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Dr. Jose Rizal Park Restoration Project

Philippines Lantern Holiday Festival will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2019 from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Dr. Jose Rizal Park, located at 1007 12th Ave S Seattle WA 98144. The event will promote and preserve the Philippine holiday tradition by showcasing and sharing traditional lanterns, treats, arts, and culture.

NIDCR - National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by chronic inflammation, resulting in cartilage degradation and subchondral bone erosion, leading to jaw pain and a compromised quality of life. With no effective treatment currently available, there is a pressing need for new clinical approaches to the problem. Our innovative approach, which could potentially prevent the progression of TMJ-OA to more advanced stages, has the potential to reduce the need for complex and costly surgical procedures. Photocrosslinking tissue proteins (i.e., collagen) is a straightforward and clinically advantageous procedure. It involves applying an aqueous Rose Bengal (RB) solution to the tissue and exposure to green light. Protein crosslinking has been investigated for wound closure, anastomosis, nerve repair, and enhanced wound healing in many tissues. It has also been shown to reduce inflammatory responses in treated tissues, hence the term photochemical tissue passivation (PTP). Published data from our group shows that the network formed by extracellular protein crosslinking prevents inflammatory markers from infiltrating the treatment site. We also showed in rodent knee and shoulder models of fibrosis and post-traumatic arthritis that PTP reduces inflammation in the joint capsule. PTP was initially applied in other tissues by Dr. Redmond’s group. Only after collaborations with Dr. Guastaldi the leap was made to TMJ and this proposal. Dr. Redmond is a pioneer of photocrosslinking therapeutics, and Dr. Guastaldi has extensive experience with animal models, TMJ disease, and regeneration. We believe this innovative approach is only possible due to this partnership's unique combination of expertise. In addition, utilizing state-of-the-art optical diagnostic imaging techniques via Dr. Redmond’s and Dr. Guastaldi’s collaborators at the Wellman Center for Photomedicine (MGH) is another powerful and innovative step in assessing TMJ disease progression and therapeutic efficacy. Polarization- sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) is an optical technique that has recently demonstrated the ability to measure cartilage fiber structure and orientation. Dr. Vakoc is a leader in the field of PS-OCT, and his lab is well-equipped to conduct rapid volumetric PS-OCT imaging. We propose to apply to the TMJ for the first time. The overall goal is to explore the potential of PTP to reduce inflammation and prevent the progression of TMJ-OA. A well-established rat model of TMJ-OA will be used to achieve this goal. We hypothesize that PTP of the TMJ capsule offers a promising, minimally invasive approach to halting TMJ-OA progression by reducing inflammation within the TMJ. The following specific aims will address the hypothesis: SA1) To assess the effect of PTP on the whole TMJ structure. PS-OCT imaging, micro-CT, histology, and pain assessment will assess the impact of PTP on the whole TMJ structure. SA2) To assess the efficacy of PTP to reduce TMJ-OA-related inflammation. Whole TMJ specimens tissues will undergo quantitative (Q-PCR) and qualitative (IHC staining) assessment for the presence of inflammatory markers.

Pillars Fund

Invests in Muslim Americans leading social change. Funds arts, media, policy, civic engagement, and narrative change programs.

Pittsburgh Foundation Arts

Project and operating grants for arts organizations and individual artists from Pittsburgh Foundation Arts. Supports visual, performing, literary, and media arts.

Pittsburgh Foundation

The Pittsburgh Foundation provides community grants to nonprofits in Allegheny County working in areas including human services, education, arts and culture, environment, and economic development.

Belltown United

Belltown United will bring people together in a community-driven creative placemaking experience that will result in a collection of public street, traffic box, and sidewalk installations of relevant and engaging imagery and prose, with online (web-based) support to be sure it remains available to the community. The installation will contain visual art that identifies the distinct character of the Belltown neighborhood, from a collective understanding of the community's experiences and Belltown's history and cultural significance. The digital component will be integrated with the art to provides a storytelling experience for the pedestrian, linking them to the past, present, and future of Belltown. This project will be completed by August 31, 2023.

NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health

The Contractor, Guild Associates, Inc., aims to develop an electrochemical aptamer-based sensor device for simple, rapid, and low-cost detection and quantification of antiretroviral therapy (ART) drugs in urine and blood samples at the point-of-care (POC).

NHLBI - National Heart Lung and Blood Institute

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) accounts for 6% of all deaths worldwide and is potentially preventable, with well-described but poorly elucidated childhood origins. Improved understanding of early life origins of COPD could lead to interventions to substantially reduce morbidity and mortality from COPD, particularly in high-risk populations. Dysanapsis refers to a mismatch between airway tree caliber and lung volume that arises early in life. Our research team recently identified that dysanapsis is: 1) prevalent among older adults, 2) is a major predictor of COPD risk – exceeding tobacco smoke and other established risk factors, and 3) is not fully explained by genetics. We also know that there are heterogenous structural presentations of dysanapsis. However, the early life origins of dysanapsis are poorly understood. This R01 study will leverage 8 longitudinal birth cohorts of children to examine the relationship between early- life exposures and events and both structural (imaging-confirmed) and functional (spirometry-assessed) dysanapsis throughout childhood and adolescence to identify modifiable risk factors and help reduce risk of COPD in future generations at risk. Building on our preliminary data showing that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is as accurate as computed tomography (CT) at identifying dysanapsis, we will integrate state-of-the-art lung MRI data with extensive early-life exposure and lung function data. Aim 1 will establish relationships between early life dysanapsis and childhood lung function trajectories, and their relationship to structural dysanapsis at late adolescence. Aim 2 will determine if individual-level factors, specifically obesity and viral infections, contribute to functional dysanapsis (spirometry-assessed) and distinct structural subtypes of dysanapsis (imaging-confirmed). Aim 3 will examine community-level factors and associations with functional dysanapsis (spirometry-assessed). This study aligns with NHLBI’s strategic objective to investigate factors accounting for health differences among populations. We will establish the early-life risk factors that contribute to airway-to-lung phenotypes and enhance our understanding of the utility of both imaging- and spirometry-based measures of dysanapsis. Moreover, our findings will inform targeted interventions in high-risk groups of children to reduce their subsequent risk of COPD.

NIEHS - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

Project Summary/Abstract: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a growing public health concern, with rising prevalence and substantial economic and societal costs. Epidemiologic evidence links abnormal maternal thyroid function during pregnancy to increased risk of child ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Lithium, widely used as a psychiatric medication for bipolar disorder and depression due to its mood-stabilizing effects, also presents concerns as an environmental exposure during pregnancy. Lithium inhibits thyroidal iodine uptake, is concentrated in the thyroid, and has known neurotoxic effects. Additionally, more than 56% of U.S. groundwater samples exceed the EPA’s health advisory level for lithium, and conventional water treatment processes do not remove it. Findings from prior case-control studies on the relationship between prenatal lithium exposure and ASD risk are limited by retrospective exposure assessment, emphasizing the need for direct measures of lithium exposure during pregnancy. Our central hypothesis is that higher prenatal lithium exposure increases the risk of maternal thyroid dysfunction, which in turn elevates the risk of child ASD. To our knowledge, no prior study has explored a pathway linking prenatal lithium exposure to ASD through thyroid dysfunction as a potential mechanism. To test our hypothesis, we plan to take advantage of two established ASD studies: (1) MARBLES (Markers of Autism Risk in Babies – Learning Early Signs), a prospective cohort of over 550 pregnant women who have a child with ASD and CHARGE (CHildhood Autism Risk from Genetics and Environment), a population-based, case-control study with over 2000 children and families enrolled. In this project, after selecting MARBLES pregnant women who provided urine samples during pregnancy and subsequently delivered a child with a final diagnosis, we will analyze their urine samples for lithium. Then, we will examine whether prenatal exposure to lithium is associated with child ASD. We will also examine the impact of prenatal lithium exposure on thyroid dysfunction. For CHARGE, we will reconstruct prenatal residential lithium exposure for 500 cases and 500 controls by integrating lithium levels of national databases with geocoded residential histories and drinking water source data, applying the same hypothesis tests as MARBLES. To explore the broader impact of exposure mixtures, we will apply state-of-the-art modeling strategies, and mediation analyses will be conducted to evaluate thyroid dysfunction as a potential mediator in the pathway from lithium exposure to ASD. This study is expected to (1) provide robust evidence of a causal pathway linking prenatal lithium exposure, thyroid dysfunction, and ASD etiology; (2) identify critical windows of exposure to lithium that contribute to thyroid dysfunction and/or ASD; and (3) elucidate the impact of exposure mixtures on thyroid dysfunction and ASD risk. By focusing on modifiable environmental factors, this research will inform intervention and prevention strategies to reduce lithium exposure and mitigate ASD risk, offering actionable insights for public health.

