At this time, the Foundation will consider funding fundamental and translational research programs. Proposals should employ genetic, molecular, cellular and/or metabolic approaches to one of two categories which are the areas of concern to the Foundation:
- Diabetes Mellitus and its complications including studies of normal glucose metabolism; and
- Age-related chronic or degenerative disorders of the brain or vision including such studies of the healthy aging processes.
Studies should target the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and/or cure of diseases described above. Note that the Foundation does not include within its criteria, nor does it specifically fund cancer, cardiovascular or joint/bone degenerative disease research.
Primary Focus of Funding
While the Foundation may fund any organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a public charity under §§ 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, its primary focus and funding will be for medical research as outlined in each funding category of the grant criteria.
The primary geographic area of concentration for Foundation funding shall be within the State of California with particular attention to programs conducted by the University of California.
Generally, unsolicited grant applications will not be accepted.
Network Grant
The purpose of the Network Grant is to facilitate interaction between a network of researchers. It is anticipated that these investigators will be independently funded and have demonstrated productivity in their own field.
Due to the uncertain times in medical research funding, LLHF is pausing our new Network grantmaking so that we can devote maximum resources toward Fellowship and Startup grants.
- Qualified Institutions: The PI’s labs must be affiliated with an institution within the state of California
- Funding Areas: Diabetes or Aging
- Maximum Funding: $600,000 per year
- Duration of the Award: Up to four (4) years, subject to annual Foundation approval; thereafter, one possibility of renewal & only by a new competitive application
- Maximum Allowable Indirect Costs: 10%, included in the total grant
Important Dates to Remember
- Not available until further notice.
Start-up Grant
The Foundation offers grants to qualified researchers to initiate independent research careers in one of the two areas of stated interest to the Hillblom Foundation.
- Qualified Institutions: The PI’s lab must be affiliated with an institution within the state of California
- Funding Areas: Diabetes or Aging
- Maximum Funding: $120,000 per year
- Duration of the Award: Up to three (3) years, subject to annual Foundation approval, non-renewable
- Maximum Allowable Indirect Costs: 10% included in the total grant
Important Dates to Remember
- Application Submission Start Date: January 1, 2026
- Application Due Date: January 31, 2026 at 5PM PST
- Funding Decisions Announced: June 2026
- Anticipated Start Date: July 2026
Fellowship Grant
The Fellowship Grant is intended to enable Qualified Institutions to provide post-doctoral research fellowship training to qualified applicants in one of the two areas of stated interest to the Hillblom Foundation.
- Qualified Institutions: The PI’s lab must be affiliated with an institution within the state of California
- Funding Areas: Diabetes or Aging
- Maximum Funding: $75,000 per year
- Duration of the Award: Up to three (3) years, subject to annual Foundation approval, non-renewable
- Maximum Allowable Indirect Costs: 10% included in the total grant
Important Dates to Remember
- Application Submission Start Date: January 1, 2026
- Application Due Date: January 31, 2026 at 5PM PST
- Funding Decisions Announced: June 2026
- Anticipated Start Date: July 2026
