Alex’s Lemonade Offering 'Bridge Grants' in Wake of Curtailed NIH Funding

In response to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding hitting a recent low, Wynnewood-based (ALSF) is introducing what it calls a "Bridge Grant awards program," aiamed specifically at scientists who received excellent scores for NIH childhood cancer research applications but did not receive funding due to the budget shortage.

The foundation, which to date has raised more than $45 million in fighting childhood cancers nationwide, announced the program Thursday.

"In an effort to keep the projects of these researchers on track while they reapply for funding, ALSF’s Bridge Grant awards will provide $100,000 over a 12 month period," ALSF said, in a statement. "Applications will be taken on a rolling review basis with a deadline of January 9, 2012, or until capacity is reached."

Three grants totaling $300,000 will be funded in the first cycle. ALSF also plans a second cycle, with the same funding levels for three more researchers, in the summer of 2012.

The Bridge Grants join the Foundation’s roster of innovative pediatric research and nursing grant programs, including the new , started this past summer. It marked the first time ALSF specifically targeted medical students for grants. 

To date, ALSF has funded over 200 research grants at nearly 70 institutions in North America, the organization says.