DoW Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Research Program, Therapeutic Idea Award
Can you apply?
This grant is for early-stage ALS research focusing on novel therapeutic concepts and approaches. Eligible applicants include research institutions, universities, medical centers, and nonprofit research organizations with appropriate infrastructure and expertise. The program supports investigators from academia, government laboratories, and industry. International collaborations are permitted with appropriate oversight.
Funding supports exploratory and developmental research on ALS mechanisms, drug discovery, and therapeutic innovation. Projects should target novel biological targets or repurposed compounds with translational potential. Preliminary data requirement is minimal, supporting high-risk, high-reward ideas.
Grants are open to U.S. institutions and organizations. Principal investigators must have appropriate qualifications and research credentials. Applications from new investigators are encouraged.
Program description
Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Research Program (ALSRP) Therapeutic Idea Award (TIA) supports new, innovative, high-risk, high-gain ideas aimed at amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) drug or therapy discovery. The studies supported by this award mechanism are expected to be hypothesis-driven and generate preliminary data for future avenues of therapeutic investigation.
Distinctive Features: Potential impact and innovation are important features of the TIA. Applications may demonstrate the ability to achieve interpretable results in the absence of preliminary data supporting the hypothesis. While the inclusion of preliminary data is not prohibited, the strength of the application should rely on the approach.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Federal Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative and Statement of Work
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches of key personnel
- Institutional Biosketches (if applicable)
- Letters of Institutional Commitment
- Letters of Collaboration (if multi-institutional)
- Research and Related (R&R) Senior Key Personnel Documents
Program contact
- 👤 Jamie Shortall Grant Officer
- 📧 help@eBRAP.org
- 📞 301-619-2393
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 12.420 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$2,265,729,366
-
$800,631,761
-
$74,531,880
-
$67,205,571
-
$53,718,832
-
$34,191,124
-
$24,907,742
-
$21,394,379
-
$19,100,256
-
$19,002,641
Top States by Funding
- MD 10 awards $3,150.1M
- NC 11 awards $132.3M
- FL 8 awards $99.8M
- CA 11 awards $99.3M
- MA 7 awards $75.2M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 12.420). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,483,968,520 | |
| 2025 | $1,201,153,417 |
FAQ
What types of organizations can apply?
Research institutions, academic medical centers, universities, and nonprofits with research capability can apply. Industry partners and government labs are also eligible if they meet organizational requirements.
What research areas does this grant support?
Novel therapeutic concepts for ALS, including drug discovery, mechanism studies, and repurposed compounds. High-risk, early-stage ideas with translational potential are prioritized.
Is preliminary data required?
No. This award is designed for exploratory ideas with minimal or no preliminary data. Strong scientific rationale is more important than existing results.
How long can projects last?
Therapeutic Idea Awards typically provide one to two years of funding for concept development and initial validation work.
What's the funding range?
Award amounts vary; typically ranging from $150,000 to $350,000 depending on project scope. Check the specific NOFO for exact limits.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Frame your idea as novel and addressing an unmet need in ALS therapy. Explain why your approach differs from existing treatments.
- Emphasize scientific rigor and feasibility despite early stage. Show clear milestones for the project period.
- Highlight your team's expertise in ALS, drug development, or relevant basic science. Include letters of support from collaborators.
- DoD values transition-to-human potential. Describe a clear pathway from proof-of-concept to clinical application or further funding.
- Keep the narrative focused and concise. Reviewers appreciate clarity over length in early-stage grant proposals.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Not clearly explaining why the idea is novel compared to existing ALS therapies. Asking for scope or budget too large for a therapeutic idea stage award.
Providing insufficient detail on research methodology or feasibility within the project period. Failing to describe realistic milestones and deliverables.
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