Real Impact Grants

General Information:

Posted Date for Applications: 05/06/2020

Closing Date for Applications: 06/03/2020

Project Period: 07/01/2020 - 11/15/2020

Program Funding Amount: $100,000

Expected Number of Awards: 15 - 20

Individual Award Ceiling: Up to $5,000

Announcement of Grant Awards: June 2020

Eligibility:

Eligible Applicants - Nonprofits with an IRS 501(c)(3) status and a primary focus of serving individuals and families with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and β - Thalassemia.

Additional Information on Eligibility - Grants are open, competitive. Imara is making awards across several geographical regions in the United States (US) only.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Additional Information:

Funder: Imara

Addressing Hemoglobin Disorders - SCD and β Thalassemia: Hereditary hemoglobin disorders include a range of rare inherited genetic diseases in which there is abnormal production or absence of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the iron-containing protein in red blood cells (RBCs) responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood. Hereditary hemoglobin disorders can be broadly categorized into two groups: 

1. The first group, which includes SCD, results from abnormalities in hemoglobin that cause RBCs to become elongated and rigid. As a result, the blood flow to internal organs is blocked resulting in painful crises. Patients living with SCD often experience severe pain episodes and may have progressive multi-organ damage.
2. The second group, which includes β-thalassemia, results from a decreased or absent production of hemoglobin. As a result, patients have smaller, paler RBCs that do not deliver enough oxygen to vital tissues. If left untreated, β-thalassemia causes severe anemia, enlarged spleen, bone abnormalities, and possible organ failure.

Both groups of hemoglobin disorders have limited treatment options which results in a significant unmet medical need for patients. The global prevalence of SCD and β-thalassemia are estimated to be approximately 4.4 million and 288,000 patients, respectively. SCD and β-thalassemia are both designated as rare diseases in the United States and the European Union, with a total combined prevalence of approximately 19,000 patients.. 

Initiative Overviews:

1. COVID – 19 Response Grants - Imara seeks proposals for projects to address urgent community needs caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Imara is committed to helping families and community-based organizations as they struggle through the pandemic. Funding is intended to increase the capacity of community organizations to meet the basic needs of residents who have been impacted by COVID-19. Example: Funding may support remote communications with stakeholders, families with children or provide mental health services, etc. 
2. Social Health Impact Grants - Imara seeks proposals for projects that will ease the life burden of patients, families, and the overall communities who are challenged by sickle cell disease and β-Thalassemia. We will fund organizations that are working to address social drivers that impact health, disease management, education and or other basic needs. 
3. Community Based Organizational (CBO) Capacity Grant - Imara seeks proposals from CBOs to enhance their internal operations to better fulfill their missions and achieve outcomes that are impactful. Example: Funds may support programs and other activities conducted by the organization. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Additional Information on Imara Advocacy

Real Impact Awards FAQs

Grantor Contact Information: If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement or need further assistance, please contact info@imaratx.com or Jennifer Fields @ +1 617-206-2020.