinical and basic scientists are encouraged to apply.
• International applications and non-U.S. citizens are welcome to apply.

My grant request was turned down last year. Can I reapply?

As long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements, yes, you may resubmit an application.

What level of funding am I eligible to apply for?

Requirements at which level of grant funding applicants may apply vary. The following are eligible to apply at each grant level:

• $250,000: Established investigators (assistant professor to professor) who have already launched/developed initial research. Past awardees are eligible to apply.
• $100,000: Senior/mid-career investigators (assistant professor to professor) to obtain preliminary data to facilitate development of a research proposal for submission to the NIH and/or other institutions to continue their research. These grant awards are not meant to duplicate current work.
• $50,000: Current investigators (past grant awardees) who have demonstrated significant progress in initial research findings and are looking to further their research. The awardees are expected to submit a research update instead of a regular application.
• $30,000: Awards to fellows/early-career investigators (includes instructors, assistant professors and senior trainees/fellows) to obtain preliminary data to facilitate development of a research proposal to submit at the $100,000 level. These grants will ensure that creative ideas emerge from the science. These grant awards are not meant to duplicate current work.

How do I apply?

Check back in late summer for an announcement for new grant opportunitites. 

May I apply if my research will be performed outside of the U.S.?

Yes, the grant is open to those in and outside of the U.S. Non-U.S. citizens are also eligible to apply.

I submitted an application, but now I have changes. What can I do?

If the deadline has not passed, please contact Amy Shapley, Program Coordinator at ashapley@idsafoundation.org. She will be able to assist you.

How much and how many applicants will be awarded?

$2.24 million in grant funding was awarded in 2023 grant period. Individual grants ranged between $30,000 – $250,000. Grant amount varies dependent on the merits of the project.

Can overhead and/or indirect expenses be allocated from the grant funds?

Equipment and travel costs are not allowed for grant requests under the $250,000 level.

• $250,000 Requests: Modest travel costs are allowed. Equipment requests will infrequently be considered and will require sound justification.
• No indirect costs are provided to the institution to which grants are awarded.
• Total salary support for PI should not exceed the following (this includes fringe costs):
  • $250,000 level: PI salary support should not exceed 10% of grant funding.
  • $100,000 level: PI salary should not exceed $15,000.
  • $50,000 level: PI salary should not exceed $7,500.
  • $30,000 level: No salary costs are covered at $30,000.

Who reviews the grant applications?

All grant applications will be checked for compliance and then reviewed by a convened expert panel and the grant’s advisory board, with final decision by the IDSA Foundation Board of Directors.

Can you have multiple investigators on an application? 

All grant applications will be checked for compliance and then reviewed by a convened expert panel and the grant’s advisory board, with final decision by the IDSA Foundation Board of Directors.

What are the terms and conditions of support?

The terms and conditions of support are available on the RFA site. Click here to review.

I’d like to learn more about the grant before applying. Do you have any resources? 

We highly recommend reviewing the 2021 Microbial Pathogenesis in Alzheimer’s Disease Grant informational webinar, which provides past awardee perspective and general information on the grant.

What is the deadline to apply?

Application Deadline for the 2024 grant period will be announced this summer.

Microbial Pathogenesis In Alzheimer’s Disease Research Grant Program