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. |
Voucher AwardStudies 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:
- Ignition Funding
Deadline: 5/5/2026
- Early Career Salary Support
Deadline: 7/1/2026
- Research Salary Bridge Funding
Deadline: 7/1/2026
School of Medicine and Advocate Health 2026 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 2026: 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.
The Character in Medicine Grant is hosted by Wake Forest University’s Program for Leadership and Character, which “inspires, educates, and empowers leaders of character to serve humanity.” Toward this end, the Program develops and disseminates evidence-based educational programming that supports professionals’ growth as leaders of character. The Kern Family Foundation funds the work of the Program for Leadership and Character in medical education.
Funding amount will vary from $1,000 to $30,000. Any project over $7,500 will require assessment; see more info in the Application Questions section.
Any employee of the Wake Forest University School of Medicine and/or Advocate Health System whose job responsibilities include designing, delivering, and/or assessing educational programming may apply for a Character in Medicine grant. Award recipients must be connected to an office (or resources) that will be able to carry out all of the program spending, reimbursements and budget tracking.
The Program is currently accepting applications for projects that will:
- Have a start date at least 2 months out from application submission in order to allow time for review. Review periods can take between two to six weeks.
Download Character in Medicine Grant Application.
Contact Suzanne Danhauer, PhD, Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Well-being at the Wake Forest School of Medicine, or Lauren Iley-Spear, Program for Leadership and Character in the Professional Schools, with questions.
Spring Deadlines
__________________________________________________________
2026 CTSI Element E Request for Applications
The Wake Forest Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) is now accepting applications for the 2026 Clinical and Translational Science Research Program Awards (Element E). These awards are supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) through the CTSA Program.
Element E supports innovative, highly translatable clinical and translational science projects that address significant, real-world roadblocks in translational research. Funded projects should not only advance a specific disease or intervention area, but also generate generalizable translational science innovations that can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of research across multiple settings.
The organizing theme for the 2026 cycle is: Enhancing patient engagement in translational science using innovative strategies and technologies
Projects should align with one or more of the following translational science roadblocks:
- Use of electronic health records for research
- Clinical trial recruitment
- Optimizing translation of research into practice
Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to investigators within the Advocate Health enterprise who hold a primary faculty appointment at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Cross-department collaboration is highly encouraged. However, CTSI K12 scholars who have active K12 funding during the project period are not eligible to apply, while investigators with active Ignition Funds are still eligible to participate.
Funding Details
- Project period: Two years
- Award amount: $125,000 in direct costs per year
- Maximum total funding: $250,000 per project
- All funds must be spent within the two-year project period; no-cost extensions are not permitted
Key Dates
- Letter of Intent (LOI) due: May 1, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. ET
- Invitation to submit full applications: June 2026
- Full application deadline: November 2, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. ET
- Awardees selected: December 31, 2026
- Earliest project start date: July 1, 2027
Investigators are strongly encouraged to leverage CTSI resources while developing their applications. These services are available at no cost unless otherwise noted and can be requested through the CTSI Service Request Form. Available support includes: Element E team consultations, Biostatistical support, Grant proposal editing, Informatics consultations and Research Studio sessions with multidisciplinary experts
For additional details, please view the RFA. To apply, click here.
For questions about project scope or the submission process, contact:
- Erica Hale, Program Director
- Thomas Houston, MD, MPH
- Caitlin Allen, PhD, MPH
2026 LAUNCH Program Application (Charlotte, NC / Sept 9-11, 2026)
The Center for Healthcare Innovation (CHI) is excited to announce that this year’s annual LAUNCH program is seeking innovative solutions and enablement strategies related to the Right Place of Care. The discovery/research should be focused on delivering care in the most appropriate setting—guided by clinical need, patient preference, and system efficiency—to improve outcomes, reduce waste, and enhance patient experience. Research should explore new care models or advances in AI, software, or device technology that enhance outcomes, reduce waste, and improve patient experience. The research centers and service lines are invited to submit proposals, with suggested focus areas including reducing PCP to Specialty Referral Leakage or Avoidable ED Utilization.
Please review the application requirements and timeline in the RFA. All required documents must be uploaded through REDCap. Materials sent by email, either during or after the application deadline, will not be accepted unless specifically requested by the review committee.
Submit the 2026 LAUNCH application HERE by Friday, May 1, 2026, at 5:59pm. No deadline extensions will be given.
Robert A. Winn Career Development Award (Winn CDA)
Step into the future of medical research with the Robert A. Winn Career Development Award (Winn CDA)—a transformative opportunity for early-career physicians who are ready to spark real change in their fields and communities! This two-year program isn’t just about research; it’s about igniting your potential through an immersive 4.5-day workshop, a cutting-edge curriculum focused on community engagement, and a dynamic, multi-tiered mentorship model. As a Winn CDA Scholar, you’ll collaborate with renowned leaders, shape the future of clinical trials in cancer, cardiovascular, cardiometabolic, or neuropsychiatric disease, and gain hands-on experience as both a mentee and a mentor.
