Below is a list of frequently asked questions that pertain to Foundation policies, grant-making, and the application process. It is strongly encouraged that all prospective Awardees review this list before initiating an application.
Q: How do I apply for a grant Award?
A: All grant-making activity is managed via a web-based portal, grant management system, and all communications related to the application process must be received electronically via this system. Eligibility and registration fields must be completed and receive approval before any applicant submission.
Q: What steps are required, and how long does the process take?
A: After Registration, the application process is essentially a two-step process, involving a Letter of Intent (LOI), and if invited, a Formal Proposal. In general, the entire process may take 90-120 days for final approval and awarding of a grant. A list of due dates for applications can be found here: Mathers Grant Review Process.
Q: What is the typical grant award duration?
A: Grant commitments cannot exceed 3 years.
Q: What type of budget information is required for the proposal?
A: As part of the proposal process, we require itemized budget justification, providing detailed costs of investigators’ salaries, laboratory supplies, equipment, etc. Indirect costs may not exceed 10%. Any equipment purchases should be itemized in the proposal. (see below).
Q: Can the Foundation’s funds be used to purchase capital equipment for the investigation?
A: There is a wide range of equipment which may be utilized during any research project. The Foundation’s grant award is not intended to be utilized for purchasing capital equipment (“bricks-and-mortar”) for the lab and is intended only to support the actual investigation. It is the Foundation’s assumption and expectation that capital equipment must be provided by the research institution or university.
Q: Does the Foundation support interdisciplinary projects?
A: As technology continues to advance, it is apparent that investigations in the area of basic science and translational research may become more and more reliant on collaborative, interdisciplinary projects. It is important to note that any interdisciplinary project proposals may require additional information regarding collaborator(s)’ achievements, and relevant expertise.
Q: Does the Foundation support renewals of grants?
A: The expectation is that an investigation will be completed within the requested duration of the grant (up to 3 years). If the investigation has not been completed, and there are still funds available, a no-cost extension may be requested. If at the end of the grant term, the aims of the project have not been met, an explanation should be provided to the Foundation. (The primary investigator is urged to consider a proposed modification of the project’s original aims to prevent such a situation from occurring). It is strongly advised that any re-application for grant renewal consider a new direction based on prior research, or emphasize some new potential translational aspects, and not merely an extension of previously funded research.
Q: What are the Foundation’s current areas of interest?
A: Immunology, microbiome, genomics, structural biology, cellular physiology, neuroscience, etc. are some noteworthy examples of current research support.
Q: What types of research projects does the Foundation support?
A: The Foundation primarily supports basic science, ideally with potential translational applications. The Foundation does not support clinical or drug discovery.