How It Works
Studies funded with the seed grants provide preliminary data on drugs, devices, or medical foods that researchers may then use to attract funding from government or industry sponsors to pursue further clinical studies. In at least 2 cases, these grants have resulted ultimately in FDA-approved treatments for patients.
How Grants Are Awarded
Awards are based solely on scientific merit, as determined by the NORD Medical Advisory Committee, rare disease medical experts who generously donate their time to help NORD provide this program on behalf of the rare disease patient community.
Our grand selection process follows those of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and is unbiased and independent. Read the full research grant policy.
How Grants Are Funded
Grants are funded largely by donors and patient advocacy organizations. In many cases, they are the only source of funding for the study of specific rare diseases.
- NORD will accept gifts restricted to research grant funds in support of a specific rare disease (or group of related rare diseases) or to NORD’s general research grant fund.
- Because medical research is costly, a minimum amount of $62,500 U.S. is required to fund one grant in support of a specific rare disease (or group of related rare diseases).
- Donors interested in establishing a research grant fund with a donation below the threshold of $62,500 will be required to sign a pledge agreement. If gifts less than $62,500 are received but no pledge agreement is signed, donated funds will be applied to related rare disease research priorities funds. If no related rare disease research funds are identified, donated funds will be allocated to NORD’s general research grant fund.
- Interested donors must contact [email protected] to discuss restricted donations prior to providing funding.
Donate to a research fund