Thomas J. Beatson, Jr. Foundation Inc.

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2.62 million (2024)
• Total Assets: $41.3 million
• Success Rate: Approximately 13-14% (5 grants awarded from estimated 35-40 applications annually)
• Decision Time: Approximately 4-5 months (February deadline, announcements typically June/July)
• Grant Range: $250,000 - $287,500 (total per two-year project)
• Geographic Focus: National (United States)

Contact Details

Address: 2158 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste 117, Mesa, AZ 85203
Phone: 480.834.3550
Email: director@beatsonfoundation.org
Website: https://www.beatsonfoundation.org

Overview

The Thomas J. Beatson, Jr. Foundation was established to honor the legacy of Thomas J. Beatson, Jr. (1932-2016), a Joslin 50-Year Medalist who lived with Type 1 Diabetes for 74 years. The foundation became tax-exempt in April 2009 and maintains assets of $41.3 million as of 2024, distributing approximately $2.62 million annually in grants. The foundation's mission is "to support leading edge research that will lead to a cure for Type 1 Diabetes and to improve the lives of Type 1 Diabetes patients through education and support." Since 2019, the foundation has awarded 44 grants through its annual "Passion to Find a Cure" program, supporting innovative biomedical research at prestigious institutions nationwide. The foundation maintains a particularly strong partnership with Joslin Diabetes Center, including ongoing support for the Joslin Medalist Study and having contributed $3.2 million for the Thomas J. Beatson, Jr. Initiative for Diabetes Longevity.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

"Passion to Find a Cure" Research Grants

• Amount: $125,000 per year for two years ($250,000 total)
• Additional funding: Up to $18,750 in indirect costs per year (up to $37,500 over two years)
• Total potential per project: $287,500 over two years
• Number of awards: Up to 5 grants per annual cycle
• Application method: Online application portal with fixed annual deadline

Priority Areas

The foundation prioritizes innovative research in the following areas:

• Beta cell transplantation and regeneration: Research focused on restoring or replacing insulin-producing cells
• Autoimmunity issues: Studies examining the immune system's role in Type 1 Diabetes development
• Diabetes-related complications: Investigation of cardiovascular, renal, neurological, and other complications
• T1D management using devices: Research on technological solutions including continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and artificial pancreas systems

What They Don't Fund

• Research not directly related to Type 1 Diabetes
• Projects from researchers below the rank of Senior Instructor or Assistant Professor
• Indirect costs exceeding $18,750 per year
• Single-year projects (two-year commitment required)

Governance and Leadership

Foundation Leadership

Robert L. Packard - President (Compensation: $94,500)
Brent D. Ellsworth - Vice President/Secretary (Compensation: $94,500)
James G. Lecheminant - Director (Compensation: $81,000)

Scientific Advisory Board

The foundation's grant proposals are reviewed by a distinguished scientific advisory board with expertise in Type 1 Diabetes research:

• Maureen Gannon, Ph.D. - Expert in beta cell development and regeneration
• Mark Anderson, M.D., Ph.D. - Professor in the UCSF Diabetes Center, recognized expert in the genetic underpinnings of autoimmune diseases and the control of immune tolerance
• Lori Laffel, MD, MPH - Pediatric endocrinologist with extensive involvement in diabetes research organizations
• George L. King, M.D. - Chief Scientific Officer at Joslin Diabetes Center, holder of an endowed professorship at Harvard Medical School, and close associate of founder Tom Beatson

Dr. George King noted about Tom Beatson: "Tom Beatson was one of the original and prominent volunteers for the Medalist Study," highlighting the foundation's deep roots in understanding long-term diabetes management and complications.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through an online portal accessed via the foundation's website. The process involves:

1. Initial Contact Form: Submit organization name, applicant name, email, and phone number through the online grant application request form
2. Application Materials Access: Once the initial form is submitted, applicants receive access to the full application materials and instructions
3. Full Proposal Submission: Complete and submit all required application materials by the deadline

Eligibility Requirements:

• Academic rank of Senior Instructor, Assistant Professor, or higher
• Affiliation with an accredited institution
• Focus on Type 1 Diabetes research aligned with foundation priorities

Decision Timeline

• Application Deadline: Mid-February (February 13 for 2026 cycle)
• Review Period: February through June
• Announcement: Typically late June or early July (2023 recipients announced June 30)
• Total Timeline: Approximately 4-5 months from submission to decision

Success Rates

The foundation funds up to 5 two-year projects per cycle. Based on historical data:

• 44 grants awarded since 2019 (average of approximately 6-7 per year)
• Recent cycles have awarded exactly 5 grants per year (2022-2024), with some earlier years awarding more
• Estimated success rate: 13-14% (assuming 35-40 applications per cycle based on competitive research grant norms)

Top Recipients by Institution

Since 2019, the foundation has awarded grants to 37 researchers across 20 institutions:

• Joslin Diabetes Center: 12 grants (32% of all awards)
• University of California, San Francisco: 5 grants
• Columbia University: 2 grants
• University of Colorado: 2 grants
• City of Hope: 2 grants

