Crack the Code on “Innovation” Grants

WELCOME GRANTSEEKERS.

This month, let’s talk about a word that shows up in nearly every grant announcement these days: innovation.

And yet, it’s the one word that trips people up the most.

If you’ve ever read an RFP and thought:
“Is my work really innovative enough?”

You’re not alone. Before you close your browser tab and scrap your grant application, let’s take a closer look at your work.

The truth is, innovation isn’t just for billion-dollar biotech startups or labs with Nobel Prizes.

Sometimes it’s a new way to do an old thing. Sometimes it’s a better fit for the people you serve. Sometimes it’s a remix of a signature program that serves a new group of people.

In this issue, I’m breaking down:

• What funders really mean when they say “innovation”

• The different forms it can take (especially in research and public health)

• Plus, I’ve created a free worksheet to help you write an innovation statement that makes reviewers say “Yes, please.”

• And of course, there’s plenty of fresh new funding opportunities to go around.

Ready? Let’s dive in,

Melanie

New Funding Opportunities Just Dropped👇

YOUR MONTHLY GRANT ROUND-UP

• Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation: Women’s Health in Midlife

  • Eligibility: U.S.-based non-profits

  • Deadline: August 15 (LOI)

  • What They’re Funding: Establishment or enhancement of a Clinical Center of Excellence to treat and conduct research on perimenopause, menopause, and related midlife health issues. Includes telehealth and training components

• Alpha Phi Foundation: Heart to Heart Grant

  • Eligibility: U.S. or Canadian nonprofits (research institutions & community organizations)

  • Deadline: October 31

  • What They’re Funding: Research, education, programming, and outreach focused on women’s heart health

• Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance: Early Detection Research

  • Eligibility: U.S.-based researchers, not limited to Minnesota

  • Deadline: September 2

  • What They’re Funding: Research focused on improving early detection methods for ovarian cancer. For research teams and institutions.

• College of American Pathologists Foundation: See. Test. Treat.

  • Eligibility: U.S.-based board-certified pathologist partnered with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

  • Deadline: September 2

  • What They’re Funding: Projects improving pathology services, including screening, testing, and treatment improvements in diagnostic workflows.

• SAGES Education & Research Foundation: Minimal Access Surgical Methods Research Grant

  • Eligibility:501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6)

  • Deadline: September 5

  • What They’re Funding: Research into minimally invasive surgical techniques and methods.

• National Ataxia Foundation: Research Seed Money

  • Eligibility: U.S.-based research institutions.

  • Deadline: August 15 (LOI)

  • What They’re Funding: Pilot projects exploring novel interventions, biomarkers, diagnostics, or therapeutic approaches for ataxia.

• Foundation for Prader-Willi Research: Research Applications

  • Eligibility: Academic, government, nonprofit, and for-profit.

  • Deadline: September 5 (LOI)

  • What They’re Funding: Basic or translational research related to understanding or treating Prader-Willi.

    Psst…did you miss last month’s funding opp drop? There’s plenty more solicitations still open!

    Check it out here 

Feature Story

Think You’re Not Innovative? Think Again.

A short guide to decoding what “innovation” actually means in funding + some strategies for framing your innovation so it’s successful.

Click to read the full article. 

Thanks for reading, I’ll see you next month with new funding insights!

Until next time,

Melanie

P.S. Curious about a grant? Want to introduce yourself? Reply directly to this email, I read every message!