Frequently Asked Questions
for AHRF Grant Applications
Q1: What format rules should I follow in creating my application?
A1: Use the application guidelines and checklist for the grant for which you are applying at https://www.american-hearing.org/research-grants/grant-process/
Q2: What margin and font sizes can be used in an AHRF application?
A2: Margins must be at least one-half inch (1/2”) for top, bottom, left, and right. AHRF does not require a specific font; however, it must be at least as large as 11-point Arial. For line spacing, use no more than six lines per vertical inch. If you need more direction, see NIH guidelines for these and similar formatting issues.
Q3: Can a bibliography for references related to the main body be included? If so, does the bibliography count toward the page limits?
A3: A bibliography or list of pertinent references may be included. This list does not count toward the page count limits.
Q4: Can I use my NIH grant application to apply for an AHRF grant?
A4: No. AHRF format is required and AHRF page limits apply. For instance, budget and research plan are limited to the one-year project being requested. Include a biographical sketch for each principal investigator; each biosketch is limited to three pages including relevant publications. However, the NIH biosketch format (limited to three pages) can be used.
Q5: Will my research topic be considered?
A5: To see AHRF-funded topics going back more than 20 years, visit https://www.american-hearing.org/purpose-impact/ahrf-funded-research/complete-grant-archive/
Q6: I am the PI. Can I request funding for my salary?
A6: No. AHRF grants may not be used for PI salary, travel or overhead expenses.
Q7: Can I request funding for travel costs that are related to data-gathering (for instance, for out-of-town participants to travel to the laboratory, or for researchers to travel to test participants) if reasonable?
Q7: If the travel is related to data-gathering, and is not a major part of the budget (less than 10-25%), then it would be allowed.
Q8: In past years, AHRF offered grants in smaller amounts for research that addressed Meniere’s disease and the causes of sudden hearing loss. Can I still apply for funding for these topics?
A8: Yes. AHRF donors have specifically supported these topics, and the topics continue to be of special interest to AHRF. Now it’s possible to request larger grants for proposals in these areas – up to $50,000. Proposals that address Meniere’s disease or causes of sudden hearing loss will be given special consideration during the review process.
Q9: If I receive overlapping funds, can I use those funds for an alternate purpose?
A9: No. Overlapping funds are to be returned to AHRF.
Q10: Can I request a no-cost extension?
A10: Yes. Approval will depend on reasons for the extension, submission of a new budget for residual funds, and alterations to the original aims for the budget requested. Email info@american-hearing.org to request AHRF’s no-cost extension form.
Q11: Can I request a renewal of my grant?
A11: Yes. The grant will be considered competitively with new grants and will require an entirely new grant proposal, with a report on progress from the first year of the grant.
Q12: I am a medical student. Can I request funding?
A12: As a medical student, unless you hold a PhD or AuD, you are not eligible for the AHRF Discovery Grant.
Otolaryngology residents at specific institutions may apply for AHRF’s Bernard & Lottie Drazen Memorial Grants ($1,000). To be eligible for a 2022 grant, residents must be enrolled in a Chicago program (Loyola, Northwestern, Rosalind Franklin University, Rush University, University of Illinois, or University of Chicago) or in a school represented by members of our Board or Research Committee (Washington University, St. Louis, MO; University of Miami, FL; Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX).
Q13: I am with an institution outside the United States. Can I request funding?
A13: Funding is limited to universities or hospitals within the U.S. Applicants are not required to be U.S. citizens. However, they must be associated with a U.S. institution.
Q14: I am associated with a nonprofit research institution in the United States. Can I request funding?
A14: Funding is limited to universities or hospitals within the U.S. Your study may be considered for funding if the primary PI who submits the application is associated with a U.S. university or hospital, is a collaborator, and has responsibility for the funding.
Q15: If my study includes human or animal subjects, do I need to submit IRB or ACUC approval with my application?
A15: You do not need to submit this approval with your application. However, starting in 2024, if you receive an AHRF grant for a study that includes human or animal subjects, you must show you have applied for IRB or ACUC approval by March 30 of your grant year. Otolaryngology residents who receive a Bernard and Lottie Drazin Memorial Grant will need to show the project has current or pending IRB or ACUC approval by September 30 of the grant year.