At the 2025 American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions, Eva Garland Consulting’s CEO, Dr. Eva Garland, shared insights on how researchers and innovators can tap into a growing landscape of funding to advance cardiovascular-related technologies. In her presentation, Dr. Garland emphasized that today’s funding environment offers far more than traditional federal research grants, with investigators having access to a wide range of “outside-the-box” opportunities, including private foundations, strategic industry partnerships, and corporate grants from diverse sources. Whether developing new therapeutic platforms, digital health tools, or diagnostic innovations, researchers in the cardiovascular field have more pathways than ever to secure the support they need to bring their ideas to life. We highlight some of these opportunities below:
Traditional NIH & NHLBI Grant Opportunities
For cardiovascular researchers, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) continues to provide cornerstone funding mechanisms to support groundbreaking science and technology development. From exploratory research to clinical translation, these opportunities are designed to accelerate discoveries that can transform cardiovascular health.
The R01 remains the NIH’s primary mechanism for supporting mature, hypothesis-driven research projects. Ideal for established investigators with strong preliminary data, this mechanism funds in-depth studies aimed at advancing fundamental or translational cardiovascular science.
- Budget: >$2.5M/award
- Next Deadline: February 5, 2026
The R34 mechanism support research that will address the critical gaps in information needed to complete the protocol or other required study documents to plan for a future Phase II-IV trial. While the immediate goal is that the proposed R34 pilot studies will yield information that is both scientifically necessary and also sufficient to permit final decisions about the design of the clinical trial, NHLBI expects the published results also to be of value to the research community for future planning.
- Budget: $450K/award
- Next Deadline: February 16, 2026
For innovative, early-stage projects, the R21 encourages high-risk, high-reward research that can lead to transformative new directions in cardiovascular science. It’s ideal for generating preliminary data or testing unconventional ideas.
- Budget: $275K/award
- Next Deadline: February 16, 2026
The R61/R33 two-phase mechanism supports early clinical trial development and, upon successful completion of milestones, advances projects into the next stage of clinical validation (R33). It’s designed to bridge the gap between preclinical discoveries and proof-of-concept trials in humans.
- Budget: >$5M/award
- Next Deadline: February 3, 2026
Through the X01 Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) program, this opportunity enables researchers to leverage NHLBI’s expansive data resources to explore the genetic and molecular underpinnings of heart, lung, blood, and sleep disorders.
- Budget: Access to NIH resources
- Next Deadline: February 6, 2026
The P01 mechanism supports integrated, multi-project research programs that share a common theme. It’s ideal for collaborative teams addressing complex cardiovascular questions that require multidisciplinary approaches and coordinated expertise.
- Budget: >$5M/award
- Next Deadline: January 25, 2026
The NIH Catalyze Program represents a bold effort to bridge the gap between early-stage discovery and clinical application within heart, lung, blood, and sleep (HLBS) disorders.
Catalyze Product Definition Grants
- RFA-HL-26-016 – Enabling technologies & platform tools
- For advanced enabling research platforms that are past feasibility and ready for validation/translation.
- RFA-HL-26-017, R61/R33 – Therapeutics (Early product definition)
- For small molecules, biologics, and combination products at target/lead identification and early validation stages.
- RFA-HL-26-018, direct-to-R33 – Therapeutics (Late product definition)
- For programs already past early lead identification, moving into lead refinement/advancing toward preclinical readiness.
- RFA-HL-26-019, R61/R33 – Devices & diagnostics (concept/early prototype phase)
- For early device/diagnostic prototype development, assay development, and target validation.
- RFA-HL-26-020, direct-to-R33 – Devices & diagnostics (prototype optimization)
- For more advanced device/diagnostic projects refining prototypes and preparing for preclinical studies.
- Budget: $300K – $400K direct costs per year
- Next Deadline: February 11, 2026
Catalyze Preclinical and Regulatory Program
Additionally, NLHBI Catalyze offers Preclinical and Regulatory Expression of Interest (EOI) pathways to provide in-kind support to advance promising early-stage therapies, devices, and diagnostics toward IND/IDE readiness. Through a short EOI submission, applicants can access specialized services such as GLP toxicology, CMC/manufacturing, prototype engineering, regulatory strategy, and IND/IDE planning. Selected applicants are invited to submit a full request to scope services with NHLBI. These EOIs are intended to accelerate product de-risking and regulatory preparation, complementing Catalyze grant programs rather than replacing them.
Non-NIH Federal Opportunities
While the NIH remains a central pillar of biomedical research funding, several other U.S. federal agencies are investing heavily in advancing cardiovascular innovation. These programs offer unique avenues for researchers developing novel technologies, digital tools, or therapeutic approaches aimed at improving cardiovascular health.
