Research

The Guthy-Jackson Charitable Foundation (GJCF) is committed to enhancing the scientific and clinical knowledge base by supporting innovative research to accelerate solutions for NMOSD. Funding priorities are those that advance understanding of the pathophysiology and immunology of this disease in a manner that enables translation to clinical benefit and betterment of the NMOSD patient community. Researchers funded by GJCF are required to share research findings promptly and participate in collaborative initiatives via the GJCF International Clinical Consortium for NMOSD and other GJCF programs. To this end, regular progress reports and attendance at the annual GJCF International NMOSD conference to share insights and strategies for new ways to study and ultimately solve NMOSD are terms of research funding agreements.

The GJCF prioritizes leading-edge research focused on state-of-the art approaches to prevent, understand, safely and effectively treat, and ultimately cure NMOSD.

All GJCF funded research grants require: a) a clear pathway for NMOSD patient benefit; b) specific milestones to be accomplished in each period of the project; c) a data sharing plan; and d) a specific plan to obtain follow-on research funding beyond the GJCF (e.g. NIH or equivalent agency or commercial funding). Ongoing funding of all grant types is dependent on documented progress/milestones in the prior review period, typically every quarter or 6 months in frequency.

The GJCF funds projects using a tranche model, with ongoing funding contingent on evidence-based achievement of milestones specified in the prior project period.

In keeping with appropriate practices of small, non-profit, research-based foundations, the GJCF considers up to a 10% indirect cost rate when research is exclusively conducted at academic or non-profit institutions.

The GJCF encourages applications in which cost sharing with other sources is integral. Sources for cost sharing may include the NIH or equivalent agencies, other disease-focused organizations (e.g. NMSS), commercial interests and other appropriate funding entities.

The GJCF is a non-profit foundation acting independently of any medical, academic or government institution. All consideration and decisions regarding funding eligibility are at the sole discretion of the foundation.

Letters of Intent (LOI) regarding interest in funding consideration are welcomed, with decisions based solely on the foundation discretion. Focused on solving NMOSD, an LOI of up to 2 pages should succinctly state the unmet need or unanswered question, detail innovative concepts, methods or reagents, identify a PI and research team members, define research milestones and timeline, and specify a projected budget. Submissions are subject to review by the GJCF scientific advisory team and eligibility requirements (as above). GJCF representatives may request additional information regarding LOI content. Formal research applications are allowed upon approval by GJCF. Send LOI to info@guthyjacksonfoundation.org.