Funding Opportunities
Internal and external funding opportunities collected by the CTSI.
CTSI PilotsThe Translational Pilot Program will solicit, review and award pilot grants designed to produce and test novel tools and methods to bridge translational gaps. |
Ignition FundsProviding ignition funding to accelerate progress for clinical and translational research projects. |
K12 FundingProviding 2-3 years of support for early-career research faculty from Wake Forest. |
Community Partnered Research AwardCommunity Engagement provides funding to support community and academic researchers via the Community Partnered Research Award. |
Special Populations Voucher FundsStudies that identify a financial need can request funds from the voucher program to help overcome barriers related to transportation, child care, etc. |
Team Grant AcceleratorSupporting planning, pre-award, and post-award stages to incentivize investigators to pursue new large awards. |
Recurring Funding Opportunities
The CTSI is proud to offer these funding mechanisms:
- Translational Pilot Program Ignition Funds
Deadline: 5/06/25
- Research Salary Bridge Funding
Deadline: 7/01/25
- Early Career Salary Support
Deadline: 7/01/25
School of Medicine and Advocate Health 2024 Requests For Proposals
The Wake Forest University Program for Leadership and Character invites proposals from any Wake Forest University School of Medicine or AHWFB or Advocate Health System employee with ideas for character development programs for current and/or future clinicians (i.e. students) and/or care team members.
Character in Medicine Grant: The Character in Medicine Grant exists to empower employees of the Wake Forest University and Advocate Health System to design, implement, and/or more rigorously assess educational programs that promote participants’ character development. This grant will fund proposals to launch pilot projects, revise existing programs, and/or implement research and/or assessment on programs to better understand their character growth impacts. Funding amount will vary from $1,000 to $30,000. Projects costing above $7,500 require a preliminary discussion with Elizabeth Whiting and/or Lauren Iley-Spear.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis between May 2024 – August 2025. Faculty or staff from The Wake Forest University School of Medicine and Advocate Health System are encouraged to apply. Estimated time required to complete application: 30+ minutes. Download Character in Medicine Grant Application. Contact Elizabeth Whiting or Lauren Iley-Spear with questions.
May Deadlines
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Research “Shark Tank” Awards
Do you have a research idea that could enhance healthcare but need resources and mentorship to transform it into a structured project? The CTSI is looking for clinically relevant project ideas for consideration in a virtual “shark tank” competition, competing for a $5,000 investment and other research resources for the project. Selected applicants will be asked to give timed pitches limited to 5 minutes, followed by 10 minutes of active conversation with the “sharks” (researchers and administrators from the CTSI). Sharks will grade each project on its feasibility, potential impact, and enthusiasm.
Project Criteria:
- Address an existing issue or problem currently affecting our patient population.
- Propose a new practice, treatment, tool, approach, etc. that has the potential to improve patient care.
- Consider ways to disseminate changes or new best practice to the affected patient population.
Applications should be submitted through the Research Shark Tank Submission system. Questions should be directed to Katelyn Still.
Key Dates:
- Applications Due: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 11:59PM ET
- Selection of Presenters: May 19, 2025
- Virtual Research “Shark Tank:" Friday, May 30, 2025 at 2-3:30PM ET
Wake Forest Pepper Pilot Studies Program RFA
The Wake Forest Pepper Pilot Studies Program promotes promising new research ideas by providing funds for generation of preliminary data for development of grant applications leading to external funding of larger, definitive studies. Overall objective is to promote translational research to assess biological, behavioral, cognitive, genomic, metabolic, and other factors which contribute to age-related physical function decline, or progression to disability. Key goal is facilitating the development and testing in clinical/pre-clinical studies of novel interventions targeting age-related decline in physical function to prevent/reverse progression to disability. The program funds full pilot studies, proposals with plans to add measures to existing studies, and exploratory analyses of existing databases and archived biofluid and tissue samples.
Innovative, multidisciplinary, geroscience-based, and translational approaches are encouraged, as are involvement of junior faculty as well as faculty from outside fields interested in aging research. For additional information, please view the RFA.
Here is the submission procedure. Inquiries are strongly encouraged so that we can provide specific guidance in developing relevant and successful proposals. For additional information or clarification please contact: Dr. Tom Register, Dr. Dalane Kitzman or Dr. Tina Brinkley. Administrative inquiries are to be directed to Abby Archer.
