Researchers
FAQs
Letter of Intent (LOI) and Grant Application Process
If you do not find your question and answer below, please contact David Fernandez, Grants Coordinator, at dfernandez@alpha-1foundation.org or at 305-567-9888 ext 242.
1) Is an LOI required in order to submit an application?
The Foundation requires that an LOI be submitted if one intends on submitting a grant application. With the exception of Scientific Meeting Sponsorship Grants, Travel Grants, and out-of-cycle Grants, the electronic LOI must be received by the Alpha-1 Foundation’s Grants Coordinator by Friday, September 16, 2011, 5pm EDT. The original LOI must be signed and postmarked by Friday, September 16, 2011. For Scientific Meeting Sponsorship and Travel Grants, the LOI must be received by the Alpha-1 Foundation at least two (2) months prior to the meeting or travel. Each applicant who submits his/her LOI by the deadline will receive a response letter indicating whether the proposed project is relevant to the Alpha-1 Foundation’s mission. The response letter will also advise the applicant whether or not to submit a grant application.
2) Does the LOI have to state which grant category the applicant is submitting to?
Yes, an LOI must state which grant category the applicant is submitting to. In addition, the LOI also should state the name of the Principal Investigator (and mentor, when applicable), key personnel who will work on the grant, applicant organization, title of the study, estimated budget and a brief description of the focus of the work. This information will allow the Alpha-1 Foundation to determine the project’s relevance to the Alpha-1 Foundation’s mission. More detailed criteria for the LOI can be found in the LOI and and Grant Application Instructions 
document.
3) Is there a template or form to use for the LOI?
There are specific components that are required in the LOI. These requirements are described in the Letter of Intent and Grant Application Instructions document. Additionally, one must submit a Biographical Sketch as part of the LOI. Click on the following link to download the form: Biographical Sketch for the LOI.
4) What are the topics that are relevant to the Alpha-1 Foundation?
The Alpha-1 Foundation’s research agenda lists the various topics that are of interest, and relevant to the Foundation’s mission. Click here to view the Foundation’s Research Agenda.
Grant awards are not limited to the topics listed in the Research Agenda. If the topic of a proposed project is not listed on the Research Agenda, an applicant must provide sufficient details of the project’s relation to AAT research. Rationale and justification for how the project is relevant to the Alpha-1 Foundation’s mission should be discussed.
5) If the Alpha-1 Foundation responds positively to the LOI, does this indicate that the project will be funded (i.e., when the Foundation advises the PI that their project is relevant and to submit an application)?
No, the Alpha-1 Foundation’s response to an LOI does not obligate the Foundation to fund a project. It also does not reflect any likelihood or probability that an application will be funded. Many topics may be relevant to the Alpha-1 Foundation’s mission, but relevance does not ensure that a proposed project will be approved for funding.
6) Is an applicant required to submit a grant application if an LOI has been submitted?
No, an applicant is not obligated to submit a grant application if an LOI has been submitted.
7) Does the Alpha-1 Foundation maintain a level of confidentiality regarding the content of a grant application?
All communications with the Alpha-1 Foundation regarding the grant application process are treated with the utmost confidentiality. Any information provided by the applicant is treated as confidential and access to this information is restricted to designated research staff.
8) When is the grant application deadline? Are there any exceptions to submitting an Application after the deadline?
With the exception of Scientific Meeting Sponsorship Grants, Travel Grants, and out-of-cycle Grants, the electronic LOI must be received by the Alpha-1 Foundation’s Grants Coordinator by Friday, September 16, 2011, 5pm EDT. The original LOI must be signed and postmarked by Friday, September 16, 2011. Scientific Meeting Sponsorship and Travel Grant applications must be received by the Alpha-1 Foundation at least two (2) months prior to the meeting or travel. The Foundation will NOT consider requests for extensions to the grant application deadline.
9) Can someone who is currently funded by the Alpha-1 Foundation submit another new grant application?
Current Grantees are encouraged to submit new grant applications to other agencies for funding. However, an applicant may submit a new grant application, while currently holding a grant award, but the proposal must be for a different grant category or involve an entirely different topic.
10) Does the Alpha-1 Foundation provide overhead support for institutions or other indirect costs?
The Alpha-1 Foundation does NOT provide funds for facilities and administrative, indirect or overhead costs. As a result, the Alpha-1 Foundation will only pay for those direct cost expenses directly related to the proposal, including fringe benefits.
11) What is the maximum length of the research plan?
The length of the research plan varies for each grant category. The Letter of Intent and Grant Application Instructions document provides detailed criteria for each grant category.
12) What is the format of the grant application and what is the number of copies that are required to be supplied?
An applicant must use the Alpha-1 Foundation’s application forms, which can be found on the Foundation’s website. The Alpha-1 Foundation requires an applicant to submit one (1) original, signed application and one (1) electronic version of the grant application. An electronic application submittal must be sent as a PDF file or a Word document with all required pages (Face Page, Abstract Page, Budget pages, etc) incorporated into a single document. Do NOT submit the grant application in multiple files. Zip files, rich text files or any other format will not be accepted. Should you be unable to submit an electronic version of the grant application as a Word or PDF file, please contact David Fernandez, Grants Coordinator, at dfernandez@alpha-1foundation.org or at 305-567-9888 ext 242.
13) How long is the review process?
With the exception of Scientific Meeting Sponsorship Grants, Travel Grants, and out-of-cycle Grants, in-cycle review process will take place from September 2011 to May 2012.
14) Status of an in-cycle grant application and notification to the Principal Investigator and institution:
The review process will conclude by May 2012. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions in May 2012. The notification will be in the form of a letter from the Alpha-1 Foundation’s President and CEO, John W. Walsh. The Alpha-1 Foundation’s Scientific & Clinical Directors and research staff cannot under any circumstance, communicate the status of a grant application to an applicant by telephone or in person.
15) Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
Please contact David Fernandez, Grants Coordinator, at 305-567-9888 ext 242 or via email dfernandez@alpha-1foundation.org for additional details or information.
