Information for Applicants

The Portes Foundation, in association with The Institute of Medicine of Chicago (IOMC), solicits proposals on an annual basis for research projects in health promotion, and disease prevention.  There is a special interest in cancer research and cancer care projects.  Please share the “Portes Foundation Call for Proposals” with colleagues who may be interested.

Generally, the Portes Foundation has funded grants in the range of $25,000 to $30,000.  Grants are awarded for one year projects.  We invite proposals that explore research or implementation ideas important in health promotion and disease prevention. These projects may be investigative in etiologic factors, preventive measures, primary and secondary prevention screening, and education. Projects in patient education or health professions education will also be considered.  All projects must include a complete and thorough evaluation component.

All proposals will be peer-reviewed by a scientific committee of The Portes Foundation and the IOMC. The first phase of this process is a Letter of Intent, which should not exceed three pages. It should concisely describe the purpose and rationale of the study, its expected outcome, as well as the basic methods that will be used for evaluating the success of the project.

The principal investigator must be a MD, DO or PhD; have an appointment at a medical school or other health science school, or a medical school affiliated hospital and must have the endorsement of the Dean or the principal research officer.  No indirect costs will be allowed. Travel costs may be requested up to $1,000 and reasonable publication and page charges may be covered. Portes/IOMC grants cannot be used toward capital equipment. The proposed budget should not exceed $30,000.

The project must have the approval of the appropriate institutional review board and, where relevant, the human subjects review board. All proposals will be peer-reviewed by a scientific committee of the Portes Foundation and the IOMC.  While there are no restrictions on publication, the Portes Foundation and the IOMC ask that any publications resulting in whole or in part from a Portes Foundation/IOMC grant include an acknowledgement of support or partial support.
 
Attention: The deadline for the current Open Period has been extended.  Your letter of intent may be submitted electronically to iomcstaff@iomc.org through August 12, 2022.
 

By the end of August, letter of intent (LOI) submitters will be notified of the initial determination and, if applicable, a complete formal proposal will be requested due December 1, 2022. Acceptance of the LOI only means that the Portes Foundation and IOMC consider the concept within their mission and are now interested in evaluating a complete proposal.

Submitting a Letter of Intent (LOI)

Each year, the Portes Foundation accepts proposals following their annual RFP (Request For Proposal) announcement. Those interested in applying for an award must respond to the announcement by submitting a letter of intent (LOI) to iomcstaff@iomc.org.  This letter should not exceed three pages and should succinctly describe the purpose, rationale, objectives, and expected outcomes.

Important: A confirmation email will be sent to you upon receipt of your letter by IOMC. If you do not receive a confirmation, please contact the IOMC office at 312.709.2685.

Sign up for updates

To receive notification of the annual call for proposals, please provide your name and email address in our “Sign up for Updates” form below. Do not include your proposal in this form. The information you provide on this form will be used only to distribute announcements from The Portes Foundation. It will not be given or sold to any other organization.