AHA Research
The American Heart Association's Commitment to Research
Funding research is a cornerstone of the American Heart Association’s lifesaving mission - a pillar of our foundation and a key to our future. Since 1949, the Association has made significant annual investments in research that has led to breakthroughs in cardiovascular and stroke discovery, translation, and clinical application through more than 51,850 funded projects. At our core are 12 Essential Elements that guide the organization's research vision.
$6.1B
Invested in scientific research since 1949. The American Heart Association is the largest nonprofit, non-governmental supporter of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular research in the U.S.
2,200 projects
Currently being supported by American Heart. These total more than $584M in research funding. Of these, 1,015 were activated in 2024-25, accounting for $183M of funding.
2,800 reviewers
Number of peer volunteers who evaluated 5,242 proposals for American Heart Association funding during the 2024-25 fiscal year.
Funding Opportunities
Funding research is a cornerstone of the Association’s lifesaving mission and a key to our future. We have been funding scientific research since 1949 and continually add new timely, mission-related programs.
Application Resources
Tips and tools for preparing and submitting a proposal for research funding. Resources include step-by-step application instructions, live webinars, videos, fact sheets, and helpful web sites.
Research Portal
View current data on investigators, institutions, awards and resulting publications funded by the American Heart Association since 2001.
Innovative Science
Since 2014, the Association has been funding groups of multi-disciplinary teams (known as strategic networks) that collaborate on specific areas of science that are key to the mission. Summaries report on the work at the conclusion of each grant.
Our Research History
See the results of the Associations more than $6.1 billion investment in research, both historic and recent.
Success
Rates
Success rates are the percent funded of the total number of full proposals submitted. These figures should not be used to predict future program performance.
SURE Scholars Program
A unique summer research program for underrepresented college students interested in STEM careers.
Research Insider Signup
Monthly e-newsletter provides the latest funding opportunities and news.
Research News
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Research aims to harness technology for improved heart and brain health
A spotlight issue of the Journal of the American Heart Association features findings by multidisciplinary centers awarded research grants through the American Heart Association's Strategically Focused Research Network on Health Technologies and Innovation. -
2026 Ralph Sacco Scholarships for Brain Health
American Academy of Neurology and American Heart Association award $150,000 scholarships to researchers from Maryland and Michigan
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New Research Could Transform Cardiac Outcomes for Hundreds of Thousands of Americans
The American Heart Association has granted Case Western Reserve University the Rapid Impact Research Award, a designation reserved for research considered urgent, high-priority and capable of delivering critical results to patients quickly. -
Global study to investigate how menopause shapes heart health
Stopping atherosclerotic heart and vessel disease in women (SHE-HEALS), seeks to advance our understanding of how menopause shapes heart health. The funding will also support the team to launch the largest clinical trial of its kind to detect silent changes in arteries, and test whether earlier prevention can stop or even reverse their progression. -
Researchers awarded $15 million to study CKM syndrome in women
Research teams from Augusta University, Massachusetts General Hospital and The Ohio State University will lead a $15 million project dedicated to studying the various ways that risk factors for cardiovascular and kidney diseases impact women.
Get With The Guidelines®
Meet your data submission requirements while tracking and reporting on your hospital's performance.
This tool is a hospital-based quality improvement program designed to close the treatment gap in cardiovascular disease, stroke, and resuscitation. It includes modules in coronary artery disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke and resuscitation. Each program provides physicians and healthcare providers with materials, information and tools based on relevant evidence-based guidelines.
This tool is a hospital-based quality improvement program designed to close the treatment gap in cardiovascular disease, stroke, and resuscitation. It includes modules in coronary artery disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke and resuscitation. Each program provides physicians and healthcare providers with materials, information and tools based on relevant evidence-based guidelines.
Become an AHA
Professional Member Today!
Enjoy instant benefits!
- Access to apply for a research funding award(s)
- Free online access to AHA Scientific Journals
- Affiliate with one or more of our 16 Scientific Councils
- Discounts on Scientific Conference registration and online courses
2026 American Heart Association holidays:
Jan. 1, Jan. 19, March 27,May 25, July 3,
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
Jan. 1, Jan. 19, March 27,May 25, July 3,
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