Reapplication Policy

The foundation's website does not specify a reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants. Interested researchers who were not selected are encouraged to contact the foundation directly at director@beatsonfoundation.org to inquire about reapplication opportunities and whether any waiting period applies.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated priorities and funding patterns, successful applications demonstrate:

Selection Criteria

Proposals are evaluated on four key factors:

1. Creativity: Novel approaches and innovative methodologies
2. Relevance: Direct alignment with Type 1 Diabetes research priorities
3. Feasibility: Realistic project design with achievable milestones
4. Available funds: Budget appropriateness and efficient use of resources

Strategic Alignment

• Priority Area Focus: The foundation explicitly states its priority areas. Successful applicants should clearly articulate how their research addresses beta cell transplantation/regeneration, autoimmunity, complications, or device-based management
• Joslin Connection: 32% of grants have gone to Joslin Diabetes Center researchers, reflecting the foundation's strong partnership with this institution. However, grants are awarded to researchers nationwide, with significant funding to UCSF, Columbia, Colorado, and other institutions
• Two-Year Project Arc: Proposals must present a coherent two-year research plan with clear milestones and deliverables for each year

Diversity and Inclusion

The foundation explicitly states: "The Thomas J. Beatson, Jr. Foundation values diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from underrepresented minorities in biomedical research."

Recent Funded Projects (Examples)

2024 Recipients included:

• Research on molecular determinants of kidney function loss in Type 1 Diabetes
• Studies on protecting beta cells through integrated stress response modulation
• Investigation of beta cell senescence in islet transplantation outcomes
• Analysis of beta cells from patients in the teplizumab prevention trial

2023 Notable Grant: Emrah Altindis (Boston College) received funding to explore the role of gut microbes and viruses in triggering Type 1 Diabetes autoimmunity - demonstrating the foundation's interest in innovative mechanisms of disease development

Application Preparation

The foundation advises applicants to:

• Carefully review all application materials before submission
• Align proposals closely with stated research priorities
• Contact the foundation with any questions before applying

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Strong alignment is critical: Proposals must demonstrably address one or more of the four priority areas (beta cells, autoimmunity, complications, devices)
• Innovation matters: With only 5 awards per cycle, the foundation seeks "leading edge research" that offers creative and novel approaches
• Joslin partnership significant but not exclusive: While 32% of grants go to Joslin, the majority (68%) are awarded to other institutions nationwide
• Two-year commitment: Projects must be designed as coherent two-year studies, not simply one-year projects extended
• Plan for 4-5 month wait: Submit in mid-February, expect decision by late June/early July
• Scientific advisory board review: Proposals are evaluated by experts in diabetes research who assess creativity, relevance, feasibility, and budget appropriateness
• Diversity encouraged: The foundation explicitly welcomes applications from underrepresented minorities in biomedical research
• Tom Beatson's legacy: Understanding the founder's personal 74-year journey with Type 1 Diabetes and his focus on the Medalist Study may provide insight into the foundation's emphasis on long-term complications and quality of life research

References

1. Beatson Foundation Official Website - Homepage. https://www.beatsonfoundation.org/ (Accessed January 12, 2026)
2. Beatson Foundation - Grant Application Request. https://www.beatsonfoundation.org/grant-application-request/ (Accessed January 12, 2026)
3. Beatson Foundation - Grant Recipients. https://www.beatsonfoundation.org/grant-recipients/ (Accessed January 12, 2026)
4. Beatson Foundation - Advisory Board. https://www.beatsonfoundation.org/advisory-board/ (Accessed January 12, 2026)
5. Beatson Foundation - 2023 Diabetes Research Grants Awarded. https://www.beatsonfoundation.org/2023-diabetes-research-grants-awarded/ (Accessed January 12, 2026)
6. Beatson Foundation - Thomas J. Beatson, Jr. (1932-2016) Obituary. https://www.beatsonfoundation.org/thomas-j-beatson-jr-1932-2016-obituary/ (Accessed January 12, 2026)
7. Beatson Foundation - People to Know: Tom Beatson. https://www.beatsonfoundation.org/people-to-know-tom-beatson/ (Accessed January 12, 2026)
8. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Thomas J Beatson Jr Foundation Inc (EIN: 20-8112510). https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/208112510 (Accessed January 12, 2026)
9. Cause IQ - Thomas J Beatson JR Foundation. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/thomas-j-beatson-jr-foundation,208112510/ (Accessed January 12, 2026)
10. Candid Foundation Directory - Thomas J. Beatson, Jr. Foundation Inc. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=BEAT416 (Accessed January 12, 2026)
11. Joslin Diabetes Center - Tom Beatson: An Unlikely Journey. https://www.joslin.org/giving/tom_beatson_an_unlikely_journey.html (Accessed January 12, 2026)
12. Boston College News - Beatson Foundation awards grant to BC biologist for diabetes research (August 2023). https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/sites/bc-news/articles/2023/summer/beatson-foundation-grant-for-diabetes-research.html (Accessed January 12, 2026)
13. UCSF Diabetes Center - Beatson Foundation and Helmsley Awardees. https://diabetes.ucsf.edu/news-media/beatson-foundation-and-helmsley-awardees (Accessed January 12, 2026)