OD - NIH Office of the Director

ABSTRACT Protein aggregation is a shared pathology of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias known as tauopathies. Because each disorder develops a unique combination of protein aggregate polymorphisms that may influence the course and severity of disease, elucidating the relationship between tau aggregate structure and biological activity has become a high priority in the field. Advances to date have been limited, however, by the lack of rigorously standardized aggregate preparations from tissues and cells which is the focus of many researchers at our university and beyond. Acquiring the proposed state-of-the-art high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system is key component of our efforts to provide high quality protein aggregates associated with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementias (ADRD e.g. Tau to researchers at Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MCND), the University of Texas and nationwide. These protein preparations will support research into the molecular basis of disease pathogenesis and catalyze efforts toward creating novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies specifically tailored against protein aggregate polymorphs.

National Park Service

A. Project Goals 1. To advance and promote to use of research, science, and technology for conserving our nation s cultural heritage. B. Project Objectives 1. Create two videos for art conservators to expose the public to art conservation methods for recovering collections after a disaster. 2. Disseminate preservation technology information.

NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health

Project Summary The majority of Americans will experience a traumatic event during their lifetimes, but only a subset experience chronic negative psychiatric outcomes such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Several cohort studies over the past 10 years have identified brain-based risk mechanisms early after trauma, which predict risk for chronic symptoms such as hyper-arousal, intrusive memories of the trauma, and negative affect. One of the most widely-replicated and theoretically-grounded such mechanisms involves early high amygdala responses to threat cues. Given the strength of current evidence, we propose that this is an actionable target for intervention early post-trauma, to prevent chronic impairing and distressing symptoms. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that can induce functional brain changes as potential intervention for neuropsychiatric disorders. Emerging findings along with our preliminary data suggest that the amygdala can be reached and dampened via stimulation of a functionally connected cortical prefrontal area. Here we propose that using TMS to dampen amygdala hyperreactivity will prevent a cascade of symptoms that could develop following trauma exposure. We propose to identify Emergency Department patients who have experienced a recent traumatic event (meets DSM-5 Criterion A), and who have high initial PTSD symptoms at 1 week post-trauma. In the R61 phase we will deliver a staged single-blind TMS intervention with a lead-in sham, followed by active treatments with increasing doses, measuring amygdala reactivity at each phase. R61 milestones involve: 1: Target engagement: Determination that active TMS versus sham decreases within-subject amygdala threat reactivity (decrease in reactivity to fearful faces). 2: Dose response: Determination that 4 vs 1 session of TMS decreases these same targets. 3: Safety and feasibility: Demonstrating feasibility of recruitment and retention (75% of participants are able to complete 75% of sessions), and no Serious Adverse Events (SAE) deemed related to the TMS intervention. If these are met, the R33 phase will involve a randomized double-blind sham-controlled trial, providing a double- blind replication of the immediate effects on the amygdala target and 1-month later, as well as longitudinal assessments of TMS effects on both PTSD and depression symptoms over 3 months post-trauma. The research environment at Emory University School of Medicine will provide excellent support for the successful completion of the proposed research, particularly with state-of-the-art neuroimaging facilities, a well-developed infrastructure for identifying participants at risk for chronic trauma-related symptoms through the Grady Trauma Project and Grady Healthcare System, and a strong community of experts in trauma and neuromodulation. If the hypotheses are confirmed, this study will lay the groundwork for future early intervention trials using non- invasive dampening of amygdala reactivity to prevent chronic trauma-related symptoms.