The DOW CDMRP supports high-impact, high-risk research addressing critical gaps in medical knowledge and capability. Within the Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP), cardiovascular disease is often listed as an eligible focus area. In FY25, Cardiac Health, Congenital Heart Disease, and Proteomics were Cardiovascular Topic Areas.
- Budget: Up to $8M/award for Clinical Trials; Up to $3.5M/award for Therapeutic Development
- Next Deadline: TBA; Applications are generally due Summer-Fall
ARPA-H represents one of the most forward-thinking federal initiatives supporting transformative biomedical and health breakthroughs. ARPA-H is designed to accelerate bold ideas that can revolutionize how diseases are prevented, detected, and treated, making it a powerful opportunity for cardiovascular innovators pursuing paradigm-shifting technologies.
With an estimated $1.5 billion annual budget, ARPA-H funds ambitious projects that go beyond incremental progress, focusing instead on high-impact, scalable solutions that can rapidly improve health outcomes. Funding levels typically range from $2 million to over $25 million, depending on project scope and stage.
ARPA-H organizes its programs across four core focus areas that collectively aim to transform health for all:
- Health Science Futures: Expanding what’s technically possible through breakthrough biomedical and technological innovation.
- Scalable Solutions: Ensuring equitable access by developing technologies and systems that can reach everyone quickly.
- Proactive Health: Shifting focus from disease treatment to disease prevention—keeping people from becoming patients.
- Resilient Systems: Strengthening healthcare delivery through integrated, adaptive systems capable of responding to future challenges.
- Budget: $2M–$25M+
- Next Deadline: Rolling submissions
The USAMRDC plays a vital role in advancing medical innovations that enhance military readiness and improve care for service members and civilians alike. Through its Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for Extramural Medical Research, USAMRDC funds cutting-edge projects that address critical medical challenges across diverse domains—including those directly relevant to cardiovascular health.
Several cardiovascular-relevant thrust areas under the BAA include:
- Care of Complex Injuries and Organ Support – Advancing technologies and therapeutics that stabilize and support patients after severe trauma or organ injury.
- Forward Surgical Care – Enhancing surgical and life-support capabilities in resource-limited or combat environments.
- Functional Recovery from Traumatic Wound and Burn Injuries – Promoting regeneration, repair, and long-term recovery following severe injury.
- En Route Care – Developing systems and technologies that enable safe, effective patient monitoring and treatment during transport.
- Budget: $1M–$15M+
- Next Deadline: Rolling submissions, closes September 30, 2027
The USSOCOM funds cutting-edge research through its Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for Extramural Biomedical and Human Performance Research and Development. This program supports transformative innovations that enhance warfighter health, resilience, and mission readiness—creating significant opportunities for cardiovascular researchers developing advanced technologies in monitoring, diagnostics, and trauma care.
Several cardiovascular-relevant thrust areas under the USSOCOM BAA include:
- Medical Sensors and Devices – Developing next-generation monitoring systems and diagnostic tools for early detection and rapid response to cardiovascular events.
- Human Performance Optimization – Advancing strategies, technologies, and interventions that sustain cardiovascular and overall physiological performance in high-stress or extreme environments.
- Austere Surgical Stabilization – Innovating surgical and stabilization techniques for use in field conditions, where rapid cardiovascular intervention can be lifesaving.
- Budget: Up to $5M/award
- Next Deadline: Rolling submissions, closes July 31, 2028
The DARPA Biological Technologies Office (BTO) supports transformative biomedical innovations with significant implications for cardiovascular health and recovery. Several areas of interest within the BTO include:
- Combat Casualty Care – advancing technologies to improve survival and outcomes following severe trauma or cardiovascular compromise.
- Human Performance – developing tools and interventions to enhance resilience and optimize physiological function in extreme environments.
- Biomedical and Biodefense – innovating in areas that protect and restore health against biological or chemical threats.
- Budget: $2M–$20M+
- Next Deadline: Rolling submissions, closes September 30, 2026
Private Foundation Research Funding
Private foundations represent a powerful and often underutilized avenue for cardiovascular researchers seeking to translate ideas and products into real-world solutions. Many philanthropic organizations are actively investing in cardiovascular health, prevention, and treatment, with programs that emphasize early-stage discovery, community health, and global impact. An additional advantage of private foundations is their often greater flexibility than federal mechanisms, providing the ability to fund more high-risk, early-stage, or cross-disciplinary research that might not meet federal review criteria.
