← Back to US Funders Directory

Rita Allen Foundation

Grant Range
$50K - $0.6M

Rita Allen Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: Not publicly disclosed
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Varies by program
  • Grant Range: $50,000 - $550,000
  • Geographic Focus: National (United States)

Contact Details

Overview

Founded in 1953, the Rita Allen Foundation is a philanthropic organization that invests in transformative ideas in their earliest stages to leverage their growth and promote breakthrough solutions to significant problems. Based in Princeton, New Jersey, the foundation focuses on supporting early-career biomedical researchers and civic science leaders through competitive grant programs. The foundation was established by Rita Allen in honor of her late husband, and since 1976 has been supporting pioneering research through its signature Scholars program. Under the leadership of President and CEO Elizabeth Good Christopherson and Board Chair William F. Gadsden, the foundation continues to seek out "curiosity, collaboration, leadership and courage" in its grantees.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Rita Allen Foundation Scholars Program

  • Up to $110,000 per year for a maximum of 5 years
  • Supports early-career biomedical researchers establishing independent laboratories
  • Nomination-based through eligible institutions only

Rita Allen Foundation Scholars Award in Pain

  • $50,000 annually for up to 3 years
  • Focuses on innovative research into pain mechanisms
  • Annual application cycle opens October 15

Civic Science Fellows Program

  • Fellowship program launched in 2020
  • Supports interdisciplinary leaders bridging science and civic engagement
  • Applications for host partners for 2026-27 cohort

Priority Areas

  • Biomedical science research, particularly high-risk/high-reward early-stage discoveries
  • Pain research and mechanisms
  • Civic science and public engagement with research
  • Science leadership development
  • Building connections between science and society

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation appears to focus exclusively on:

  • Scientific research (not general operating support)
  • Early-career researchers (not established investigators)
  • U.S.-based institutions

Governance and Leadership

Leadership:

  • President and CEO: Elizabeth Good Christopherson
  • Board Chair: William F. Gadsden
  • Notable Board Members: Thomas H. Kean, Carl F. Nathan, David Nirenberg, Andrew Golden

The foundation is guided by a Scientific Advisory Committee that helps evaluate potential scholars and research directions. Board members bring expertise from medicine, public service, academia, and philanthropy.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

For Rita Allen Foundation Scholars Program:

  • Nomination-based only - individual researchers cannot apply directly
  • Limited to specific eligible institutions
  • Institutions nominate candidates who then undergo foundation review

For Pain Scholars Award:

For Civic Science Fellows:

  • Applications announced periodically
  • Currently seeking host partner organizations for 2026-27 cohort
  • Visit civicsciencefellows.org for details

General Grants:

  • Periodic open Letters of Inquiry (LOI)
  • Opportunities announced on website and LinkedIn
  • Most funding is through structured programs rather than unsolicited proposals

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed, varies by program

Success Rates

Not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Not specified in available materials

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated priorities and recent scholar selections:

  • Innovation and Risk-Taking: The foundation explicitly supports "research directions with above-average risk and promise" and seeks researchers willing to pursue unconventional approaches
  • Early-Career Focus: Applicants must be at the beginning of their independent research careers, typically within first few years of faculty appointment
  • Institutional Support: For Scholars program, strong institutional nomination and support infrastructure is essential
  • Interdisciplinary Thinking: Recent scholars demonstrate connections across traditional disciplinary boundaries
  • Leadership Potential: Foundation values candidates who show promise as future scientific leaders
  • Alignment with Mission: Projects should demonstrate potential for "breakthrough solutions to significant problems"

The foundation states they "seek out curiosity, collaboration, leadership and courage" in their selection process.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Nomination Required: For the main Scholars program, individual applications are not accepted - work with your institution's nomination process
  • Early-Career Window: These opportunities are specifically designed for researchers just establishing independent laboratories
  • High-Risk Tolerance: Unlike many funders, Rita Allen explicitly encourages innovative, unconventional research approaches
  • Limited Direct Application: Most funding flows through institutional nominations or specific program calls rather than open applications
  • Multi-Year Support: Scholars receive substantial multi-year funding ($110,000/year for up to 5 years), providing stability for ambitious research
  • Network Benefits: Beyond funding, scholars join a prestigious network of Rita Allen Foundation alumni
  • Stay Connected: Follow their LinkedIn and website for periodic open calls and new opportunities

References

← Back to US Funders Directory