Bridge Support Program

The Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute (HHRI) recognizes that extramural research funding sources are not always steady income streams, and that gaps in funding can significantly disrupt research programs from time to time. Principal Investigators (PI) of existing HHRI programs who have been significantly impacted by the loss of funding or are experiencing extended gaps in funding are eligible to request a “bridge” when other options are not available to them to protect the continuity of their program. Applicants must demonstrate their specific and targeted needs and demonstrate the necessity of this support.

Application Deadline

Bridge needs do not come up on a regular deadline, therefore investigators interested in pursuing bridge support should submit requests when needed.  Questions should be directed to Carey Nadeau, Director of Operations, at cnadeau@hhrinstitute.org.

Amount of Award

Awards are limited to $50,000 per year and per request.

Please note these awards are not intended to initiate new projects or provide general funding that goes beyond the scope of existing research.

Duration of Support

Awards will be one year in duration with a progress report required for review by the HHRI Operations Management Committee (and external reviewers as needed).

Eligibility

Applicants must be an existing HHRI PI with specific and demonstrable needs for continuous funding for their labs/research teams.

Application Guidelines

To apply, please submit the following via researchinquiry@hhrinstitute.org.

1. Written proposal of no more than 2-3 pages (Arial 11pt font, single spaced, 1-inch margins) addressing the following:
   a) Program: Provide information on the status of research program and its funding situation, including current impacts of lack of funding on your research and what will be accomplished from the support of this award,
   b) Experience: Provide a brief overview of program progress and plans for future research,
   c) Rationale and purpose: Explain how these funds will serve your research program, and why the support is needed at this time to continue your research program.
2. Submit an accompanying biosketch (NIH Biosketch format) for the PI applying to this funding opportunity.
3. Submit a summary of all existing support (i.e. indication of where the PI’s effort is currently allocated - NIH Other Support format is preferred)

Review Process & Criteria

Applications will be reviewed by HHRI Leadership and/or HHRI Operations Management Committee and/or and potential additional ad-hoc peer reviewers if needed.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, but generally a decision will be available within 60 days of submission.  Awards will be made based on the merits of the application as well as current availability of HHRI funds.