CMT Research Foundation (CMTRF) 2025–2026 Research Funding Opportunity

CMT Research Foundation (CMTRF) 2025–2026 Research Funding Opportunity

The CMT Research Foundation (CMTRF) is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating the discovery of treatments and cures for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). Through strategic investments in high-impact scientific projects, CMTRF bridges the gap between early-stage research and real-world therapies, ensuring that discoveries in the lab move efficiently toward patient benefit.

Founded with a clear mission to drive measurable progress within our lifetime, CMTRF collaborates with top universities, biotechnology firms, and medical research institutions worldwide. Its funding strategy is focused on innovation, collaboration, and translation — turning promising ideas into tangible therapeutic outcomes.

Funding Overview

The foundation invites applications from academic researchers, non-profit organizations, and biotechnology companies conducting studies aligned with its mission. CMTRF supports projects that directly contribute to therapeutic development or enable progress toward clinical application for any subtype of CMT.

Key Funding Details:

Average Award Amount: USD 100,000 – 200,000 per year (larger budgets may be considered for exceptional proposals)
Award Duration: 1–3 years, with potential for renewal based on milestones and progress
Eligible Applicants:
- Academic and medical research institutions
- Non-profit and for-profit research organizations
- Biotechnology companies pursuing CMT-related therapeutics

Funding may be awarded to for-profit entities when their proposals align with CMTRF’s goals. Co-funding or cost-sharing arrangements with other partners are strongly encouraged to maximize research impact.

Priority Research Areas

CMTRF supports a wide range of projects that contribute to therapeutic innovation, including:

Development of treatments for all CMT subtypes
Translational research that bridges discovery and preclinical or clinical readiness
Collaborative projects between academic institutions and biotech industry partners
Studies addressing key barriers to drug development or repurposing

Applicants are encouraged to review the foundation’s current research priorities on the CMTRF website before submission.

Application Process and Deadlines

Applications follow a two-stage process consisting of a Letter of Intent (LOI) followed by a Full Proposal (by invitation only).

Quarterly Submission Deadlines (2025–2026):

Q1: December 17, 2025
Q2: February 18, 2026
Q3: May 20, 2026
Q4: August 12, 2026

Applicants are advised to submit their LOIs at least six weeks before the target deadline to ensure adequate review time. Late submissions may be deferred to the next funding cycle.

Step 1: Letter of Intent (LOI)

The LOI should be 1–2 pages and submitted as a PDF through the online portal. It must include:

A brief overview of project objectives and expected milestones
Description of potential collaborations or co-funding arrangements
Statement on how the project aligns with CMTRF’s mission and priorities

After submission, the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) reviews LOIs and issues invitations for full proposals within approximately three weeks.

Submit LOI via the CMTRF Online Portal: Submit LOI Here

Step 2: Full Proposal (By Invitation)

Invited applicants must prepare a detailed proposal that includes:

Lay Summary and Scientific Rationale
Specific Aims and Background
Preliminary Data and Experimental Plan
Budget and Justification (with ≤10% indirect costs)
Gantt Chart or Work Plan
NIH Biosketches and Other Support Documents

Applicants typically receive feedback within 3–8 weeks of full proposal submission.

Emerging Researcher Award

To foster early-stage innovation, CMTRF also offers the Emerging Researcher Award, designed to support students and early-career scientists exploring novel CMT-related ideas.

Two tracks are available:

Predoctoral Grants: For PhD or MD students conducting research relevant to CMT.
Pilot Grants: For postdoctoral fellows and early-career investigators in academia or industry.

These awards aim to help emerging scientists generate preliminary data for future large-scale funding and promote academic-industry collaborations.

For more information, visit the Emerging Researcher Award page on the CMTRF website.

Evaluation and Selection

The CMTRF evaluation process emphasizes both scientific rigor and translational potential. All proposals are reviewed by the Scientific Advisory Board, which includes academic and industry experts in CMT research.

Applications are assessed based on:

Relevance to CMT therapy development
Innovation and feasibility
Quality of experimental design and milestones
Collaboration potential across disciplines or institutions
Expected impact on patients and the field

Funding Terms and Reporting

Funding is milestone-based, and continued support depends on satisfactory progress and outcomes. Awardees must:

Submit regular progress and financial reports
Adhere to reporting schedules defined in the funding agreement
Demonstrate clear advancement toward translational or clinical outcomes

Indirect costs are capped at 10% of the total project budget.

Why Apply

The CMT Research Foundation provides more than financial support — it offers partnership, strategic guidance, and access to a network of global experts. The program is ideal for scientists aiming to translate cutting-edge discoveries into real-world therapies that can improve the lives of those affected by Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

By applying, researchers join a community dedicated to accelerating progress in one of the most underfunded yet critical areas of neuromuscular disease research.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should:

Prepare and submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) through the CMTRF online portal.
Upon invitation, develop and submit a full proposal including all required materials.
Submit before the next quarterly deadline (December 17, 2025).

Apply here: Access the CMTRF Portal

Contact Information

For program or application-related inquiries, contact:
Kate Andersh
Email: kate.andersh@cmtrf.org

Visit www.cmtrf.org for additional details, research priorities, and upcoming funding opportunities.

Deadline: December 17, 2025 (next round)
Funding Amount: USD 100,000–200,000 per year (1–3 years)

This funding opportunity provides a rare chance to advance scientific innovation and accelerate the development of meaningful therapies for CMT patients worldwide.