Bold ideas can move coma recovery research forward. The Neurocritical Care Society’s Curing Coma® Campaign invites applications for the Small Grants for Big Ideas (SGBI) Program, designed to support innovative research led by new and emerging investigators and clinicians. The program advances projects focused on improving recovery of consciousness through early intervention and long-term support.
Key Dates
- Application deadline: July 1, 2026, at midnight CST
- Award notification: August 2026
- Project start date: September 1, 2026
Funding
- Up to three awards available
- Up to $10,000 per project
- No indirect costs
- Funds will be paid directly to the institution.
Funding Period
Projects should be completed within one year. Unused funds after two years will be reclaimed.
Who Should Apply
Clinicians and scientists who have completed clinical or post-doctoral training are encouraged to apply. The program welcomes applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and specialties, particularly those not traditionally supported by major extramural funding. This includes, but is not limited to, nurses, pharmacists, advanced practice providers, junior physicians and investigators outside the United States and Canada.
What Can Be Funded
SGBI supports research-related expenses such as:
- Materials and supplies
- Staff support
- Software and equipment
- Statistical assistance
- Investigator support
SGBI funding may also be combined with other grant support to expand existing projects.
What Will Not Be Funded
The program does not support:
- Costs normally covered by departmental budgets
- Faculty supervision of trainees
- Direct patient-care costs
- Non-essential materials or standard equipment
- Travel costs for dissemination
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a single six-page PDF. Proposals exceeding six pages will be administratively withdrawn.
Required format:
- Title page with principal investigator name and contact information
- Abstract (up to 300 words)
- Specific aims
- Significance, innovation, approach and dissemination
- Budget
How to Submit Your Proposal
Email a single six-page PDF to curingcoma@neurocriticalcare.org with the subject line: SGBI Proposal – First and Last Name.
Competitive Proposals
The strongest applications will demonstrate clear potential to improve care and outcomes for patients and families affected by disorders of consciousness and coma. Priority will be given to projects that align with the Curing Coma® Campaign mission, include multidisciplinary collaboration, show feasibility and originality and present a thoughtful dissemination plan. Projects should be realistically achievable within one year.
Post-Award Expectations
Awardees must submit a two-page progress report by July 1, 2027, summarizing completed work, expenses and dissemination activities. Awardees will also have the opportunity to present their work at the 2026 NCS Annual Meeting, with results expected to be presented at the 2027 NCS Annual Meeting.
Questions?
Please contact DaiWai Olson, PhD, RN, FNCS at DaiWai.Olson@UTSouthwetsern.edu with questions regarding this program.