Research Grant Funding Opportunities


Research

The Foundation of Our Work

The American Heart Association is the largest non-profit, non-governmental funder of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular research in the U.S. Many research programs are offered annually, while others are one-time grants. The Heart Association funds basic, clinical, population and data science research. Some programs require pre-proposals, with full proposals by invitation only. Watch this page for additional funding opportunities and proposal deadlines. Visit the Application Resources page for policies and restrictions, application preparation, and general guidelines.


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Open Requests for Proposals


Open Topic Research Funding Opportunities
Additional programs for funding to begin in 2027 will be announced.

Institutional Award for Undergraduate Student Training
Proposal deadline: Wednesday, September 9, 2026

This award is made to qualified institutions that can offer a meaningful research experience that supports the Association's mission and encourages undergraduate college students from all disciplines to consider research careers.

Institutional Research Enhancement Award (AIREA)
Proposal deadline: Thursday, September 10, 2026

Stimulates research at educational institutions that provide baccalaureate or advanced degrees related to scientific research training. Eligible institutions may not have been major recipients of NIH support. Awards provide funding for small-scale research projects related to cardiovascular diseases and brain health, enhancing the research environment at eligible institutions, and exposing students to research opportunities.

Career Development Award
Proposal deadline: Tuesday, December 1, 2026

Supports highly promising healthcare and academic professionals in the early years of first professional appointment to assure the applicant’s future success as a research scientist in the field of cardiovascular and/or cerebrovascular disease research.

Within this award, additional collaboration money has been designated through the California Walnut Commission and the VIVA Physician Research Award.

Using Get With the Guidelines® Clinical Registry Data to Address Gaps in Care of Patients with Cardiovascular Disease or Stroke
Proposal Deadline: Friday, December 4, 2026

For early career researchers to learn to use the Association's GWTG clinical registry data. To apply for the grant, individuals must attend the two virtual training sessions on Sept. 30 and Oct. 13.

2026 American Heart Association holidays:
Jan. 1, Jan. 19, March 27, May 25, July 3 & 6,
Sept.7, Nov. 26 & 27, Dec. 21-25

2026 Altum/ProposalCentral holidays:
Jan. 1, Jan. 19, Feb. 16, May 25, June 19, July 3,
Sept. 7, Oct. 12, Nov. 26 & 27, Dec. 28-Jan 1