The Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation (HNF) seeks to advance preclinical research as quickly as possible through its Therapeutic Research In Accelerated Discovery (TRIAD) Program. There is no application deadline. All submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Award details

  • Duration: Typically one year, with the possibility of a 12-month no-cost extension (requiring prior written HNF approval). Multi-year proposals may be considered depending on the research project and milestones met.
  • Award amount: Typical direct-cost awards range from $50,000 to $100,000 per year. Exceptional proposals with higher budgets may be considered. Multiple funding sources are encouraged and should be identified in the letter of intent. Per HNF policy, indirect institutional support is not provided.
  • Eligibility: Open globally to researchers, clinicians, and industry partners. Academic medical centers, universities, and nonprofit and for-profit research organizations are all encouraged to apply. Funding for biotechnology companies is typically structured as a venture philanthropy collaboration with a return on investment based on agreed deliverables.

Application process

HNF treats its application process as interactive and encourages collaboration and discussion before a formal submission. Interested parties should contact HNF via Dr. Lucia Notterpek, HNF Chief Scientific Officer, through the contact form on the HNF website before submitting a letter of intent or full application.

Letter of intent

Submit a 1-2 page letter of intent (PDF format) directly to Dr. Notterpek and copy HNF CEO Allison Moore via the contact forms on the HNF website. The letter should highlight the specific aims of the project and the milestones expected after each phase, along with anticipated timelines. Identify any collaborations with companies or institutions that may advance findings or co-fund the project. HNF will evaluate alignment with its mission and objectives and will generally respond within four weeks. If accepted, you will be invited to submit a full proposal for review by HNF’s Scientific Advisors.

Full proposal requirements

  1. Lay summary
  2. Scientific summary, rationale, and overall objectives
  3. Specific aims
  4. Background, including supporting literature and any preliminary results
  5. Availability of tools and personnel to conduct the proposed research
  6. Experimental plan with measurable milestones and quarterly progress reports to HNF
  7. Gantt chart for the timeframe for completion of the experimental plan
  8. Budget justification, including personnel effort on the project
  9. Disclosure of any proposed work already funded by another advocacy group or funding agency
  10. NIH biosketches for key research team members
  11. Two letters of support