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General Information

A. Background

The purpose of the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation (APMRF) is to promote research that is targeted toward understanding the molecular basis of Niemann Pick Type C (NP-C) disease and developing novel therapeutic strategies to treat and/or cure the disease. In addition, because NP-C disease is a cholesterol storage disease, it is anticipated that these studies should provide fundamental insight into cholesterol homeostasis and may serve to increase understanding of atherosclerosis and other cholesterol-related disorders. As part of our mission, the foundation will also seek to foster open collaboration between investigators currently working on NP-C disease-related projects.

The Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) of the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation is responsible for formulating the direction of research related to NP- C disease. As such, the SAB will generate a series of scientific priorities and set forth specific research funding announcements (RFA’s). Investigators are encouraged to respond directly to these RFA’s. However, novel applications in NP-C-related topics will also be considered under exceptional circumstances. Grant applications will be reviewed by the SAB via an expedited review mechanism. All funded projects will be reviewed by the SAB on an annual basis.

B. Authority For Making Grants

Grants are made by the Board of Directors of APMRF acting on the recommendations of the President and the SAB.

APMRF reserves the right to cancel a grant for cause at any time and require the return of any unexpended funds.

C. Eligibility For Grants

Grants are awarded to qualified institutions within the United States or abroad.

D. Duration Of Awards

Research grant awards are for a maximum of two years. Payment for year two is contingent upon the availability of research funds, submission of a progress report satisfactory to APMRF and confirmation that appropriate Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval is current and on file at the institution. Investigators are encouraged to apply to other sources of support after the initial two year funding period; however, they may also re-apply for additional grant support as a competitive renewal beyond year two.

E. Human Subjects

1. Human subjects studied in the course of research conducted under a grant are under no circumstances a responsibility of the APMRF.
2. Human subjects receiving ante natal diagnostic service, such as amniocentesis, in a program supported by the APMRF shall not be required to give prior consent to the performance of any subsequent therapeutic measure as a condition for the provision of such diagnostic service.
3. Human subjects in a program supported by the APMRF shall be volunteers in any survey, study or procedure.

F. Prohibition Of Discrimination

No person shall be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, any program or activity receiving financial assistance from the APMRF because of race, ethnic origin, religion, sex, handicapping condition, disability or sexual orientation.

G. Amendment Of Policies

The APMRF reserves the right to modify or amend its policies governing grants. The grantee agrees to abide by any changes or to terminate the grant at the time when such changes become effective. Failure to abide by the policies governing grants or amendments shall be considered sufficient grounds for cancellation of a grant or a refusal to consider any pending application by the grantee.

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