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NORD Rare Disease Research Grant Program is sponsored by National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). NORD's Research Grants provide seed funding to academic scientists for translational or clinical studies that advance the development of potential new diagnostics or treatments for rare diseases. The program prioritizes diseases with few other funding sources.
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Research Grant Program | NORD IAMRARE® Program Powered by NORD Frequently Asked Questions Data Standards for Rare Disease Continuing Medical Education (CME) IAMRARE® Program Powered by NORD Frequently Asked Questions Data Standards for Rare Disease Continuing Medical Education (CME) NORD Rare Disease Grant Program NORD Research Grants provide seed grants to academic scientists for translational or clinical studies that further development of potential new diagnostics or treatments of rare diseases.
The grants are competitive and international. Studies funded with the seed grants provide preliminary data on drugs, devices, or medical foods that researchers may then use to attract funding from government or industry sponsors to pursue further clinical studies. In at least 2 cases, these grants have resulted ultimately in FDA-approved treatments for patients.
Awards are based solely on scientific merit, as determined by the NORD Medical Advisory Committee, rare disease medical experts who generously donate their time to help NORD provide this program on behalf of the rare disease patient community. Our grand selection process follows those of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and is unbiased and independent. Read the full research grant policy.
Grants are funded largely by donors and patient advocacy organizations. In many cases, they are the only source of funding for the study of specific rare diseases. NORD will accept gifts restricted to research grant funds in support of a specific rare disease (or group of related rare diseases) or to NORD’s general research grant fund.
Because medical research is costly, a minimum amount of $62,500 U.S. is required to fund one grant in support of a specific rare disease (or group of related rare diseases). Donors interested in establishing a research grant fund with a donation below the threshold of $62,500 will be required to sign a pledge agreement.
If gifts less than $62,500 are received but no pledge agreement is signed, donated funds will be applied to related rare disease research priorities funds. If no related rare disease research funds are identified, donated funds will be allocated to NORD’s general research grant fund. Interested donors must contact [email protected] to discuss restricted donations prior to providing funding.
Donate to a research fund For Patients & Caregivers For Clinicians & Researchers Make 2026 Count: Gift research, care, and advocacy for families everywhere Your gift today fuels progress in the lab, in clinics, on Capitol Hill and for rare families who can’t wait another year for answers. Access State Report Card Data Please complete this form to access the requested resource. Please consider sharing some basic information with us.
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According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Qualified investigators at academic institutions or similar research settings. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows $25,000 to $50,000 (specific disease areas); up to $62,500 (general program). Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
NORD Rare Disease Research Grant Program is funded by National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
Past winners and funding trends for this program
NORD Rare Disease Research Grants Program is sponsored by National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). NORD Research Grants provide seed grants to academic scientists for translational or clinical studies that further the development of potential new diagnostics or treatments of rare diseases. The grants are competitive and international. NORD accepts gifts restricted to research grant funds in support of a specific rare disease or to NORD's general research grant fund. Awards are based solely on scientific merit. This program has previously funded research for Homocystinuria and related disorders.
RareCare Patient Assistance Programs is a suite of programs from the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) that funds financial assistance for individuals living with rare diseases. Since 1987, NORD has offered programs covering life-saving medications, insurance premium and co-pay assistance, diagnostic testing, travel assistance for clinical trials or specialist consultations, caregiver respite, emergency relief, and educational support. Programs vary by rare disease and may be open for applications, waitlisting, or closed depending on current funding. Eligible applicants are individuals diagnosed with qualifying rare diseases who cannot otherwise afford critical treatments or care.
NCI Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) Academic Career Excellence (ACE) Award (K32) is a grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) that funds early postdoctoral fellows from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented groups, to pursue research training in cancer-related fields. The K32 award supports fellows within 12 months prior to transitioning into, or within the first two years of, a postdoctoral position. The program, operated through NCI's Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities (CRCHD), aims to enhance the pool of qualified diverse cancer researchers. Beginning with the June 12, 2025 due date, the CURE ACE Award is available in both Independent Clinical Trial Required and Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed versions. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents at time of award.
Innovation Grant is a grant from the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation that funds nonprofit organizations pursuing unique, high-impact projects that improve health and wellness in Arizona communities. This two-year award supports original initiatives with measurable real-world impact, including programs serving underserved and uninsured populations through oral health education, disease prevention, and nutritional access. Projects must demonstrate the potential to make a meaningful difference in the community and stand apart from conventional approaches. Eligible applicants are Arizona-based nonprofit organizations. Awards total $100,000 per recipient over two years. The 2026 application cycle closed October 16, 2025, with recipients notified in late 2025 and funding made available shortly after.
On June 2, 2026, the Department of Energy's Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation selected two demonstration-scale facilities — Phoenix Tailings (with MIT and the University of Minnesota) for $66 million, and the Colorado School of Mines (with ElementUSA, PNNL, Principal Mineral, and Rare Earth Technologies Inc.) for the balance — under the Rare Earth Elements Demonstration Facility Program. Both projects pull rare earths from industrial waste — red mud at the Gramercy refinery in Louisiana, and a mix of mine and refining tailings elsewhere. Here is what the selections tell researchers, small businesses, and downstream magnet customers about where DOE thinks the chokepoint actually is, and what to do before the next demonstration-scale solicitation opens.
Read articleOn May 19, the Department of Energy's Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation announced 19 selections under FOA 3105 — two pilot-scale facilities for magnesium and rare-earth separation, and 17 technology development projects spanning lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, silicon, and manganese. Here is what the selection list tells researchers and small businesses about where DOE wants the supply chain in 18 months — and where the next solicitations will go.
Read articleDOE's Critical Minerals and Materials Accelerator funds lithium extraction, rare earth recycling, and semiconductor-grade refining. Staggered deadlines run through July 2026.
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