The AHA is the largest non-profit, non-governmental funder of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular research in the U.S. The AHA is committed to research funding with approximately 1,000 new grants this year. The association funds investigator-initiated research, topic-focused research, and data science/analysis research. Several mechanisms are offered yearly.
- Budget: Varies by mechanism, some are up to $425K/year
- Next Deadline: Varies by mechanism, Innovative Project Awards are due December 10, 2025
The CHF is dedicated to funding the most promising congenital heart defect (CHD) research. The foundation has funded nearly $20 million of CHD research and scientific collaborations to date. Funded research is focused on innovations in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CHDs. Several mechanisms are offered yearly.
- Budget: Varies by mechanism, some are up to $150K/year
- Next Deadline: FY26 deadlines have yet to be announced
March of Dimes seeks to lead the fight for the health of all moms and babies with goals to end the preventable maternal health risks and deaths, end preventable preterm birth and infant death, and close the health equity gap. There are four March of Dimes research grant mechanisms which increase in seniority and experience spectrum, with in-training investigators receiving the PSDP (Pediatric Scientist Development Program) or RSDP (Reproductive Scientist Development Program) grants, early career investigators receive the Basil O’Connor Starter Scholar Research Award, while established career scientists receive the Discovery Grants.
- Budget: Varies by mechanism, some are up to $200K total
- Next Deadline: FY26 deadlines have yet to be announced
The World Heart Federation is on a mission to enable every human to have access to the information, care and treatment they need to keep their heart healthy, regardless of race, nationality, gender, age, education or income. The World Heart Federation offers World Heart Grants to support efforts to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease in communities, reduce its burden and impact, and help people everywhere live longer, healthier lives.
- Budget: Varies by year
- Next Deadline: FY26 deadlines have yet to be announced
PCORI funds patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER), and issues funding opportunity announcements several times each year. PCORI also funds projects that support CER, such as methodology studies, as well as projects that support engagement in research and dissemination and implementation of PCORI-funded research findings. Cardiovascular Disease is a health topic area.
- Budget: Varies by mechanism, up to $12M direct costs/award
- Next Deadline: January 6, 2026
The Capillary Foundation provides medical research and device funding for innovative individuals in the healthcare field. The grants program funds any relevant research projects or prototype development with a goal of giving patients a higher standard of care and better quality of life.
- Budget: Varies by project
- Next Deadline: Rolling submissions
The Burroughs-Wellcome Fund supports biomedical scientists at the beginning of their careers and areas of science that are poised for significant advancement but are currently undervalued and underfunded.
- Budget: Varies by mechanism, can be up to $2.5M/award
- Next Deadline: FY26 deadlines have yet to be announced
The Booz Allen Foundation is dedicated to empowering human potential and driving wider social impact. Building upon Booz Allen Hamilton’s strong legacy of passionate service, the Foundation was established in 2017 as a separate legal entity. The current priority is to leverage technology to improve and amplify social structures and build generational resilience. Focus areas include inspiring and empowering new pathways of opportunity for STEM and advanced technology careers. Requests for in-kind services and financial grants are accepted by invitation only.
- Budget: Varies by project
- Next Deadline: FY26 deadlines have yet to be announced
The Global Innovation Fund finds and funds innovations with the greatest potential to transform the lives of people living on less than $5 a day.
- Budget: Varies by mechanism, grants go from pilot ($230K) up to scale ($15M
- Next Deadline: FY26 deadline is expected to be January, 2026
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative makes grants to organizations that are aligned with our four scientific grand challenges. Since their launch in 2015, CZI has committed over $7.22 billion in grants. These grand challenges are: 1) Build an AI-based virtual cell model to predict and understand cellular behavior. 2) Develop novel imaging technologies to map, measure and model complex biological systems. 3) Create new tools for sensing and directly measuring inflammation within tissues in real time. 4) Harness the immune system for early detection, prevention and treatment of disease.
- Budget: Varies by mechanism
- Next Deadline: FY26 deadlines have yet to be announced
The Gates Foundation funds research dedicated to grand challenges as well as targeted RFPs. Several current open funding opportunities focus around women’s health research.
- Budget: Varies by mechanism
- Next Deadline: Women’s Health Grand Challenge deadline December 16, 2025
The Donaghue Foundation seeks to fund research to create continual improvement in people’s health from conversion into practical benefit. Several funding opportunities have been released to test approaches and tools to improve the value of the institutional healthcare as well as innovations to improve the quality of life and care for people over the age of 65.
