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Grant Process

Countdown Grant Application Summary

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.

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

 

These pillars represent key areas where mitochondrial science has the potential to drive meaningful advances in human health.

Grant Funding Overview

Countdown awards have a funding cap of $250,000, with the funding cycle commencing on April 1, 2027. 

We will 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.

  • Funding: Applicants must specify the amount requested and provide a clear justification for how funds will be utilized in relation to the proposed scope of work.
 
  • Grant Duration:
    • Standard Project Period: 12–18 months
    • Extensions: Up to 24 months with appropriate scientific justification and prior approval.
  • Milestone-Based Fund Disbursement*:
    • 50% at project initiation
    • 25% following a satisfactory 6-month progress review
    • 25% upon submission and approval of the final report
*Disbursement schedules may be adjusted based on the scope, requirements, timeline, and organizational capabilities of the applicant institution, organization, or project.
 
Letters of Intent (LOIs) are due June 26, 2026. LOIs will be reviewed immediately following the submission deadline, and selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal. Applicants can expect notification by the first week of July 2026. Full proposals will be due August 7, 2026.

Application Process

Step 1: Letter of Intent (LOI)
  • Word Limit: 800 words
  • Budget: Justification is required; no indirect costs are allowed.
  • Deadline: Friday, June 26, 2026
  • LOI Requirements:
    • Clearly define the project’s translational potential
    • Demonstrate innovation and impact
    • Outline feasibility and team expertise
    • Highlight any planned collaborations
    • Mention other funding received for proposed project, if applicable
    • Provide a high-level project timeline and budget estimate, including total funding requested and anticipated project duration.

*LOIs must be submitted before full proposal invitations are sent. Only selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal.

Step 2: Full Proposal Submission
  • Page Limit: 6 pages (excluding references and appendices).
  • Required Components:
    • Significance and 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 | Advanced Therapeutics & Frontier Innovation
    • Innovation and feasibility.
    • Pathway to clinical application.
    • Ethical considerations.
    • Detailed budget and budget justification
    • Project timeline, including key milestones and anticipated deliverables
Step 3: Peer 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.

Review Criteria & Weights:

  • Scientific Merit: 25%
  • Impact & Relevance: 20%
  • Feasibility: 25%
  • Innovation: 20%
  • Collaboration & Technology Integration: 5%
  • Ethical Considerations: 5%
Step 4: Final Funding Decision
  • Scoring: 1 (Exceptional) – 7 (Very Poor)
  • Top-ranked proposals will receive funding.
  • Appeals are only allowed for procedural errors.

Key Dates & Deadlines

Stage Deadline Notification
LOI Submission
Accepting Letters of Intent until Friday, June 26, 2026
4-6 weeks post-submission
Full Proposal Submission
Accepting applications until Friday, August 7, 2026
6-8 weeks post-review
Funding Announcement
Annual Event (Evening of Energy Gala) on Saturday, January 30, 2027

Post-Award Requirements

Progress & Reporting
  • 6-Month Progress Report: Must include scientific updates and a budget review.
  • Final 12-Month Report: Must cover impact, outcomes, and next steps.

How to Apply

Visit www.JoinCountdown.org for full guidelines and submission details.

Contact: Grants@JoinCountdown.org for inquiries.

Click here to submit LOI
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