Helmsley Charitable Trust Launches New Diabetes Research Grant

The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust’s Type 1 Diabetes Program has launched a funding opportunity through its new Future Technologies Initiative.

The goal of Future Technologies Initiative is to accelerate the development of novel, early-stage, disruptive technologies that have the potential to change the current state of type 1 diabetes management and significantly improve glucose control while reducing the burden for people living with the disease.

While new technologies have been shown to improve glucose control and reduce the burden of living with type 1 diabetes, a large majority of people living with the disease are still not meeting recommended target average blood glucose levels.

“In the last number of years, we have seen great advances in diabetes technology. However, gaps still exist in managing this difficult disease,” says Sean Sullivan, program officer for Helmsley’s Type 1 Diabetes Program. “With this RFP, we hope to attract novel approaches and advance the progress of early-stage ideas so we can get meaningful technology into the hands of people living with this disease.”

Through the Future Technologies Initiative, Helmsley intends to support projects that are high-risk, high-impact, and have long-term vision. The initiative aims to incubate proof-of-concept, early-stage research and development to assist applicants in later securing larger funding. Bold thinking, novel approaches, and partnerships that incorporate technologies and expertise outside of the diabetes field are encouraged.

The Future Technologies Initiative offers two tracks for funding, with projects receiving up to $750,000:

• Novel insulin and glucagon delivery technologies
• Novel sensing technologies

Applications from both for-profit and nonprofit U.S. and international entities are welcome for this funding opportunity. Helmsley will consider supporting one or more projects with a maximum term of 24 months. More information about the funding opportunity and how to apply is available online.

The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust aspires to improve lives by supporting exceptional efforts in the U.S. and around the world in health and select place-based initiatives. Since beginning active grantmaking in 2008, Helmsley has committed more than $2 billion for a wide range of charitable purposes.

Please direct any program-related questions about eligibility to [email protected] and online application questions to [email protected]