Lupus Foundation Of America Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: ~$350,000-$400,000 in research grants
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 2.5 months (notification by March 30 for January applications)
• Grant Range: $4,000 - $140,000
• Geographic Focus: United States, Canada, Mexico

Contact Details

• Website: https://www.lupus.org
• Grant Applications: https://proposalcentral.com
• Grant Contact: Jaren Crump (crump@lupus.org)
• Phone: Not provided for grant applications
• Location: Washington, DC

Overview

Founded over 40 years ago, the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) is the nation's leading organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people affected by lupus. With annual revenues of approximately $15.4 million (2024), the foundation has funded over 400 research studies and fellowships totaling more than 500 grants to lupus investigators. The organization has been instrumental in stimulating over $768 million in federal research funding for lupus over the past five years. Their strategic approach focuses on research, education, support, and advocacy, with 80.89% of expenses going directly to programs according to Charity Navigator's 4-star rating.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Gina M. Finzi Memorial Student Summer Fellowship: $4,000 (5 awards annually)

• For students conducting lupus research under faculty supervision
• Open to students in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico
• Application deadline: January 16 annually

Gary S. Gilkeson Career Development Award: Up to $70,000/year for 2 years (2 awards)

• For rheumatology, nephrology, dermatology fellows and postdoctoral researchers
• Supports early-career investigators in lupus research
• Application deadline: January 16 annually

Pediatric Lupus Research Grant: Up to $45,000 (1 award)

• Focused on pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Supports innovative pediatric lupus research
• Application deadline: January 16 annually

Lupus Canada Catalyst Grant: $75,000 CAD (1 award)

• For Canadian citizens/permanent residents at Canadian institutions
• Supports innovative lupus research in Canada
• Application deadline: January 16 annually

Research Achievement Awards:

• Evelyn V. Hess Award for significant lupus research contributions
• Mary Betty Stevens Young Investigator Prize

Priority Areas

• Basic, clinical, epidemiological, behavioral, and translational lupus research
• Identifying causes of lupus
• Discovering better symptom control methods
• Finding pathways to potential cures
• Childhood lupus research
• Stem cell research
• Biomarkers and genetic factors
• Cognitive dysfunction in lupus
• Pregnancy outcomes in lupus patients

What They Don't Fund

• General organizational support
• Capital campaigns
• Endowments
• Non-lupus related research
• International research outside U.S., Canada, and Mexico (except for Lupus Canada grant)

Governance and Leadership

President & CEO: Louise Vetter

Board Leadership:

• Joseph Arnold (Board Chair)
• Barbara Polk (Chair-Elect)
• Susan M. Manzi, MD, MPH (Medical Director)
• Brad H. Rovin, MD, FACP, FASN (Chair, Medical-Scientific Advisory Council)

Medical-Scientific Advisory Council (conducts peer-review of funding opportunities):

• Karen H. Costenbader, MD, MPH (Council Leader)
• Gary S. Gilkeson, MD (Distinguished University Professor)
• The Council has three subcommittees: Grant Review, Research and Standards, and Government Relations and Advocacy

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

• All applications must be submitted through ProposalCentral online system (https://proposalcentral.com)
• No paper applications accepted
• Pre-application consultation available through Jaren Crump (crump@lupus.org)
• Applications open in fall for January deadline

Decision Timeline

• Application deadline: January 16
• Award notifications: March 30
• Funding begins: Varies by grant type (typically July 1)

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed

Reapplication Policy

Unsuccessful applicants may reapply in subsequent years. There are no stated restrictions or waiting periods for reapplication.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's research priorities and funded projects:

• Strong alignment with LFA's three critical goals: identifying lupus causes, improving symptom control, and finding potential cures
• Innovative approaches that have potential for translational impact
• Projects that address gaps in lupus research, particularly in underserved areas like pediatric lupus
• Strong preliminary data and clear methodology
• Collaboration with established lupus research centers or SLICC/CARRA networks
• Clear career development plans for early-career awards
• Demonstration of how research will directly benefit lupus patients
• Previous publications in lupus research strengthen applications

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Application window is narrow - submit through ProposalCentral by January 16 with decisions by March 30 • Focus on innovative research with clear potential to impact lupus patients' lives • Career development awards ($70,000/year) offer substantial support for early-career researchers • Student fellowships ($4,000) provide entry-level funding for summer research projects • Canadian researchers have dedicated funding opportunity through Lupus Canada Catalyst Grant • Medical-Scientific Advisory Council conducts rigorous peer review - ensure strong scientific methodology • Foundation particularly values research addressing health disparities and pediatric lupus

References

• Lupus Foundation of America Official Website. https://www.lupus.org (Accessed January 2026)
• LFA Research Funding Opportunities. https://www.lupus.org/research/apply-for-funding (Accessed January 2026)
• LFA Research Programs. https://www.lupus.org/research (Accessed January 2026)
• LFA Leadership. https://www.lupus.org/about-us/our-leadership (Accessed January 2026)
• Charity Navigator Profile. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/431131436 (Accessed January 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/431131436 (Accessed January 2026)