Deadline: 08-Sep-2026
The Discovery Research Grants Program provides $200,000 in funding over two years to support translational research that improves maternal and infant health outcomes. The program focuses on clinically relevant studies addressing pregnancy-related conditions, including spontaneous preterm birth and cardiovascular diseases associated with pregnancy.
Researchers from universities, hospitals, research institutions, nonprofits, startups, and industry organizations worldwide may apply, provided they meet the eligibility requirements and hold a faculty-level or equivalent position.
What is the Discovery Research Grants Program?
The Discovery Research Grants Program supports established researchers conducting translational research that can improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions affecting mothers and infants.
The program aims to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and clinical application by funding research with clear potential to improve healthcare outcomes during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
Key Research Areas
The program prioritizes research projects focused on:
Maternal Health
- Pregnancy-related health conditions
- Cardiovascular diseases associated with pregnancy
- Maternal morbidity and mortality reduction
- Pregnancy complications
Infant Health
- Early-life health outcomes
- Prevention of infant morbidity and mortality
- Neonatal health research
- Postpartum health interventions
Translational Research
- Human clinical studies
- Population-based research
- Human tissue-based studies
- Research with direct clinical relevance
Priority Topics
- Spontaneous preterm birth
- Cardiovascular conditions occurring during pregnancy
- Cardiovascular conditions affected by pregnancy
- Innovative prevention strategies
- Improved diagnostic approaches
- New treatment interventions
Funding Details
Grant Amount
- Total Funding: $200,000
- Project Duration: 2 years
- Indirect Costs: Up to 10% included within the award amount
Funding Purpose
The grant supports translational research projects that demonstrate potential to improve maternal and infant health outcomes through evidence-based scientific investigation.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must:
- Hold a doctoral-level qualification.
- Hold a faculty appointment or equivalent position.
- Conduct research relevant to maternal and infant health.
- Submit only one application per funding cycle.
Eligible Professional Backgrounds
The program welcomes applications from:
- Health professionals
- Medical researchers
- Epidemiologists
- Social scientists
- Public health researchers
- Clinical investigators
Eligible Organizations
Applicants may be affiliated with:
- Universities
- Hospitals
- Research institutions
- Nonprofit organizations
- Small businesses
- Startups
- Pharmaceutical companies
Geographic Eligibility
- Open to applicants worldwide.
- International researchers are eligible to apply.
Restrictions
Applicants cannot:
- Hold another active March of Dimes grant at the time of application.
- Submit more than one proposal as Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) during the same funding cycle.
Why This Grant Matters
Maternal and infant health remains a major global public health priority. Conditions such as preterm birth and pregnancy-related cardiovascular disease continue to contribute significantly to illness and mortality worldwide.
This program supports research that can:
- Improve maternal healthcare outcomes.
- Reduce infant mortality rates.
- Advance clinical treatment options.
- Generate evidence-based healthcare solutions.
- Translate scientific discoveries into real-world medical practice.
By funding translational research, the program helps accelerate the adoption of innovations that directly benefit patients and healthcare systems.
How the Program Works
Step 1: Develop a Research Proposal
Researchers should design a translational research project focused on maternal or infant health outcomes.
Step 2: Confirm Eligibility
Applicants must verify that they:
- Meet academic requirements.
- Hold an eligible appointment.
- Do not currently hold an active March of Dimes grant.
Step 3: Submit an Application
Submit a complete proposal according to the program’s application guidelines.
Step 4: Review and Selection
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Scientific merit
- Clinical relevance
- Potential health impact
- Alignment with program priorities
Step 5: Conduct the Research
Successful applicants receive funding for a two-year project period.
Responsibilities of Award Recipients
Awardees are expected to:
- Participate in program-related meetings.
- Assign a qualified delegate if unable to attend required meetings.
- Collaborate with other funded researchers and partners.
- Attend scientific meetings organized by March of Dimes.
- Contribute to public engagement activities when requested.
- Support awareness and fundraising efforts through interviews, events, or related outreach activities.
Tips for Applicants
To strengthen an application:
- Focus on a clearly defined maternal or infant health challenge.
- Demonstrate strong clinical relevance.
- Show how findings can improve patient outcomes.
- Include a realistic implementation pathway.
- Highlight the translational impact of the research.
- Present a strong methodology supported by evidence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting research without a clear clinical application.
- Failing to demonstrate translational impact.
- Proposing projects outside the program’s health priorities.
- Submitting multiple applications in the same funding cycle.
- Applying while holding another active March of Dimes grant.
- Providing insufficient evidence of potential health outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How much funding is available?
The program provides up to $200,000 over a two-year period, including up to 10% indirect costs.
2. Who can apply?
Doctoral-level researchers affiliated with eligible organizations worldwide can apply if they hold a faculty or equivalent position.
3. Is the program open to international applicants?
Yes. Researchers from any country are eligible.
4. What types of research are supported?
The program supports translational research focused on maternal and infant health, including human studies, population-based research, and human tissue-based studies.
5. What are the priority research topics?
Priority areas include spontaneous preterm birth and cardiovascular conditions associated with pregnancy.
6. Can startup companies apply?
Yes. Researchers affiliated with startups, nonprofits, and pharmaceutical companies may apply if their work aligns with maternal and infant health priorities.
7. Can I apply if I already have a March of Dimes grant?
No. Applicants cannot hold another active March of Dimes grant during the application period.
Conclusion
The Discovery Research Grants Program provides significant funding for researchers working to improve maternal and infant health through translational research. With $200,000 available over two years, the program supports clinically relevant projects that address critical pregnancy and early-life health challenges, particularly spontaneous preterm birth and pregnancy-related cardiovascular conditions. Researchers with strong scientific expertise and a focus on real-world health impact are encouraged to apply.
For more information, visit March of Dimes.
