Type and Scope of Funded Trials

These annual awards provide up to $1,000,000 over 2 to 3 years, allocated based on milestones, to support trials that: 

• Are in the early to mid-phase of clinical testing (phase 1 or phase 2a). 
• Include people living with genetic or sporadic forms of ALS, healthy subjects, and/or asymptomatic carriers of ALS-linked genetic mutations. 
• Are testing novel or repurposed approaches for ALS (either disease-modifying or symptomatic), including small molecules, genetic therapies, stem cell approaches, peptides, antibodies, and antisense therapies. 

Explore Previously Funded Trials

Application and Review Process

A request for applications is launched each year, usually around December. Application materials then go through a rigorous, structured, and deliberative review process. The main steps in this process are: 

• Researchers submit a short letter of intent, around 1–2 pages, describing the scope of the proposed trial, novelty of the idea, and how it aligns with the Association’s priorities. 
• Association staff reviews letters of intent, selecting projects that align with the original request for applications. 
• Selected researchers are invited to submit a full proposal, approximately 14 pages, that details the therapeutic under investigation, scientific plan, research team, business plan, and budget. 
• Full proposals are peer-reviewed, critiqued, and scored by a Scientific Review Committee made up of independent external experts. 
• Selected proposals are submitted to the Research Committee of the Association’s Board of Trustees for review, discussion, and final approval, including funding amount. 
• Award decisions are typically made approximately 6 months after the initial launch. 

Learn More About Our Review Process

Grant Management 

Once a trial is approved for funding, designated Association staff will: 

• Notify the selected researcher. 
• Develop, negotiate, and issue a contract that outlines milestones, expectations, and approved uses for the grant. 
• Monitor progress and issue grant payments once milestones are reached. 

Grantees will be expected to adhere to the Association’s grant award terms and conditions. This includes: 

• Establishing and maintaining effective internal controls to ensure the grant award will be used in compliance with the stated requirements. 
• Agreeing to perform the project as proposed. 
• Prudently managing the award and conducting the trial in accordance with its provisions. 
• Seeking approval by the Association for any adjustment to grant-funded projects or aims prior to the change. 

More Information for Grant Applicants

Key Dates

• LOI Deadline (CLOSED): January 25, 2024, 5 p.m. US ET 
• Full Proposal Due (by invitation only): April 12, 2024, 5 p.m. US ET 
• Anticipated Award Decision: June 2024 
• Anticipated Earliest Start Date: July 2024 

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