Grant Process
The Countdown Grant supports innovative projects focused on developing and advancing diagnostics, therapeutics, and scientific understanding across primary and secondary mitochondrial diseases, as well as the broader range of health conditions and diseases rooted in mitochondrial dysfunction.
These pillars represent key areas where mitochondrial science has the potential to drive meaningful advances in human health.
- Grant Maximum
- $250,000
- Cycle Commences
- Apr 01, 2027
- Duration
- 12–18 months · up to 24 months with appropriate scientific justification and prior approval.
What We Fund
This program funds research with a strong translational focus and encourages collaborative, innovative approaches aligned with Countdown’s six funding pillars
Early Detection & Precision Diagnostics
Brain Energy & Cognitive Resilience
Women's Health & Hormonal Longevity
Primary Mitochondrial & Rare Genetic Disease
Chronic Disease & Aging
Advanced Therapeutics & Frontier Innovation
Letter of Intent
The Letter of Intent has an 800-word limit, requires a budget justification, and disallows indirect costs. The deadline is Friday, June 26, 2026. Submissions must clearly define the project’s translational potential, demonstrate innovation and impact, outline feasibility and team expertise. Applicants should highlight planned collaborations, mention other funding if applicable, and provide a high-level timeline and budget estimate including total funding and project duration.
*LOIs must be submitted before full proposal invitations are sent. Only selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal.
Full Proposal
The proposal must be limited to 6 pages, excluding references and appendices. It must demonstrate relevance to one of the six funding pillars: Brain Energy & Cognitive Resilience, Women’s Health & Hormonal Longevity, Primary Mitochondrial & Rare Genetic Disease, Chronic Disease & Aging, Early Detection & Precision Diagnostics, or Advanced Therapeutics & Frontier Innovation. It must also include a detailed budget and justification, a project timeline with milestones and deliverables, and an exploration of the project's innovation, feasibility, ethical considerations, and pathway to clinical use.
Due Fri, August 7, 2026Peer Review & Evaluation
Proposals are evaluated by experts in mitochondrial research, clinical practice, and related fields. Reviewers assess each application using the criteria below as a framework for evaluation. While these criteria and associated weights help guide the review process, funding recommendations are based on a comprehensive assessment of each proposal.
6–8 weeks post-submissionFinal Funding Decision
Scored 1 (Exceptional) – 7 (Very Poor). Top-ranked proposals receive funding. Appeals only for procedural errors.
Announced Sat, January 30, 2027Reviewers assess each application using the weights below. Funding is determined by comprehensive scientific judgment, not weight alone.
1 (Exceptional) → 7 (Very Poor). Appeals are only allowed for procedural errors.
-
Jun 26, 2026
LOI Deadline
4–6 weeks to invitation
-
Aug 7, 2026
Full Proposal Due
6–8 weeks post-review
-
Jan 30, 2027
Award Announcement
Evening of Energy Gala
-
Apr 1, 2027
Funding Cycle Begins
Milestone disbursement
Disbursement schedules may be adjusted based on the scope, requirements, timeline, and organizational capabilities of the applicant institution, organization, or project.
6-Month Progress Report
Must include scientific updates and a budget review.
Final 12-Month Report
Must cover impact, outcomes, and next steps.
Coordinated Funding
We coordinate with our partner organizations to verify whether the proposed work has been previously submitted or funded elsewhere. If a project has received prior support, the application must clearly demonstrate a substantial continuation of, or significant advancement beyond, the previously funded scope of work.