SEED Grant Program

ALS/MND affects people in every part of the world. Yet many regions remain significantly under-represented in ALS/MND research — not because the need is less, but because the foundational infrastructure for research participation is still developing.

The SEED (Supporting Excellence, Equity, and Discovery for ALS/MND) Grant Program was created to help change that.

About SEED

SEED provides early-stage funding to strengthen ALS/MND research infrastructure and readiness in eligible countries. The goal is to support local leaders, institutions, and networks as they build the foundations needed for future ALS/MND research, collaboration, and larger-scale funding.

Eligible projects focus on practical steps that create, connect, or strengthen the people, systems, partnerships, data pathways, and infrastructure needed for ALS/MND research. Projects may support work in areas including:

• ALS/MND registries
• Biobanking preparation
• Data collection pathways
• Genetic and epidemiological studies
• Clinical trial readiness
• Locally relevant pilot work

Projects may include ALS/MND–FTD overlap if the FTD-related component is directly connected to ALS/MND research readiness. Projects focused only on FTD are outside the scope of the program.

Who Can Apply

SEED is open to:

• Researchers
• Clinicians
• Academic institutions
• Hospitals and clinics
• Research networks
• Multi-site collaborations
• Regional partnerships

Applications may be submitted by individual organizations or collaborative groups. Collaborations with high-income countries are eligible where they strengthen research readiness, leadership, ownership, and benefit within an eligible country.

SEED welcomes applications from teams at different stages of ALS/MND research readiness, including those building early research capacity and those strengthening emerging networks or infrastructure.

Eligible Countries

SEED supports projects in low-income, lower-middle-income, and upper-middle-income countries based on World Bank country income classifications, or countries designated as Developing Economies (Global South) according to the UN classification.

2026 Key Dates

• Applications opened: June 21, 2026
• Application deadline: September 1, 2026
• Applicants notified: Late October/early November 2026
• Public announcement: December 5–6, 2026, at the International Alliance Meeting in Amsterdam

How Applications Will Be Reviewed

Applications will be reviewed, scored, and ranked by an International Peer Review Panel with expertise in ALS/MND and/or related neurological diseases, and familiarity with ALS/MND research needs in eligible countries.

Applications will be assessed for:

• Significance and impact
• Project rationale and design
• Team capability
• Project feasibility
• Capacity-building value
• Fit with the purpose of the SEED Grant Program

The panel will make funding recommendations based on the quality of applications and the pool of available funds.

SEED recognizes that applicants come from regions with different levels of existing ALS/MND research infrastructure. Reviewers will consider the local starting point, the need being addressed, and whether the proposed work can create measurable progress toward ALS/MND research readiness in that region.

Application Materials

Review the full 2026 application materials for detailed eligibility, funding, and application requirements:

Funding Available

Applicants may request up to US$50,000. The total number of awards will depend on available funding and the size of the selected proposals.

The maximum award amount is inclusive of all costs, including direct costs, indirect costs, institutional overheads, and any applicable taxes or fees. Indirect costs, including institutional overheads, may not exceed 5% of the total budget requested.

Applicants do not need to request the maximum amount. Smaller, focused proposals may be appropriate if the project has a clear purpose, a realistic plan, and a measurable outcome.

Supporting the SEED Grant Program

The SEED Grant Program is possible because of founding support from FightMND and ALS Canada. The program also receives support from The ALS Association, ALS Therapy Development Institute, LifeArc, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, and the ALS Society of Alberta. 

Questions

Please review the application materials and FAQ before reaching out. For questions about eligibility, project fit, application requirements, or budget preparation, contact seed@als-mnd.org.