Grant Application FAQs
Do you have a question? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below. Don't see your question? Send us a message.
Grant Eligibility
Q. When are EFF Fellows Grants offered?
A. Fellows Research Grants are offered annually. 2025 Applications are due January 1 - March 7, with projects start dates of June 1. In addition to posting details on the EFF website, we always email notices – so make sure you are on our mailing list!
Q. I applied for a grant, will I hear regardless of acceptance?
A. Yes. EFF notifies all fellows of status. If you send in an application, you will hear from us!
Q. I will be finishing my fellowship in 6 months, can I apply?
A. Current endocrine fellows and those less than 1-year post graduation may apply for a Fellows Research Grant. Because grant funds are paid to the applicant's institution, the applicant must be employed by the same institution for the duration of the project.
Q. I am completing my fellowship in another country, can I apply?
A. Endocrine fellows working at medical institutions both inside and outside of North America are eligible to apply.
Grant Application
Q. How long should my mentor statement be?
A. Mentor statements should be 1-2 pages in length on institution letterhead and signed by the mentor.
Q. I submitted my project for IRB approval; however, it will not have a decision before the grant deadline. Can I apply?
A. Yes, you may apply. If selected, the grant award will be held until IRB approval is confirmed.
Q. May I submit a response to reviewer feedback to address their comments?
A. Due to the size and scope of the Fellows Research Grant Program reviewer feedback is final and there is not an opportunity to resubmit information. Fellows are encourage to use the information provided to clarify future grant application submissions either to EFF or to another organization.
Grant Budgets
Q. Is there a particular format for the budget and budget justification documents?
A. No, EFF accepts the budgets in various formats. We do ask that budgets are itemized and account for all costs associated with the grant being submitted. A final budget must be included in the final project report.
Q. Can I submit budget items that were not in my original budget?
A. No, only budget items listed in the application budget can be paid for by grant funds.
Q. Does EFF support indirect costs?
A. EFF grant funds cannot be used for salaries of any kind or indirect research costs (i.e., computers, software, durable equipment, faculty support, etc.), organization memberships, tuition support for degree enhancement or travel.
Expenses submitted can include experimental supplies, animal costs contingent on compliance with applicable PHS Policy requirements, and expenses for clinical studies including costs for participation of subjects, statistical analysis, and evaluation of results. Statistician costs and publication costs cannot exceed 25% of the submitted budget. Other project specific expenses will be considered if they are not listed above.
Grant Awards
Q. I was awarded an EFF Fellows Research Grant. What reports are required?
A. Award recipients are asked to submit project progress reports at six months and a final report with budget reconciliation at the end of the project year. No-cost grant extensions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. As noted above, you must be employed by the same institution for the duration of the project. If an extension is approved interim progress reports are required.
Q. My project is completed. How do I present the results?
A. Fellows will be asked to submit a 15-minute video presentation of their project results which will be shared with the EFF Community on the EFF Research Exchange invitation-only, enduring content platform. Depending on the project area of research, select fellows may be asked to present their findings at an EFF ECHO for Fellows or an in-person program.
Q. My project did not use all of the funds awarded. What happens with the unused funds?
A. Unused grant funds must be returned to the Foundation 60 days after the project ends or the fellow awardee leaves the designated institution. Returned grant funds are used to support future research grant awards.