Paula And Rodger Riney Foundation
Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $33.1 million (2024)
- Success Rate: N/A (no public application process)
- Decision Time: N/A (invitation only)
- Grant Range: Varies by institution
- Geographic Focus: National and international research institutions
Contact Details
- Website: www.paulaandrodgerrineyfoundation.org
- Location: Saint Louis, MO
- Managing Director: Bobby W. Sandage Jr., PhD
Overview
The Paula And Rodger Riney Foundation was established in 2019 by Rodger Riney, founder and former CEO of Scottrade, and his wife Paula. With total assets of approximately $55.6 million as of 2024, the foundation distributes over $33 million annually to accelerate research into finding a cure for multiple myeloma and related cancers, as well as supporting research into neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The foundation takes a highly strategic approach, carefully reviewing and providing grants directly to leading researchers and institutions with the most promising programs for finding a cure.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
The foundation provides direct grants to research institutions and investigators working on:
- Novel CAR T cell therapy projects
- Therapeutic targeting of the tumor microenvironment
- Bispecific T cell engagers
- Genomic and epigenomic abnormalities in myeloma
- Proteasome inhibitor resistance mechanisms
- Microbiome influence in myeloma
- Novel combination therapy studies
- Career Development Awards (in partnership with International Myeloma Society)
Priority Areas
- Multiple myeloma research
- Related blood cancers
- Neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's and Parkinson's)
- Translational research with near-term clinical application potential
- Support for young investigators entering the field
What They Don't Fund
- General operating support
- Non-medical research
- Programs unrelated to their core disease focus areas
Governance and Leadership
- Founders/Trustees: Rodger O. Riney and Paula C. Riney
- Managing Director: Bobby W. Sandage Jr., PhD
- Staff: Jenna McClary (Accounting), Danae Bednar (Administrative Assistant)
The foundation operates with minimal administrative overhead, with 99.6% of expenses dedicated to charitable disbursements.
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded through direct invitation to research institutions and investigators identified by the foundation's leadership and scientific advisors. The foundation proactively identifies and approaches researchers and institutions conducting promising work in multiple myeloma and related areas.
Getting on Their Radar
Based on their grant patterns, the foundation identifies recipients through:
- Recommendations from their scientific advisors and existing grant recipients
- Review of published research in multiple myeloma and related fields
- Partnerships with leading cancer research centers
- Connections through the International Myeloma Society
The foundation has established relationships with major research institutions including Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Mayo Clinic, MD Anderson, Washington University, Emory University, Ohio State University, and over 10 other leading cancer research centers globally.
Application Success Factors
Given the invitation-only nature of this foundation:
- Excellence in multiple myeloma or neurodegenerative disease research
- Track record of translational research with clinical application potential
- Affiliation with a recognized cancer research center
- Publication record in high-impact journals
- Innovative approaches to the specific research areas they prioritize
- Collaborative potential with other funded investigators
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- This is an invitation-only funder with no public application process
- They focus exclusively on multiple myeloma, related cancers, and neurodegenerative diseases
- The foundation has substantial resources with over $33 million in annual giving
- They have established partnerships with leading research institutions nationwide
- Notable commitment includes $40 million grant to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
- Strong preference for translational research with near-term clinical impact
- Support includes both established researchers and career development for young investigators
References
- Paula And Rodger Riney Foundation Official Website (www.paulaandrodgerrineyfoundation.org) - Accessed December 2024
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Paula And Rodger Riney Foundation Form 990 filings (2024) - Accessed December 2024
- GuideStar Profile (EIN: 82-3268996) - Accessed December 2024