Application Process Timeline
- Full Application deadline: Friday, May 30, 2025 by 5:00 pm
- Funding decisions communicated: August 2025
Research Centers
An Institutionally-Supported Research Center is an interdepartmental unit focused predominantly on translational, clinical and/or basic science research which facilitates development of a common, focused research agenda aligned with strategic priorities, coordinating contributions from multiple disciplines (other centers, divisions/departments, and programs). We are pleased to announce the following opportunities are now available:
Research Centers – The purpose of this RFA is to invite applications to develop an Institutionally-Supported Advocate Health/Wake Forest University School of Medicine Research Center. This document also provides the framework for a renewal application of an existing center. Research Centers support mature areas of research that reflect depth in translational, clinical and/or basic science research. View the full RFA for Research Centers here.
Emerging Research Centers - The purpose of this RFA is to invite applications to develop an Institutionally-Supported Advocate Health/Wake Forest University School of Medicine Emerging Research Center. This document also provides the framework for a renewal application of an existing center. Emerging Research Centers support new ideas in need of investment for growth. The investment is intended to catalyze the formation of a team for the specific purpose of developing a strategic vision in order to grow a critical base of extramurally funded research. This research can be established in translational, clinical and/or basic science research. View the full RFA for Emerging Research Centers here.
Direct questions and applications to Lynne Wagenknecht, Vice Dean for Population Health Research, and/or Lindsay Trost, CTSI Administrative Director.
Foundation Funding Opportunities
Interested applicants may contact the Foundations Relations team at foundations@wakehealth.edu.
| Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Psychology, Behavioral Health | The Tow Foundation | 2025 Innovation Fund Expanding Access to Youth Mental Health and Well-Being LOI |
$1,000,000 | 5/23/2025 |
| PHS, Varied | Robert Wood Johnson Foundation | Research to Advance Racial and Indigenous Health Equity Brief Proposal |
$200,000 | 5/28/2025 |
| Cancer | American Association for Cancer Research | Trailblazer Cancer Research Grants for Early-Stage Investigators LOI |
$1,000,000 | 6/12/2025 |
View More Foundation Funding Opportunities
The Duke Endowment
The Duke Endowment has a long history of supporting our health system across the Carolinas. In accordance with the Endowment's request, all inquiries from the health system will be routed through the designated Philanthropy/Foundation representatives in each market. If you are based in the Charlotte market, please reach out to Rachel Ellis. Those in the Winston market, please contact Chad Daniel.
The Duke Endowment will not accept or review any applications submitted directly by faculty who have not coordinated with the Philanthropy/Foundation representative in their market. This ensures all submissions are properly managed and align with the Endowment's expectations and current funding priorities.
Brain Research Foundation: 2026 Scientific Innovations Award
Brain Research Foundation (BRF) is inviting eligible institutions to nominate one (1) senior faculty member to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) for the 2026 Scientific Innovations Award (SIA). The purpose of the program is to provide funding for innovative science in both basic and clinical neuroscience. This award provides $100,000 in direct costs for a two-year period. Applicants must be a full-time associate professor or full professor working in the of studies of brain function in health and disease. Additional information can be found in the RFA.
Interested applicants should submit LOIs following the BRF guidelines electronically to the application system by Friday, May 9, 2025 at 11:59PM ET. Questions should be directed to Katelyn Still.
Deadlines:
- Internal Deadline: May 9, 2025 at 11:59PM ET
- Selection of External Applicant: May 26, 2025
- External Deadline: Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 4:00PM CT
Other
Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials Award Program
The Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials Award Program (Winn Awards), a $124.5 million initiative funded by the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, Gilead Sciences, Amgen, and Genentech and led by a team at the Virginia Commonwealth University’s Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is now accepting applications. The Winn Awards is the nation’s premiere program designed to improve participation in clinical trials to drive better health outcomes in all communities to save more lives. The applications are open for one of the signature programs: the Winn Career Development Award (Winn CDA).
Winn CDA is a two year program designed to support the career development of early-stage investigator physicians who have a demonstrated commitment to transforming and expanding access to the clinical research landscape. They will become community-oriented clinical trialists who will drive improved health outcomes through their research and mentoring. This is an extraordinary opportunity for early-career physician researchers who are committed to improving patient participation in clinical trials and transforming the clinical trials. For more information, please read the award program's flyer here and webpage here.