NINDS - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Project Summary / Abstract Nociception is the process whereby a subset of somatosensory nerve fibers (called nociceptors) detects noxious stimuli and transmits this information to the central nervous system, ultimately producing a percept of discomfort or pain. Nociceptors are faced with the complex task of recognizing disparate environmental and endogenous signals of both a physical and chemical nature; these include temperature, pressure, irritants, pruritogens, and inflammatory agents. Consequently, nociceptor activation elicits acute pain as well as injury-evoked pain hypersensitivity and can contribute to so-called ‘maladaptive’ processes underlying persistent pain syndromes. Our goal is to understand how nociceptors detect, integrate, and transmit these signals under numerous environmental and physiological conditions. This proposal is aimed at identifying and characterizing molecules, cells, and mechanisms that contribute to nociception in the context of acute (protective) or pathological (chronic) pain states. Our approach is multifaceted and ranges from structural biology to integrative physiology. At the most reductionist level, we will use biophysical, biochemical, and pharmacological tools to elucidate structural mechanisms underlying ion channel function, with an emphasis on identifying proteins and other cellular elements that physically and functionally engage with members of the TRP ion channel family that play key roles in nociception. We will also leverage cutting edge approaches in electron cryo-microscopy and tomography to visualize these channels and signaling complexes in cellular membranes and, ultimately, in their native environment of the primary afferent nociceptor. At a more integrative level, we shall probe mechanisms of intero-nociception by asking how primary afferent nociceptors interact with tissues to detect noxious signals and transmit this information to the spinal cord. We will focus on the intestine and joints, using mice as genetically tractable models for understanding mechanisms underlying chronic visceral or osteoarthritic (OA) pain. We will employ state-of-the-art techniques, such as genetically encoded neurotransmitter sensors and single cell sequencing, to characterize interactions between nociceptors and sensory epithelial cells in the gut or subchondral bone in joints. Because visceral and OA pain are more prevalent in women, we will ask if these interactions or other properties of resident nociceptors differ with sex or with age, which is also a significant factor contributing to OA. Models of OA or visceral hypersensitivity will be used to ask if genetic, functional, or anatomical characteristics of nociceptors change under maladaptive states. Visceral and OA pain remain poorly managed, reflecting our current lack of mechanistic insight into these common debilitating disorders. Together, these studies will help bridge this knowledge gap and facilitate the development of novel analgesic therapies.

Renaissance 21

Project L.I.T. by Star Tech Global Academy will engage youth in multimedia art projects that uplift community spaces and connect with community leaders. This free project will be in hybrid format with both virtual and in-person participation in 3 Teen Centers across Seattle: Garfield, Rainier Beach, and Southwest Teen Life Center. Community members will be recruited as project staff to guide teens through workshops that teach leadership, community building, and multimedia design skills. Hands-on workshops will connect youth with role models and spotlight their work to improve community spaces and motivate to Lead, Inspire, and Transform (L.I.T.).

National Park Service

Through this agreement, the NPS and NCTA will work together on a variety of programs and activities, including: organizing crafts and museum exhibits; developing traditional music presentations and programs; training park personnel in cultural presentation techniques; assisting local non-profit groups with organizing cultural events in national parks; and strategically linking artist and art organizations with parks to create a sense of place, broaden the scope of experience for American artists (especially youth), while improving quality of life.

Puerto Rico Council on the Arts

Arts and cultural grants for organizations in Puerto Rico, supported by NEA federal funding.

NHLBI - National Heart Lung and Blood Institute

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT With an emphasis on the integration of basic, translational and clinical approaches, the 68th annual Aspen Lung Conference (June 9th – 12th, 2026) will focus on answering a central question: Are current advancements in understanding the mechanisms of lung vascular cell dysfunction and lung vascular remodeling sufficient to develop effective strategies for the treatment of pulmonary vascular disease in conditions like pulmonary hypertension (PH), chronic lung disease, sepsis, and acute lung injury. To explore this central question, we structured the program into a series of six thematic sessions, each beginning with an opening keynote address: (1) Novel insights into PH phenotypes and vascular remodeling in the pulmonary circulation; (2) The vascular niche in the pulmonary circulation: Modifying resident cell function to treat pulmonary vascular disease (PVD); (3) The vascular niche in the pulmonary circulation: Modifying circulating and recruited cell function to treat PVD; (4) Understanding cellular interactions in the pulmonary circulation in chronic lung disease: Towards a cure for Group 3 PH; (5) Mechanisms of cardiac adaptation and maladaptation and their effects on heart-lung interactions in PVD; (6) Current and emerging diagnostic and treatment strategies for pulmonary hypertension and PVD. By addressing these topics, we seek to accomplish the following: 1) Provide a forum for leading basic, translational, and clinical researchers to exchange ideas regarding the current state of the field; 2) Stimulate interactions between scientific fields to identify emerging and shared interests leading to more efficient and productive research; 3) Enhance the likelihood of success in translation of preclinical scientific advances into direct patient benefit; and 4) Challenge and stimulate the scientific interests of trainees and attract a new generation of early career investigators into the fields of PVD and right heart failure. We identified outstanding thought leaders to present 12 State-of-the-Art lectures (35 min) on these topics. Lectures will be followed by 25 minutes of moderated discussion, a hallmark of the Conference. The program continues the Conference’s dedication to trainees and early-stage investigators, which will be supported by three Travel Awards (given to top scoring submitted abstracts). Travel Awardees give a 15-minute presentation in sessions that follow each State-of-the-Art speaker (24 total). Two evening poster sessions will provide additional presentation opportunities for trainees, early and established investigators (40 total posters). The final presentation is provided by the Conference Summarizer, who reviews the impact and common themes of the Conference. The Conference Summary is published annually in the Am. J. of Resp. Cell and Mol. Biol. as a “state of the field” review and includes key challenges and future directions for basic, translational, and clinical research. To encourage participation by trainees and early-stage investigators, registration is free for all students, trainees, fellows, Instructors, and Assistant Professors. The Conference is live-streamed and recorded to allow real time participation and/or viewing by investigators unable to attend in person.

Quad Cities Community Foundation

Quad Cities Community Foundation ($150M in assets) supports nonprofits in IL through grants focused on education, community development, arts, health. Awards range from $1,000 to $50,000.

NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

PROJECT SUMMARY Dolutegravir is widely used for HIV treatment globally, yet glaringly little data on integrase resistance after dolutegravir failure among children are available. While dolutegravir is associated with improved efficacy and decreased resistance compared to other antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens, a recent study from Malawi found that integrase resistance was present in 30% of select adults failing dolutegravir. While this may be an overestimate, children have multiple risk factors that increase the risk of developing integrase resistance including greater reuse and resistance to companion antiretroviral drugs, lower rates of viral suppression, higher viral load at failure, and more severe immunocompromise. To address this knowledge gap we will quantify integrase resistance in a population of children failing dolutegravir in Nigeria and utilize this resistance data to develop and validate a rapid diagnostic in collaboration with colleagues there. The 2021 World Health Organization HIV Drug Resistance Report specifically calls for surveys of integrase resistance in order to provide early signals of emerging dolutegravir resistance. Our population of highly treatment-experienced children who were rapidly transitioned to dolutegravir ART, of which 12% have detectable viremia, represents such a clinical population at increased risk of developing integrase resistance, and will inform nationally representative surveys of drug resistance. Nigeria is home to more children living with HIV than any other country in the world. A national survey of pre- treatment drug resistance among ART-naïve infants ≤18 months of age (2016) shows high rates of resistance, including to the most widely used companion drugs among children: abacavir and lamivudine. Such resistance may predispose children to develop integrase resistance. Since 2004, APIN Public Health Initiatives has provided HIV care and treatment to over 22,000 children in Nigeria, and thus is uniquely positioned to provide critical drug resistance data from multiple pediatric sites/regions across Nigeria. We propose to evaluate integrase resistance among 500 children in Nigeria failing dolutegravir-ART at two different time points to provide critical data on the evolution of integrase resistance. We will further utilize these data to develop rapid diagnostics to detect specific integrase resistance mutations with the goal of making dolutegravir resistance testing accessible globally via rapid, low-cost assays. These studies address a critical gap in knowledge regarding integrase resistance among children failing dolutegravir ART, will inform future surveys of drug resistance, and will support the development and validation of a rapid integrase resistance assay in this setting. This has the potential to impact international guidance on dolutegravir use and resistance testing for this vulnerable population of children.

