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Funding Opportunity for Innovative Ideas from All Employees
Do you have an idea that could help our patients or improve the way we do things? Do you need time or funding to make that happen? We have a great opportunity for you!
Award Amounts: $1,000-$50,000
Application Deadline: March 14, 2025
The Catalyst Grant Program at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab accelerates our vision “to be the global source of science-driven breakthroughs in human ability.” These grants support projects that enhance translational research, foster innovation, and vary in financial support and complexity.
There are six Catalyst Grant categories—Project, Quality Improvement, Mentorship, Foundational 1, Foundational 2, and the Renewal Grant. Please be sure to read the following information carefully and select the most appropriate type for your idea.
SPECIAL PROJECT GRANT OPPORTUNITY FOR THIS RFA
This Catalyst Grant cycle offers a special opportunity to fund 1-2 Project Grants focused on the care and rehabilitation of people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Applicants with ideas related to MS are strongly encouraged to apply.
Eligibility and Application Information
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1) Every application must include a researcher/QI mentor and non-researcher (clinician or non-clinician). Individuals who participate do not need to have previous research experience, but must have a research partner. If you need assistance identifying a research partner, please contact Melissa Briody by February 14, 2025.
2) See the Catalyst Grant Types below to determine the best grant type for your idea. Applicants should complete the application appropriate to their grant submission.
3) Application resources available below.
4) Application forms specific to each grant category are located below.
5) Proposals will be reviewed by a committee composed of senior SRAlab faculty. The Review Committee is authorized to examine and modify budgets for any/all grant types, as is determined appropriate.
Catalyst Grant Types
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| Grant | Description | Funding | Timeline | Deliverables |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PROJECT Grant | A product, device or project that is easy to develop and implement and produces rapid results. | $1,000-$10,000 | 6-12 months | ▪ New product, device, process, or intervention ▪ Presentation (internal/external) |
| QUALITY IMPROVEMENT Grant | Leads to a clinical or research process quality improvement. | $10,000-$25,000 | 12-18 months | ▪ A positive change in processes or outcomes ▪ Presentation (internal/external) |
| MENTORSHIP Grant | Involves mentorship from experienced researcher to support an applicant’s professional research development. | $10,000-$25,000 | 12-18 months | ▪ Evidence of research skill development and future research involvement ▪ Presentation (external) ▪ Publication (highly recommended) - Abstract - Manuscript |
| FOUNDATIONAL 1 Grant | Develops a translational research idea that results in a presentation to a national audience and a publication. | $10,000-$25,000 | 12-18 months | ▪ Presentation (external) ▪ Publication - Abstract - Manuscript |
| FOUNDATIONAL 2 Grant | Develops a translational research idea that results in presentation to a national audience, publication, and application for significant extramural grant funding. | $25,000-$50,000 | 18-24 months | ▪ Presentation (external) ▪ Publication - Abstract - Manuscript ▪ External grant application |
| RENEWAL GRANT (new for 2025) | Based on the success of a previously funded Catalyst Grant, a renewal amplifies impact, expands the project’s scope, and/or further advances its outcomes. | $1,000-$10,000 | 6-12 months | ▪ Specific to project ▪ Stated by applicant in proposal |
Catalyst Grant Application Forms
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Download the application form specific to the type of Catalyst Grant you are applying for (i.e., Project, Quality Improvement, Mentorship, Foundational 1, Foundational 2, Renewal Grant). Complete the form as a Word document, convert to a single PDF file, and submit by March 14, 2025, 11:59 pm CST.
2025 Project Grant Application Form
2025 Quality Grant Application Form
2025 Mentorship Grant Application Form
2025 Foundational 1 Grant Application Form
2025 Foundational 2 Grant Application Form
2025 Renewal Grant Application Form
Catalyst Grant Submission Checklist
Application Resources
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The resources below are intended to provide general guidance as you develop your application. Please note the application examples are from previous Catalyst Grant cycles. Make sure to follow the specific guidelines for the 2025 Catalyst Grant Application and use the application form specific to each grant category.
Catalyst Grants 101 - A Quickstart Guide to Catalyst Grants
Catalyst Grant Program Applicant Roles & Responsibilities
Example Grant Budget A
Example Grant Budget B
Quality Improvement Framework
Project Grant Application - Example 1
Project Grant Application - Example 2
Project Grant Application - Example 3
Project Grant Application - Example 4
Project Grant Application - Example 5
Project Grant Application - Example 6
Quality Improvement Grant - Example 1
Quality Improvement Grant - Example 2
Quality Improvement Grant - Example 3
Mentorship Grant - Example 1
Mentorship Grant - Example 2
Mentorship Grant - Example 3
Mentorship Grant - Example 4
Foundational Grant - Example 1
Foundational Grant - Example 2
Foundational Grant - Example 3
Research 101
Video Series
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Check out our latest presentations from the Fall 2024 MR3 Scientific Retreat, showcasing the success of our Catalyst Grant Program! This video series offers a brief overview of the program’s beginnings, grant types, success stories, outcomes and future directions. Watch it here:
- Fueling Innovation Background and Context for Catalyst Grants (3 minutes)
- Grant Types and Examples of Funded Projects (6 minutes)
- Outcomes-Measuring Success of Catalyst Grants (2 minutes)
- Lessons Learned-Insights to Success for Catalyst Grants (3 minutes)
- Future Directions Igniting the Next Phase of Catalyst Grants (2 minutes)
- Fueling Innovation Catalyst Grants (16 minutes)
Come to Catalyst Grant Office Hours!
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If you have questions…come chat with us! There will be weekly drop-in sessions until the March 14 deadline where you can talk about your ideas, receive guidance and make connections. Scientific and clinical leaders will rotate attendance.
Add Reminders to Your Outlook Calendar
- Click the links to download an iCalendar (.ics) appointment.
- Click the .ics file after it downloads to open the Outlook appointment.
- Click “Save & Close” to add the event to your personal calendar.
Please note: If details for events — such as dates, times and rooms — change, event reminders will not automatically update in Outlook. Check Inside Look for any updates.
For questions, contact Bridget Fowler King, project manager, Research, at bfowler@sralab.org, or Melissa Briody, senior project manager, Research, at mbriody@sralab.org. |