RPB UNRESTRICTED GRANT

RPB Unrestricted Grants provide maximum flexibility in developing and expanding eye research programs. These annual $115,000 grants provide opportunities for creative planning that go beyond the scope of restricted project grants which scientists normally depend upon for their principal support. Only departments of ophthalmology with a full-time, permanent chair at university-connected medical schools are eligible for support.

Funds automatically renew for five (5) years unless the ophthalmology chair steps down or RPB requires the department to re-apply earlier. Advance notice will be given if the grant is to be terminated. Should the chair step down, RPB may provide one additional payment before the grant is terminated. An acting or interim chair cannot re-apply for continued support.

The Unrestricted Grant is intended for current Unrestricted Grantee departments or RPB supported departments whose Challenge Grants are ending.  Departments not supported by an Unrestricted Grant are strongly encouraged to apply for RPB's Challenge Grant.  New chairs at RPB supported departments should speak with RPB prior to the submission of an Unrestricted Grant application (contact MariaClaudia Lora-Montano).  We suggest new chairs be active at least six months prior to submitting an application.  If a proposal for an Unrestricted Grant is rejected, the chair must wait two years before reapplying, so RPB strongly encourages thorough preparation and planning before an application is submitted.

The spring cycle application deadline for the RPB Unrestricted Grant is January 10. The fall cycle application deadline is July 1. (If the application deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, please consider the deadline to be the following business day.)  The application forms for this award are not available online.  Contact MariaClaudia Lora-Montano to obtain the Unrestricted Grant application forms.

RPB Unrestricted Grant Guidelines / Instructions