Innovative Research Awards

Researchers Supporting innovative research ideas is essential to better understanding rheumatic diseases, their causes and the best way to treat them. The Innovative Research Award provides independent investigators with the funding they need to pursue ideas that could lead to important breakthroughs in discovering new treatments and, one day, a cure.

Investigators interested in using data from the ACR’s RISE registry as part of their proposed research project need to get their data use request approved before applying for funding. Please visit RISE for Research for more information on RISE data. RISE data requests should be submitted at least 2 months prior to the Foundation’s application deadline.

Innovative Research Award

Support of innovative research in the field of rheumatologic diseases

Purpose
Will help enable research that has the potential to improve treatment of rheumatic diseases, patient outcomes, and/or increase quality of care

Award Amount
Up to $200,000 per year

Award Term
2 Years

Letter of Intent
A competitive letter of intent (LOI) is required as part of a pre-application. LOI materials should be submitted via Proposal Central by 5:00 pm ET on July 15, 2026. A subset of proposed projects (dependent on quality and total number of submissions) will be invited to submit full applications.

Application Deadline
Applications are due November 2, 2026 by 5 PM ET

Highlighted Topic:
Adult Dermatomyositis
Investigators pursuing novel research ideas addressing the disease area of adult dermatomyositis are encouraged to apply for funding via the Norman Family Fund for Dermatomyositis Research. Explore all NOSI/Highlighted topics available in 2026 here.

View Request for Applications

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Community Practice Innovation Award

Support and grow ideas that are generated from the rheumatology practice community

Purpose
Enables rheumatology care providers to conduct projects that will have a meaningful impact on practice implementation, efficiency and sustainability.

Award Amount
Up to $80,000

Award Term
1 Year with the potential for competitive renewal

Application Deadline
The application deadline has passed

View Request for Applications

Application Templates: