The Seed Grant project by Fondazione Telethon is designed to support Italian Patient Associations in making the most of their funds by investing them in scientific research on rare genetic diseases.
At Fondazione Telethon, we offer — completely free of charge — our structure, resources, and expertise to ensure a transparent and rigorous management process, from preliminary analysis to the selection and monitoring of research projects.
Only research proposals submitted by Applicants working either in public or private Italian non-profit research Institutions are eligible. Applicants from our Research Institutes (SR-TIGET and TIGEM) are eligible.
At a glance (2019-2025)
4.4 mln
total funding
87
projects funded (new and renewed)
37
Patient Associations involved
What we offer
- Tailored research needs analysis and call design: We work with associations to identify priority areas and define the focus of the call for proposals.
- Comprehensive management of the selection process: From drafting the call to conducting scientific evaluation, we ensure the involvement of independent international experts through the peer-review method.
- Legal and administrative support: We assist associations in preparing necessary documents, handling administrative procedures, and managing financial reporting.
- Outreach and awareness: We use our communication channels and visibility to promote the call and share stories related to the disease, raising public awareness about the importance of research.
- Ongoing project monitoring: Throughout the process, we support associations and track scientific progress, ensuring that every euro is invested effectively.
Through the Seed Grant initiative, Italian associations:
Benefits for Associations
- Gain access to a certified and established structure (ISO 9001) for funding management.
- Actively participate in the decision-making process, maintaining a central and transparent role.
- Promote high-quality scientific research with a direct impact on patients’ lives.
- Increase the visibility of their mission through the dissemination of the call and related activities via our communication channels.
Program Phases
- Expression of interest: Italian Associations interested in participating contact us to join the project.
- Call preparation and publication: We conduct a scientific literature review and draft the call for proposals, which is then promoted through our channels and those of the associations.
- Project evaluation: An ad hoc Medical-Scientific Committee reviews the proposals and assigns scores through a transparent and rigorous process.
- Project launch and monitoring: Once the winning project is selected, we provide support to the researcher and regularly update the association on progress.
- Results sharing: At the end of the research project, results are presented during a dedicated public meeting, ensuring maximum clarity even for a non-technical audience.
