Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can our organization submit more than one concept paper at a time?

Yes. Organizations may submit as many concept papers at a time as they wish. Selection of concept papers are based upon the overall quality of the research and a determination of best fit with the Foundation’s goals. Only one concept paper per PI will be considered during any given cycle.

2. What are your deadlines?

Concept papers are due on May 15 or November 15 of each year. If a full proposal is requested, deadlines are August 15 and February 15, respectively.

3. Who reviews concept papers?

Concept papers are reviewed by a subcommittee of the board. This subcommittee includes lay as well as medical professionals.

4. How soon after submitting a concept paper will I hear if I have been selected to submit a full proposal?

You should expect to receive word on the outcome of the review by the end of June or December.

5. If I am selected to submit a full proposal, when will the full proposal be due?

Full proposals are due by February 15th and August 15th of each year by 4:00 pm Eastern time.

6. Are there any size and duration limitations to grants?

Awards and time periods vary depending upon the specific project. Research projects may be no longer than 3 years in length. Total grant size should be no more than $350,000.

7. What is your allowable F&A or in-directs on a grant?

The in-direct costs are limited to no more than 10% (included in the total amount).  In-directs applied to a subcontract may not be duplicated on the full grant.

8. Do you fund basic science research?

Laboratory studies are funded occasionally. However, we expect that the basic science is a preliminary step required to support a clinical trial and that a clinical study will follow shortly after the funded project is completed.

9. Do you fund projects in which the research will be conducted outside of the United States?

The researcher must be U.S. based.  Projects taking place outside of the U.S. may be funded on occasion and at the discretion of the Trustees. The case must be made for conducting the research outside of the United States. Results must provide a benefit to children in the United States.

10. Who reviews full proposals?

Proposals are initially reviewed by a subcommittee assigned to that project. Expert reviewers are utilized during this initial review as needed. Proposals of high quality are then reviewed by the full board. Wherever possible, the proposal should be geared toward the lay reader.

11. How many grants are awarded each year?

The number of grants awarded depends on the overall size of projects selected. Generally 10-15 are selected each year for approval. The approval rate for each grant cycle is 50-70%.

12. Are there limitations to the amount of salary support provided by a grant?

Yes, the base salary is capped at the current NIH salary cap level. In addition, PI and Co-PI time supported on the grant is limited to no more than 30%

13. Do you claim Intellectual Property rights?

We do not lay claim to any IP rights in the research we fund.

14. Do you require participation in open science initiatives?

While we applaud and encourage these activities, we currently do not require them.  We do encourage the researcher to preregister the project, share data, and publish in an open source journal.

15. How is The Gerber Foundation related to Gerber Products Company?

The Gerber Foundation is not related to Gerber Products Company in any way. The Foundation is a private, independent foundation.