- Budget: Varies by mechanism, some are up to $80K total
- Next Deadline: Rolling submissions
The American Cancer Society is the leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision of ending cancer, for everyone. The ACS works to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. The ACS offers research grants to institutions and researchers and has open calls for investigator-initiated research.
- Budget: Varies by mechanism, some are up to $4M total
- Next Deadline: ACS Catalyst Award Deadline is January 5, 2026
Corporate Funding Opportunities
In the current evolving research landscape, corporate partnerships play an increasingly vital role in driving cardiovascular innovation from concept to commercialization. Major healthcare, biotechnology, and life science companies are investing strategically in academic collaborations, sponsored research, and early technology validation programs. These partnerships often provide not only funding, but also access to technical expertise, data resources, and commercialization pathways. Through these engagements with industry partners, cardiovascular researchers can leverage corporate infrastructure and resources to accelerate the translation of discoveries into clinical impact and bridge the traditional funding gap between academic research and commercial application.
QuickFire Challenges help identify, empower and enable potential breakthrough healthcare ideas from innovators across the globe. Any innovators, including entrepreneurs, companies at all stages of development, researchers and students are eligible to apply. These opportunities can result in grant funding, access to JLABS, and JNJ leadership.
- Budget: Varies by challenge, some are up to $300K total
- Next Deadline: Current open QuickFire Challenges include: 1) Pitching Critical Assessment for Therapeutic Protein Design (CAT-PD) QuickFire Challenge (Deadline: November 21, 2025), and 2) Polyphonic™ AI Fund for Surgery QuickFire Challenge (Deadline: January 30, 2026)
Pfizer supports Investigator Sponsored Research (ISR) projects that advance medical and scientific knowledge about Pfizer’s therapies. In these grants, Pfizer provides financial and/or non-financial support for the development or refinement of specific and defined medical knowledge relating to a Pfizer asset. This grant type is used as support for pre-clinical and clinical studies (including interventional and non-interventional), that involve a Pfizer asset (e.g., commercial drug, investigational drug, pure compound). Pfizer also supports general research projects focused on the development or refinement of specific and defined medical knowledge unrelated to a Pfizer asset. This grant type is used to support research that does not include the study of a Pfizer asset, including health services research unrelated to a Pfizer asset, registry development and/or queries unrelated to a Pfizer asset, and outcomes research unrelated to a Pfizer asset. This includes observational studies, such as epidemiology studies and certain outcomes research studies where the primary focus is the scientific understanding of disease as well as other types of independent research on disease states. Several RFPs are currently open with award amounts upward of $500K/year.
- Budget: Varies by mechanism, some are up to $500K/year
- Next Deadline: Several RFPs are currently open
Regeneron supports third-party investigators or clinicians seeking funding for investigator-initiated studies or research collaborations. These include 1) Investigator Initiated Studies (IIS) which are designed and operationalized by an external third-party, not Regeneron. Support in the form of funding and/or product may be provided by Regeneron. The third-party serves as the sponsor and accountable party for all regulatory and legal requirements. 2) Research Collaborations are operationalized by an external third-party, who serves as the sponsor and accountable party for all regulatory and legal requirements. Regeneron contributes to designing the study and approves the study endpoints. Regeneron may provide funding and/or products. Submitted grants go through a two-stage process consisting of a Concept Review and a Proposal Review.
- Budget: Varies by project
- Next Deadline: Rolling submissions
Medtronic supports stakeholders in healthcare, including providers, medical societies, and patient groups to provide healthcare related financial assistance for independent medical conferences, charitable events, medical education, and public education programs.
- Budget: Varies by project
- Next Deadline: Rolling submissions
Merck funding priorities include reducing health disparities and improving access to health for people in underserved communities, especially those living with cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and HIV/AIDS. Merck supports evidence-based interventions that strengthen health systems to improve the delivery of high-quality care, foster innovation in the delivery of health care and empower patients to better manage their health by helping them overcome social and environmental barriers to care. Grants are not available to for-profit companies.
- Budget: Varies by project
- Next Deadline: Rolling submissions
Novartis provides external funding to legitimate organizations in the interest of driving its mission to improve healthcare, advance scientific/medical knowledge or support the communities where Novartis Associates live and work. Disease areas include: Atrial Fibrillation, Cardiovascular – ASCVD, Cardiovascular – Hyperlipidemia, Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU) / Chronic Inducible Urticaria (CindU), Complement-Mediated Kidney Diseases (C3G), Hidradenitis Suppurativa, IgA Nephropathy, Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Sjogren’s Disease, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) / Lupus Nephritis (LN).
- Budget: Varies by mechanism
- Next Deadline: Rolling submissions