It Takes a Village

The Queens Healing and Liberation project will be a hub for transformative work, committed to the thriving of Black, indigenous and people of color community members and the liberation of everyone. This project will offer space, resources, and nourishment for changemakers grappling with the challenges of our world. Our organization focuses on 3 core fields- health and healing, art and education, and environment and justice. This project will be completed by February 28th, 2023.

Seattle Poetry Slam

Seattle Poetry Slam will host an all-ages three-day celebration of LGBTQ arts and community on December 8-10 at Capitol Hill venues. The Queer Resurgence on Capitol Hill Poetry Festival will include panel discussions, workshops, and a poetry slam competition. Seattle Poetry Slam will partner with key organizations like Seattle Spit (Seattle's only LGBTQ open mic) and Gay City (Seattle's LGBTQ Center).

NCI - National Cancer Institute

SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Cranial radiotherapy remains a cornerstone for treating primary and metastatic brain tumors. However, it is frequently associated with long-term cognitive decline, particularly in patients who survive beyond six months post-treatment. Despite advances in radiation delivery and neuroprotective strategies, no effective interventions currently exist to prevent or reverse radiation-induced neurotoxicity. The studies outlined in this proposal are based on a novel hypothesis that radiation disrupts neural lineage commitment in the developing human brain, driving aberrant cellular plasticity and transdifferentiation of neural stem/progenitor cells into endothelial-like phenotypes, which is supported by preliminary and published data. These fate shifts impair neurodevelopment and alter synaptic function, contributing to long-term cognitive deficits. The overall hypothesis is that radiation-induced cellular reprogramming in the human brain alters both cellular identity and functional connectivity, and that these effects can be mitigated through targeted inhibition of endothelial-inductive pathways (e.g., VEGF, FGFR, Notch). To test this, we will use mature human iPSC-derived cortical organoids subjected to fractionated radiation and apply single-cell and spatial transcriptomic approaches to define lineage transitions (Aim 1), followed by functional assays including calcium imaging and multielectrode array recordings to assess neural network activity in the presence and absence of pathway inhibition (Aim 2). This R21 project leverages cutting-edge 3D human brain models and state-of-the-art technologies to address a major gap in understanding the cellular mechanisms underlying radiation-induced cognitive impairment. Because the targeted pathways have existing pharmacologic inhibitors already in clinical use, this research has high translational potential for developing radiation mitigators to preserve brain function in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.

Friends of Rainier Valley Creative District

The Friends of Rainer Valley Creative District are hosting the 2023 Rainier Valley Community Arts Resource Fair (Arts Resource Fair) will take place on Sunday, August 20, 2023 in Columbia Park (located at the north end of Rainier Valley) from 11AM to 7PM. This is a full day multi-purpose event that will provide arts, culture, education, health, legal, housing, and business resources to the general public with a particular focus on the needs of creative businesses in the Rainier Valley.

Raleigh Arts Commission

Project and operating grants for arts organizations and individual artists from Raleigh Arts Commission. Supports visual, performing, literary, and media arts.