Bloom Grant Program

A central goal of the BRAIN Initiative is to understand how electrical and chemical signals code information in neural circuits and give rise to sensations, thoughts, emotions and actions. While currently available technologies can provide some understanding, they may not be sufficient to accomplish this goal. For example, non-invasive technologies are low resolution and/or provide indirect measures such as blood flow, which are imprecise; invasive technologies can provide information at the level of single neurons producing the fundamental biophysical signals, but they can only be applied to tens or hundreds of neurons, out of a total number in the human brain estimated at 85 billion.Other BRAIN FOAs seek to develop novel technology (RFA-NS-17-003) or to optimize existing technology ready for in-vivo proof-of-concept testing and collection of preliminary data (RFA-NS-17-004) for recording or manipulating neural activity on a scale that is beyond what is currently possible. This FOA seeks applications for unique and innovative technologies that are in an even earlier stage of development than that sought in other FOAs, including new and untested ideas that are in the initial stages of conceptualization.In addition to experimental approaches, the support provided under this FOA might enable calculations, simulations, computational models, or other mathematical techniques for demonstrating that the signal sources and/or measurement technologies are theoretically capable of meeting the demands of large-scale recording or manipulation of circuit activity in humans or in animal models. The support might also be used for building and testing phantoms, prototypes, in-vitro or other bench-top models in order to validate underlying theoretical assumptions in preparation for future FOAs aimed at testing in animal models.

The GO TEXAN Marketing Enhancement Grant Assistance (MEGA) Program is designed to provide grant funds to GO TEXAN partners to assist with the marketing and promotion of certified Texas agricultural products, including those that have been produced, processed, or otherwise had value added to the product in Texas; certified Texas non-agricultural products; Associate GO TEXAN Registrants; and the GO TEXAN Program. Applicants may request up to $40,000 for promotional activities, such as direct mailing campaigns, newspaper advertisements, tradeshow fees, and website creation. Qualifying products must be products produced, processed, or value added in Texas. Selected grant projects will receive funding via cost reimbursement.

The goal of this program is to support collaborative translational research projects aligned with NIH efforts to enhance the translation of basic biological discoveries into clinical applications that improve health. It encourages high quality science demonstrating the potential to result in understanding an important disease process or lead to new therapeutic interventions, diagnostics, or prevention strategies within the research interests and priorities of the participating NIH Institutes/Centers (ICs).Specifically, the program seeks to broaden and strengthen translational research collaborations between basic and clinical researchers both within and outside NIH to accelerate and enhance translational science by promoting partnerships between NIH intramural investigators (e.g., those conducting research within the labs and clinics of the NIH) and extramural investigators (e.g., those conducting research in labs outside the NIH), and by providing support for extramural investigators to take advantage of the unique research opportunities available at the NIH Clinical Center by conducting clinical research projects in collaboration with NIH intramural investigators.

The Neighborhood STAR Program provides grants for physical (capital) improvement projects in Saint Paul neighborhoods. Projects must be neighborhood-based, designed in partnership with community stakeholders, and clearly address problems, needs and opportunities in Saint Paul. Proposals can be for either a project or program that results in capital improvements in Saint Paul. Innovative proposals are encouraged. Eligible applicants include any public, private, nonprofit, or for-profit organization located in or doing business in Saint Paul.

Internship Grants support Wyoming businesses in offering structured learning experiences, designed to improve work skills, knowledge, and abilities. Intern hours are capped at 480 over a six-month period, with businesses being reimbursed up to $18 per hour. Companies can host up to three internships per fiscal year.