The Immune Deficiency Foundation research grants are funded in large part by proceeds from the foundation’s Walk and Community Days.
The Research Grant Program has been developed to encourage and support patient-oriented research on primary immunodeficiencies (PIs). The intent of the grant is to support well-defined research projects that have a specified benefit for improving the treatment, health, disease management, or diagnosis of persons with PI. Consideration will also be given to studies that contribute to the body of medical knowledge in PI.
The program is open to applicants currently based in the U.S. and will consist of one-year grants.
- Award value: $25,000-$50,000.
- The Michael Blaese Research Grant Award is given to the highest-scored application in each cycle.
Eligibility criteria
- Academic researchers in science and medicine (M.D., D.O., Ph.D., RN) with an interest in or currently pursuing a career in primary immunodeficiency and research are particularly encouraged to apply.
- Note that medical students, graduate students, residents, fellows, and other professional school students can apply, as long as they have the support of an appropriate mentor. Please ensure that you provide a letter of support from the academic mentor as well as their NIH biosketch clearly demonstrating their support of the research project, mentorship, and supervision.
- Individuals employed by federal government agencies or departments are not eligible.
- Because this program focuses on patient-oriented research on primary immunodeficiencies, no proposals using animal models will be funded.
- Only non-commercial proposals will be considered for funding.
- No funds are provided for institutional overhead.
- Only one submission per applicant.
Review criteria
Applications will be judged on significance, defined as direct relevance to persons with primary immunodeficiency and to needs particularly relevant to underserved populations. Approach will be assessed for scientific rigor. Investigator qualifications will be considered, as will facilities, including institutional support and access to patients with primary immunodeficiency and/or their data.
Application deadline
September 14, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Awardee responsibilities
Awardees will provide a scientific summary at the end of the grant period and a copy of a submitted work product (manuscript, abstract, poster presentation, etc.) with Immune Deficiency Foundation support acknowledged. Any funds not utilized will be returned to the foundation.
Any questions may be directed to Julie Magnusson at jmagnusson@primaryimmune.org.
Application checklist
Use the PDF application. Please limit characters to the space given in the PDF application with a font size no less than 11. For attachments, be sure to use Calibri Light, size 11 font, and 1” margins. The assembled application should be no more than 15 pages.
- Abstract (½ page).
- Specific aims (1 page).
- Background/Significance (½ page).
- Approach, including research design and methods (2 pages).
- Budget and justification (1 page).
- References (½ page).
- Letters of support (3 pages total).
- NIH biosketches (2 pages each, with no more than 3 biosketches included).
The application must be downloaded by clicking the button below, assembled into a single PDF, and submitted electronically at https://primaryimmune.org/advancing-pi-research-and-clinical-care/research-grant-program.
