FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Below you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact us via e-mail at foundation@rheumatology.org or phone at (404) 365-1373.
To date, the Foundation has committed $218 million to fund a total of 4,406 awards, making us the largest private funder of rheumatology research and training in the U.S.
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The Rheumatology Research Foundation focuses on two mission priorities:
- Workforce Expansion – Ensuring there are enough rheumatology professionals to meet the growing demand for patient care, the Foundation’s awards portfolio is designed to attract and train a larger workforce of rheumatologists, nurses, therapists, and other rheumatology professionals to provide quality care to individuals with rheumatic conditions.
- Accelerating Discoveries – After going through a rigorous peer review process by the Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Council, funds are awarded to scientists conducting innovative research that will lead to a future with more options for patients, and ultimately a cure.
The mission of the Rheumatology Research Foundation is to advance research and training to improve the health of people with rheumatic disease.
The Rheumatology Research Foundation (the Foundation) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization established by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) in 1985 to provide essential funding to the rheumatology community for the benefit of their patients. The Foundation is committed to ensuring there are enough rheumatology professionals in all parts of the country to the treat increasing number of patients, and continue groundbreaking research into the cause, care and prevention of more than 200 rheumatic diseases.
Whether for a rheumatic disease or not, anyone who is interested in participating is encouraged to volunteer online. Here are some places to consider:
ClinicalTrials.gov – This registry is run by the National Institutes of Health. It includes information on studies all over the world that are looking for participants.
ResearchMatch – This registry was developed by major academic institutions across the country. It was designed to connect scientists with people who may be a good match for their study.
One of the best ways is to participate in a clinical trial. This allows patients to make a direct impact on our body of knowledge—knowledge that ultimately translates into better care.
The American College of Rheumatology’s directory can help you find providers near you.
The American College of Rheumatology has many resources for patients and loved ones, including caregivers.
Approximately 250 awards are funded annually including new awards and multi-year awards.
Funding for each award varies based on the needs of the project and the term of the award. Our student and resident scholarships provide $2,000 to cover travel expenses and fees to attend the annual ACR Convergence meeting. Our established career investigators can receive up to $400,000 to support innovative research projects for two years.
The Scientific Advisory Council (SAC) consists of prominent individuals from the academic rheumatology community with knowledge of medical education and training, and/or research grant submission, evaluation and management.
Yes! New in 2023, the Foundation is offering the Choose Rheumatology Scholarship – Undergraduate Students and Post-Baccalaureate Training that provides $2,000 for travel expenses and complimentary registration to attend the 2023 ACR Convergence meeting in San Diego, CA.
Although the Foundation does not provide funding directly to patients, the core of our mission is to improve the health of people with rheumatic disease. We do that by ensuring there are enough rheumatology professionals to treat patients, and innovative research continues so we can find cures for the growing number of people living with rheumatic disease.
Peer experts examine, score, and rank applications based on many factors. This feedback then goes to the Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Council (SAC) for review.
The SAC makes recommendations to the Foundation’s Board of Directors, which in turn makes the final funding decisions.
The Foundation uses a peer-review process modeled after the one used by the National Institutes of Health. This process determines which applicants receive grants.
Contributions to the Foundation help us further our work on behalf of people diagnosed with a rheumatic disease. Visit this page to learn more about ways to give.
We invite you to share your story by becoming a #RheumChampion. Learn more .