Frequently Asked Grant Application Questions:

Q. Do I need IRB approval at the time of grant submission?
A. No, but the grant will not be funded if IRB approval is not obtained by 6/30.

Q. How are collaborators (not co-investigators and not consultants) listed on the
application?
A. List them as collaborators and have a letter of collaboration in the appendix.

Q. Does the primary investigator need to have effort budgeted on the grant?
A. A primary investigator should have at least 10% effort.

Q. Explain more about the $25,000 salary plus fringe wording for new investigators.
A. The primary investigator's and co-investigator's salaries are capped at a combined total of $25,000, plus fringe benefits, per year. For established investigators, the combined total is $50,000 per year plus fringe benefits.

Q. What paperwork must accompany the applicant if we have subcontracts?
A. A letter of intent and detailed budget listed under other expenses of the detailed budget page.

Q. What is the funding cycle?
A. January to December (although first checks don't usually arrive until February.)

Q. What is the fringe benefit rate?
A. SF does not set a rate, it is established by the researcher's institution.

Q. I am applying for a new investigator grant and am coming to a fairly empty lab. I will need to hire an assistant and purchase equipment, etc. I am unable to name many specifics, such as personnel and equipment. How should I list this on the application.
A. You should list the assistant as TBN (To be Named). Equipment purchases are allowed only for new investigators and are capped at $5,000.

Q. I am currently doing a post-doc. Am I eligible for the new investigator award?
A. If you are currently a post-doctoral fellow, your fellowship must be completed by the award date and confirmation of your faculty appointment must be included.

Q. Does SF accept applications from a team of researchers?
A. No, one person must be designated as the PI and the category of the investigator (new or established depends on the PI)

Q. Do I have to submit a progress (scientific and financial) report?
A. Yes. Reports are required for continued funding. More detail on this is in the actual grant agreement. The Scleroderma Foundation's research committee will review and compare reports to submitted proposal for scientific content and scope of project.

Q. I have already submitted a grant that was not awarded. May I resubmit the grant?
A. You may resubmit a grant up to two times utilizing recommendations received from your reviews.

Q. I currently have a grant with the SF. When can I apply for another grant?
A. You must wait one year after your SF grant has ended to apply again.

Q. Is there a carryover policy?
A. Yes. A request for a carryover must be accompanied by a justification as well as a progress and financial reports. Requests may be made for no longer than six months and for no more than 20% of the annual grant award amount. Requests are reviewed by the research committee.

Q. May I take the grant with me if I move to another institution?
A. It depends. The current and new institution must agree to this and the Scleroderma Foundation must also approve the request.