Concept Paper Format

Concept papers are due June 1 and December 1 of each year. If these dates fall on a weekend, the papers are due the next business day. Determination of interest in receiving a full proposal is generally made within two weeks. Notification will be made to the primary contact via U.S. mail.

The Concept paper provides a brief summary of the project, enabling the Foundation to assess how well the proposed researcher fits with the Foundation’s interests. Both lay and medical professionals will review the concept paper. Medical jargon should be limited, where feasible.

The concept paper  format should include a cover letter, contact page and 2-page concept paper (12 point type). The letter enables the Foundation staff and Trustees to determine the relevance of the proposed project to the Foundation's programs and to provide advice on whether to submit a full proposal.

• The cover letter should be written by a senior official of the applying organization or from the department chair to which the principal investigator is assigned. The letter should include a brief introduction to the investigator(s), the goals of their research and why they feel this project is a fit with The Gerber Foundation.
• The contact page should include at least a primary and secondary contact with name, title, address, phone, fax and email information. The designated primary contact will receive results of the concept paper review by email.
• The concept paper (2 pages) should include the following:
• Administrative information:
• Project title
• Principal Investigator
• Length of study (Maximum 3 years)
• Estimated total cost (Does not need to be itemized)
• Number of subjects to be studied
• Age range of subjects
• Hypothesis(es) and objectives: State the specific hypothesis(es) to be tested. Describe objectives or aims of the proposed research.
• Study design: Describe the basic design of the study, including information about study groups, measures and sample collection and primary outcomes to be evaluated.
• Potential impact: Discuss expected outcomes and the ways findings are expected to improve the health and nutrition of infants and young children. Include a projection of the number of years before findings may result in significant changes in practice or influence the health and nutrition of infants and young children.
• Scientific references are not necessary for the concept paper.
• Concept papers may be submitted:
  • online
  • emailed to tgf@ncresa.org in a Word or PDF format
  • faxed to 231.924.7906
  • or mailed to: The Gerber Foundation, 4747 W. 48th Street, Suite 153, Fremont, MI, 49412-8119

Individuals seeking assistance with their concept paper may contact the Foundation at any time.