Application Deadline: Monday, May 12th, 2025
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All of Us Research Program
All of Us Research Program Seeks Engagement and Enrollment Partners: The National Institutes of Health's All of Us Research Program has issues a new funding opportunity soliciting proposals to support outreach, community engagement and participant enrollment and retention efforts. The opportunity spans four specific areas of interest, including community, participant and health care provider engagement, enrollment and retention; researcher engagement; Tribal engagement; and integration of participants and advocates in program oversight.
• Proposals will be accepted on an ongoing basis through May 23, 2025
• Read the Full Announcement
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2026 Harold S. Geneen Charitable Trust Awards Program for Coronary Heart Disease Research
The Harold S. Geneen Charitable Trust Awards Program for Coronary Heart Disease Research supports research in the area of the prevention of coronary heart disease or circulatory failure and improving care for these patients. The program focuses on basic and translational scientific research. Clinical studies are currently ineligible.
Each invited institution may only submit one application to the program which meets the eligibility requirements for the 2026 Grant Cycle. Applicants must be a full-time faculty member. Junior faculty are encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit the Harold S. Geneen website.
Interested applications should submit pre-proposals following the Limited Submission Pre-Proposal Instructions electronically to the application system by Friday, June 6, 2025, at 11:59PM ET. Questions should be directed to Katelyn Still.
Deadlines:
Internal Deadline: June 6, 2025, at 11:59 pm ET
Selection of Applicants: Monday, June 23rd
External Deadline: Tuesday, July 8, 2025, by 12:00 pm ET
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American Diabetes Association: Pathway to Stop Diabetes 2025
The American Diabetes Association will prioritize translational applications that move knowledge and discovery gained from basic research to its eventual translation into patient and population benefit. The ideal applicant will propose innovative research that will be an important step towards the eventual goal of improving the lives of people at risk of diabetes or living with the disease - and the pathway to this impact is clear.
ADA will accept up to two (2) nominations per institution with one (1) nomination spanning basic through preclinical research and one (1) nomination spanning clinical through public health research. The ADA offers two funding mechanisms: the Accelerator Award and the Initiator Award. Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the RFA to apply for either mechanism.
Interested applications should submit pre-proposals following the Limited Submission Pre-Proposal Instructions electronically to the application system by Friday, June 13, 2025, at 11:59PM ET. Questions should be directed to Katelyn Still.
Deadlines:
Internal Deadline: June 13, 2025, at 11:59 pm ET
Selection of Applicants: Monday, June 30th
External Deadline: Wednesday, July 23, 2025
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NeuroNEXT Grant
The NeuroNEXT Network is designed to efficiently conduct Phase II Clinical Trials. NeuroNEXT Network is now accepting proposals. Applications for exploratory clinical trials of investigational agents (drugs, biologics, surgical therapies or devices) that may contribute to the justification for and provide the data required for designing a future trial, for biomarker validation studies, or for proof of mechanism clinical studies are encouraged. Successful applicants will be given access to the NeuroNEXT infrastructure to support the efficient implementation of the proposed study at multiple sites and statistical and data management.
If you are interested, please schedule a meeting to discuss your proposal with the NeuroNEXT Study Team. This opportunity is ongoing until 2028.
- Benefits of Partnering with NeuroNEXT
- Applying for a NeuroNEXT Grant
- Contact: Mysha Sissine, Program Manager
NIH
Professional Associations and Societies
Please refer to the individual Program or Funding Opportunity Announcement for deadline information.
- American Cancer Society
- The Triological Society
- American Heart Association
- American Gastroenterological Association
- American Federation for Aging Research
- Alzheimer's Association
- ALS Association
- American Diabetes Association
- Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
- Thoracic Surgery Foundation for Research and Education
- Society for Pediatric Dermatology
Additional Resources
Listed below are some quick ways to find external funding opportunities through search mechanisms and announcement listservs.
Additional Resources
- For detailed information on funding opportunities, search www.grants.gov with keywords related to your research interests.
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- NIH Career Development Awards (K-Series)
- Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI)
- Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
- National Science Foundation (NSF)
- North Carolina Biotechnology Center