The BMRC Bridging Support program provides funding to established investigators to continue federally-funded biomedical research programs that demonstrate a likelihood of successfully competing for federal funding. Biomedical research is defined broadly to include basic, clinical, translational, and health services research. Bridging funds are meant to support efforts to address NIH or equivalent grant critiques in preparation for resubmission. Priority is given to established investigators with a high financial need to continue funding their research program. Investigators not eligible for BMRC Bridging may be eligible for bridging awards from the 
Grants eligible for Bridging Funding:
- Any unsuccessful A0 or A1 NIH R01 application that will be resubmitted. R01-equivalent renewable awards may be considered on a case by case basis.
- A project component of an unsuccessful Program Project or Center grant that will be submitted as an R01 A0 application.
Grants not eligible for Bridging Funding:
- Non-renewable NIH grants (e.g., R21, R00, K awards)
- Grants funded by Foundations (e.g., American Heart Association)
- Internally awarded pilot grants
- Career Development Awards
- Fellowship Awards
- R03s or grants under $100,000/year
FUNDING AMOUNTS
BMRC
A maximum of $150,000 is available to maintain projects for a period of up to 12 months (i.e., max $75,000 BMRC bridging funds, plus $75,000 Department match funds) The funding period cannot overlap with federal grant funding if the grant is ultimately awarded. Awards can start after no-cost extension funds are exhausted and can be paid (within one year) until the start date of the new grant. Unspent bridging funds will be transferred back to the BMRC upon the start date of the new federal award.
PI's Department Match
An equal amount of matching funds is REQUIRED from the PI's department. These matching funds may include up to 10% of the PI's salary effort and corresponding fringe benefits within the NIH cap.
BMRC Bridging No-Cost Extensions
Requests may be considered, but cannot overlap with federal funds. Please contact Paula Van Velden (paulavan@umich.edu) regarding extension requests before the end date of the bridge award.
HOW TO APPLY
Bridging applications must be received by the BMRC at least TWO MONTHS before you submit the grant to NIH.
Information about the required application materials and the application submission process is through the web-based UMMS Competition Space. On the Competition Space site, select the open BMRC Bridging Support competition and sign-in with uniqname and Level 1 (Kerberos) password.
REVIEW PROCESS
- Two content experts and the membership of the BMRC will provide applicants with written feedback on the merits of the proposal and the plan to address reviewer critiques.
- Funding decisions will be made based on the following criteria (in order of priority):
- Financial need: Investigators with substantial available funds will need to provide a strong justification on why additional funds are required. Amounts of other support, internal resources, and start-up funds will be considered.
- Scientific merit of proposal and impact on the field.
- Likelihood that proposed experimental plans will result in a successful grant submission.
- Reviews and funding decisions are completed within 6-8 weeks.
Program Updated August 1, 2023
Application Process Revised August 1, 2023