Scientific Research Application

Instructions to apply for a scientific research grant

Walder Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals at this time. This web page is provided for organizations that have been invited to apply for a grant.


HOW TO APPLY

A complete application requires submitting an online form and uploading documents. You will need to create an account in akoyaGO, Walder Foundation’s grants management system. To create an account, you will need your organization’s EIN.

Create an account in akoyaGO

1. Click on the link below to access the grantee portal:

Create an Account in akoyaGO

2. Choose Create New Account

 
 

3. Select Organization

4. Choose your region – United States or Canada – and search for your organization using the Tax ID number. If your organization is outside of the United States or Canada, click on the link that says “Skip, manually enter” and input your organization’s information.

5. You will see a list of organizations matching that Tax ID number. It is possible that you see more than one entry for your organization, and it may have a staff member’s name following the organization name, for example “Walder Foundation – Monica Chavez”. Click Select next to the entry for your organization that does not have a staff person’s name next to it.

6. If your organization is new to our database and does not show up on the list, choose the Skip, manually enter option.

7. A screen will appear with fields you may fill out to create your new account.

8. Once you have completed the registration form and submitted it, your registration request will be reviewed. You will receive an email confirmation after it has been accepted, and you are free to access the grant portal. Please note that the process is typically quick but may take up to two business days.

Begin your application

Once your user account has been accepted, use the link below to login and begin working on your application:

Scientific Research Grant Application Form

It will take you straight to the proposal form.

 
 

You will be able to log in any time (up until the deadline) to work on your application and save your progress. We recommend creating your account early to familiarize yourself with the system and the application form.

>> VIEW A SAMPLE PROPOSAL FORM FOR COMPLETE REQUIREMENTS

An automated email confirmation is generated upon submission of the application. If you do not receive a confirmation within 24 hours of submitting your application, please check your spam folder and then contact: grants@walderfoundation.org


GUIDELINES FOR PROPOSAL

PROPOSAL

The research proposal is an uploaded document that consists of an Executive Summary, Project Narrative, and Budget Narrative. The entire research proposal should not exceed 10 pages.

Executive Summary (500 words) 

The summary should indicate the specific problem that the project seeks to address, the approach proposed to solve this problem, and the expected impact of the project (if successful) at the end of the grant period.

Project Narrative (Not to exceed 10 pages)

The page limits noted below are only guidelines for the individual sections. The entire research proposal should not exceed 10 pages.

  • Project Background (1 page) - Describe the background and previous work that has led to this project. Include a brief review of the literature and, if relevant, any examples of similar projects that have been successful elsewhere. Explain why this research is needed, the specific problem/s you are trying to solve, and the solutions that the work aims to provide. If applicable, briefly present any relevant preliminary data.

  • Project Aims and Objectives (0.5 - 1 page) – Describe the specific goals of the project and specify any hypotheses that will be tested. 

  • Anticipated outcomes and potential impact (0.5 - 1 page) – Describe how your research might impact your field. Place your work in the wider societal context and describe who might benefit from your research and how.  

  • For renewals/extensions only (0.5-1 page) Describe how this work builds on work previously funded by Walder Foundation.

  • Research Plan (2-3 pages) - Describe your planned approach and study design for specific project aims and objectives, including key milestones, as well as any supporting services (e.g., community engagement) you may need to complete your work. If applicable, outline any key dependencies between activities or interim milestones that will influence project decisions or directions. Describe your approach to ensuring your work will result in on-the-ground outcomes. 

  • Communications Plan (Up to 1 page) – Describe how you will communicate the results of your project and which audiences and/or communities you aim to engage

  • Collaborations and Partnerships (Up to 1 page) - Describe the key collaborations and partnerships in this work and their roles. Indicate which partners (if any) you might consider for sub-grants or sub-contracts through this work, and which have their own sources of funding.

  • Works Cited (not counted in the total 10-page limit) List any published works cited in the project proposal. Citations should include all authors’ names, article/journal title (or preprint server name), book/article title, and publication year.

Demographics form

The Walder Foundation collects this information in connection with its commitment to addressing disparities and advancing the values of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion in its grantmaking practices.

The data will be reviewed by internal staff members only. Please complete this form to the best of your ability. This Excel spreadsheet is for reference only, applicants will be asked to input the data directly into the online application form.

Download the demographics form.

ADDITIONAL REQUIRED UPLOADS

Budget Narrative (Up to 1 page)

Summarize the budget needs of the project. Include a description of any sub-grants/sub-contracts you are considering, naming any organizations, if they are known. (Sub-grant/sub-contract budgets are informational only, as all such decisions are at the discretion of the awardee institution.) Indicate whether any match funding is committed or pending (a match is not required).

Budget Worksheet

Download the required budget worksheet. The spreadsheet contains several tabs:

  • Instructions: Detailed instructions for how to complete the spreadsheet

  • Budget: Enter your overall project budget here.

  • Optional Sub Budget 1: Enter budgets for any significant sub-awards.

  • Financial Report: To be used for progress reports, if your grant request is approved.

Bios of Key Project Personnel

List of Co-funders

Any co-funding for this project and other current support for work in your research group.


DOCUMENT FORMATTING

Uploaded documents must follow the formatting guidelines. Files must be saved as Word or PDFs, except the budget worksheet and the demographics form, which should be produced in the provided templates.

Documents should be formatted as follows:

  • Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman font

  • 11-point font or larger

  • At least 0.5” margins all around

  • Single-spaced document

  • Standard character spacing (neither expanded nor condensed)


Walder Foundation encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply, including those with a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.


CONTACT

For inquiries about the grants management system, send an email to grants@walderfoundation.org.

For inquiries about the content of your application, send an email to science@walderfoundation.org.

Learn more about our giving priorities for Science Innovation.