Medical Research & Biomedical Investments

Restrictions

Grant support is restricted to not-for-profit organizations and institutions operating in the greater Buffalo, New York area. Investments also may be made to support partnerships with for-profit enterprises using vehicles other than grants for activity that supports the priorities of the Foundation.

Priorities

The Foundation’s primary focus is to support clinical and translational research addressing medical conditions prevalent in WNY. We are particularly interested in new or improved methods of managing chronic conditions such as diseases of the vascular system, diabetes, cardiopulmonary conditions, and the like. Our goal is to provide direct treatment improvements to the population of WNY as soon as is practicable. Bench research that is close to achieving this goal may also be supported.

As a secondary focus, the Foundation is interested in supporting opportunities to commercialize successful new drugs, treatments, devices, or processes. Support may be in the form of grants, program- or mission-related investments, credit guarantees, or venture capital. Our goal is to help create new businesses and jobs in the WNY area and to attract new outside investment in local ventures. Brief letters of inquiry describing the opportunity should be directed to the president of the Foundation prior to any submission.

A final focus area in which the Foundation will consider funding is the enhancement of the quality of medical care through the recruitment of accomplished physician and clinician researchers, and medical investigators who have unique skills and expertise.

Application Process

An initial 2-3 page concept paper and budget must be submitted through the organization’s appropriate administrative office (usually Foundation Relations or Development), which will forward it to the Oishei Foundation. Individual investigators are discouraged from approaching the Foundation. The Foundation will evaluate the concept paper and determine whether a full proposal is appropriate.
 

If the Foundation invites submission of a full application, the application should follow an abbreviated NIH format limited to 15 narrative pages including references, CV’s of major personnel, and limited supplemental materials. In addition, a detailed budget, including justification of all major budget items and personnel will be required, as well as a listing of present and pending grant support.

The sponsoring institution’s chief executive will be required to submit a letter with the full proposal (not necessary at the concept stage) indicating that the submission meets the institution’s strategic priorities; that all administrative support necessary to ensure appropriate use and distribution of Foundation funds will be provided; and that the Institution agrees to waive the use of any Foundation funding for such administrative support.

Generally, review of concept papers and full proposals occurs during each calendar quarter. The entire process, from initial concept review to final approval of the full proposal may take six to eight months. Awards will generally be made for one to three years, and it is the expectation of the Foundation that sufficient funds from a variety of sources (including the sponsoring institution) will be secured to complete or sustain the work beyond that period.

Magnitude of Awards and Frequency of Requests

Reporting Requirements

Progress reports must be submitted in order to receive continued funding of projects lasting more than one year. A final report is expected at the conclusion of the grant period. For the Medical Reporting requirements, click here.