Webinars for interested applicants will be held virtually January 12th, February 10th and March 11th. To register for one of the webinar sessions, please click here.
The Award
$240k over 2 years ($120K/year for 2 years) to cover a portion of the scholar’s salary — approximately 40% of their time — allowing them the protected space needed to fully engage in the program’s intensive training and research activities. (Note: Awards will be given to organizations, not to individuals). The award is intended to support the career development of the scholar; it does NOT fund the project in the application.
Eligibility
- Must have a demonstrated commitment to improving patient participation in clinical trials.
- Must be a physician (MD, DO, or international equivalent) AND have an active US medical license.
- Must be a US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
- Must focus on one of the following clinical research areas: cancer, cardiovascular or cardiometabolic diseases, or neuropsychiatry.
- Must be in the first to eighth year of a full time clinical faculty appointment.
Program Components
- At the start of the program, Winn CDA Scholars participate in a 4.5-day intensive workshop on Design and Implementation of Clinical Trials (Winn-AACR DICT Workshop).
- Then, over the course of 2 years, they engage in a Community-Oriented Clinical Trialist (COCT) curriculum that is designed to develop and train a new generation of first-rate clinical trialists with the additional knowledge, skills, and competencies to effectively engage with communities to foster active community participation in clinical and translational research.
- Tiered mentoring: scholars receive mentorship from established principal investigators at their institution (Institutional Mentors). Scholars will also receive mentorship from the Winn-AACR DICT Faculty and Program Mentors. Scholars will serve as mentors to a student participating in the Winn Clinical Investigator Pathway Program (Winn CIPP) during the summer of the first year.
Application
- To apply, click here.
- Application Deadline: May 4, 2026
Brain Research Foundations: 2027 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 2027 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 $150,000 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 8, 2026 at 11:59PM ET. Questions should be directed to Katelyn Still.
Deadlines:
- Internal Deadline: May 8, 2026 at 11:59PM ET
- Selection of External Applicant: May 18, 2026
- External Deadline: Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 4:00PM CT
Spring 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). More information can be found in the RFA.
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.
Deadlines:
- Applications Due: Friday, May 22, 2026 at 11:59PM ET
- Selection of Presenters: May 27, 2026
- Virtual Research "Shark Tank:" Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 10:30AM - 12:00PM ET
2027 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. The award amount is $250,000 over a two-year period.
Each invited institution may only submit one application to the program which meets the eligibility requirements for the 2027 Grant Cycle. Applicants must be a full-time WFUSM 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 5, 2026, at 11:59PM ET. Questions should be directed to Katelyn Still.
Deadlines:
- Internal Deadline: Friday, June 5, 2026, at 11:59PM
- Selection of Applicants: Monday, June 22, 2026
- External Deadline: Tuesday, July 7, 2026, by 12:00 PM ET
Fall Deadlines
__________________________________________________________
The Center for Prevention Science in Child and Family Health (CPSCFH) Fall Boost Award
The Center for Prevention Science in Child and Family Health (CPSCFH) is the first child research-focused program at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, and the first family- and prevention-science program in the U.S. Priority areas are: lifestyle behaviors, SDoH, and Health Services Research, and build on the success of existing research programs. View the RFA here.
Funding:
Boost awards will be $5,000 awarded twice yearly. The intended purpose of these research awards is to fund smaller pilot programs that will assist investigators in obtaining preliminary data for larger grant proposals. Proposals will be reviewed by Center members.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must be a faculty member within the Advocate system with an appointment at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
Application Process:
Boost award applications should be submitted through the online submission link. See information below for content needed for the submission. Applications are brief.
Application requirements listed below:
- Proposal must be related to the focus of the CPSCFH, and within one of its core focus areas
- Proposal must have a plan for future project development and funding
- Awardees must participate in at least one consultation with CPSCFH leadership to explore linkages and potential collaborations
- Awardees are expected to present their project at the annual research symposium sponsored by the CPSCFH
Review Criteria for Scoring:
- Quality of written application
- Describe the project significance, methodology, and plans for future funding
- Clearly stated project goals and objectives
- Feasibility of completing the project goals and objectives within the 12 month funding period
- Appropriateness of budget
Fall Submission Deadlines:
- Open: August 15, 2026
- Due: September 15, 2026
- Awarded: October 1, 2026
Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Selina Quinones.
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 Foundation Relations Team.
| Women's Health, Pediatrics | March of Dimes | Basil O'Connor Starter Scholar Research Awards |
$150,000 | 5/29/2026 |
| Geriatrics and Gerontology | Harrington Discovery Institute | ADDF-Harrington Scholars Award LOI | $600,000 | 6/1/2026 |
| Rheumatology | Rheumatology Research Foudation | Innovative Research Award LOI | $400,000 | 7/15/2026 |
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.
__________________________________________________________
Other
_______________________________________________
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