Request for Proposals: Major Annual Grant Program

The Mito Foundation Major Annual Grant Program 2026 offers up to US$500,000 to support high-impact research on primary mitochondrial disease. The program funds global researchers advancing translational science, precision medicine, and clinical trial readiness to improve outcomes for people living with mitochondrial disorders.

Mito Foundation Major Annual Grant Program 2026 Overview

The Mito Foundation Major Annual Grant Program supports innovative, disease-focused research that brings hope to individuals and families affected by primary mitochondrial disease. The 2026 funding round prioritizes research that accelerates the pathway from laboratory discovery to clinical care while strengthening the future mitochondrial disease research workforce.

Funding Scope and Grant Value

The 2026 program offers funding of up to US$500,000 per grant round. Funding is distributed across multiple award mechanisms based on scientific quality and portfolio balance.
Key funding characteristics include:

• Support for basic, translational, and clinical research

• Emphasis on precision medicine and clinical trial readiness

• Global eligibility with no geographic restrictions

Research Priorities and Focus Areas

The program is strictly focused on primary mitochondrial disease. Research drawing from secondary mitochondrial dysfunction models is acceptable only when there is a clear and direct benefit to primary mitochondrial disease.
High-priority areas for this cycle include:

• Disorders of mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis, including MEPAN syndrome

• Disorders caused by large-scale mitochondrial DNA deletions, including Kearns–Sayre syndrome

• Leigh syndrome and related disorders, including NARP

Precision Medicine and Clinical Trial Readiness

Precision medicine proposals should address biological or clinical heterogeneity in primary mitochondrial disease and aim to improve individualized diagnosis, prognosis, or therapy development.
Clinical trial readiness proposals should:

• Generate data that reduce uncertainty in trial design

• Develop tools, biomarkers, or outcome measures

• Strengthen infrastructure needed for interventional trials

Who Is Eligible to Apply

The program is open to researchers worldwide.
Eligible applicants include:

• Graduate students

• Postdoctoral fellows

• Principal investigators
  Applicants must be affiliated with an appropriate research institution and obtain all required institutional approvals prior to submission.

Why This Grant Matters

This grant program is critical because it:

• Accelerates progress toward effective treatments for mitochondrial disease

• Supports translation from bench to bedside

• Builds capacity in the global mitochondrial research community

• Advances personalized medicine approaches for rare diseases

• Improves readiness for future clinical trials

Award Mechanisms and Workforce Development

Funding is expected to be distributed across three mechanisms:

• Graduate student research awards

• Postdoctoral fellow research awards

• Principal investigator-led research awards
  Each mechanism has defined limits, durations, and allowable costs, ensuring balanced investment in discovery, translation, and training.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the UMDF Online Grant Portal.
Step 1: Develop a proposal aligned with primary mitochondrial disease priorities.
Step 2: Clearly articulate translational relevance and patient impact.
Step 3: Select the appropriate award mechanism.
Step 4: Complete standardized application forms in the portal.
Step 5: Secure all institutional approvals before submission.
Step 6: Submit the full application by the stated deadline.

Application Review and Selection Process

All proposals undergo rigorous peer review by experts in:

• Mitochondrial biology

• Clinical mitochondrial medicine

• Translational research
  Evaluation criteria include:

• Scientific merit and rigor

• Innovation and feasibility

• Relevance to primary mitochondrial disease

• Alignment with program priorities
  Final funding decisions also consider portfolio balance. Applicants advancing beyond initial triage may receive brief reviewer feedback.

Key Dates and Timeline

Application deadline: 27 February 2026 at 5:00 PM EST / 28 February 2026 at 9:00 AM AEDT
Funding decisions announced: June 2026
Earliest project start date: September 2026, subject to grant agreement execution

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Proposals not clearly focused on primary mitochondrial disease

• Weak justification of translational or patient relevance

• Insufficient attention to clinical trial readiness or precision medicine expectations

• Missing institutional approvals before submission

• Submitting after the stated deadline

Frequently Asked Questions

What diseases are eligible under this grant program?

Only primary mitochondrial diseases are eligible, though secondary models may be used with clear justification.

Is the grant open to international researchers?

Yes. Researchers based anywhere in the world may apply.

What is the maximum funding available?

Up to US$500,000, depending on the award mechanism and portfolio balance.

Are early-career researchers eligible?

Yes. Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows are eligible under designated award mechanisms.

When will funding decisions be announced?

Outcomes will be announced in June 2026.

When can funded projects begin?

Projects may commence as early as September 2026, pending signed grant agreements.

Conclusion

The Mito Foundation Major Annual Grant Program 2026 represents a significant global investment in primary mitochondrial disease research. By prioritizing translational impact, precision medicine, and clinical trial readiness, the program aims to deliver meaningful advances in care while strengthening the next generation of mitochondrial disease researchers.