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The Pioneer SCA3 Translational Research Award is granted annually by the National Ataxia Foundation to independent researchers for outstanding proposals that aim to make meaningful advancements in the treatment and care of individuals with Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 (SCA3). While proposals may include components related to other forms of ataxia, the primary focus must be on preclinical, translational or clinical research directly relevant to SCA3. Priority is placed on proposals that accelerate the development of disease-modifying therapies, support clinical trial readiness and biomarker discovery, bridge the gap between scientific discovery and therapeutic application, and significantly advance or alter our mechanistic understanding of SCA3 pathogenesis. The award provides up to $100,000 for one year (April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027) for direct research expenses only, with no more than 50% allocated to personnel costs and no indirect costs allowed. Proposals should demonstrate a clear path toward improving patient outcomes and advancing the field toward clinical solutions for SCA3. Interdisciplinary and collaborative projects, as well as those leveraging cutting-edge technologies or resources, are encouraged.

The NAF Research Seed Money Grant is a merit-based, nonrenewable award that provides support for new and innovative studies that advance understanding of the cause, pathogenesis, or treatment of hereditary, sporadic, and acquired ataxias. These grants serve as seed funding to assist established investigators during the early or pilot phases of research, or as supplemental funding for ongoing innovative projects demonstrating a critical need. It is expected that funded projects will generate preliminary data to support applications for larger grants from other funding sources. The grant provides up to $50,000 for direct research expenses only, with no more than 50% allocated to personnel costs. Indirect costs and cost sharing are not allowed. The funding period runs from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027. NAF is committed to supporting research that advances scientific discovery and improves outcomes for all individuals living with ataxia, regardless of disease subtype. Equal priority is given to proposals targeting more common forms of ataxia with strong translational potential and proposals focused on rare, less characterized, or newly identified forms of ataxia that build critical foundational knowledge.

The Michael Lundquist Grant to Advance MSA-C Research is awarded annually by the National Ataxia Foundation to independent researchers for outstanding proposals that aim to make meaningful advancements in the treatment and care of individuals affected by multiple system atrophy, cerebellar subtype (MSA-C). While proposals may include aspects relevant to other forms of ataxia, the primary focus must be on preclinical, translational, or clinical research directly related to MSA-C. Priority is given to proposals that accelerate the development of disease-modifying therapies, support clinical trial readiness including biomarker discovery and validation, develop new or improve existing methods for accurate and timely diagnosis of MSA-C, bridge the gap between scientific discovery and therapeutic application, and significantly advance or reshape mechanistic understanding of MSA-C pathogenesis. This grant honors the legacy of Michael Lundquist and reflects NAF's commitment to advancing research that improves outcomes for people living with MSA-C.