Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about FLAG Grant eligibility, applications, funding policies, and award administration.
Eligibility
Who is eligible to serve as Principal Investigator (PI)?
The PI must hold an independent faculty appointment, or institutional equivalent, and be authorized to serve as PI on externally funded research grants.
Graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, residents, clinical fellows, and other trainees may participate as co-investigators or key personnel, but the application must be led by an eligible PI.
Does the PI have to be a U.S. or Canadian citizen?
No. The FLAG Grant Program is open to eligible applicants worldwide.
Does the institution have to be located in California?
No. Eligible academic institutions worldwide may apply.
Can investigators from industry or private companies apply?
No. FLAG supports research conducted at academic institutions. Industry, biotechnology companies, and other private organizations are not eligible.
Can more than one PI from the same institution apply?
Yes. Multiple eligible PIs from the same institution may apply.
Can a PI submit more than one application during a funding cycle?
No. Each PI may submit only one application per funding cycle. However, a PI may participate as a co-investigator or key personnel on additional applications led by other eligible investigators.
Application Process
What is the application deadline?
Applications open February 1, 2027, and must be submitted by March 1, 2027.
Must I mail an application after submitting it online?
No. Submit the online application and upload all required documents.
If technical difficulties prevent online submission, you may email the completed application to grants@unclekory.org or mail it to our office. The application must still be received by March 1, 2027.
What happens after I submit?
Foundation staff review applications for completeness before evaluation by the UKF Medical Advisory Board. Funding decisions are anticipated around April 15, 2027. Applicants are notified by email.
Will I receive confirmation of my application?
Yes. The PI receives an automatic confirmation email and a follow-up email from the Foundation within three business days. Check spam or junk folders if neither arrives.
Can I correct my application after submission?
Yes, before the deadline. Submit a new online application with the corrected information and email grants@unclekory.org . The Foundation will remove the earlier submission and review only the most recent application.
When will funding decisions be announced?
PIs are expected to be notified by approximately April 15, 2027.
Application Requirements
Must the PI request the full $50,000 award?
No. The requested amount is at the PI's discretion but cannot exceed the maximum award.
Is there a minimum font size for the proposal?
Yes. The Description of Investigation must use a font size of at least 11 points.
Review Process
How are applications evaluated?
Foundation staff first review applications for completeness. The UKF Medical Advisory Board then evaluates:
- Significance
- Innovation
- Scientific Approach
- Investigator(s)
- Research Environment
Recommendations consider scientific merit, innovation, feasibility, and alignment with UKF's mission.
Will unsuccessful applicants receive feedback?
Yes. Applicants not selected for funding receive written feedback from the UKF Medical Advisory Board.
Can previously unfunded applications be resubmitted?
Yes. Investigators may apply again in a future funding cycle with a revised proposal or a new research project.
Funding Policies
Who can receive salary support from the grant?
Personnel working on the proposed project may receive salary support. Allocation is at the PI's discretion and should be appropriate to the proposed research.
Are indirect costs or administrative fees permitted?
No. Administrative and indirect costs cannot be charged to FLAG Grant awards.
What if the project overlaps with other funding?
UKF requires full disclosure of potential financial or scientific overlap with funded or pending grants and research projects.
Use the Other Support Form to disclose current, pending, or overlapping funding. Failure to disclose required information may result in withdrawal of an award.
After an Award Is Made
What are the reporting requirements?
Awardees must submit a scientific progress report approximately six months after the award begins and a final scientific and financial report at the end of the funding period.
What if the project budget, personnel, or funding changes?
UKF must be notified in writing of any changes to the project budget, personnel, or additional funding.
Can the PI move the project to another institution?
UKF must be notified immediately. Authorization letters are required from the previous institution, the PI, and the new institution.
Requests are considered individually under the terms of the grant and institutional agreements.
How can I request a no-cost extension?
Submit a written request explaining why the extension is needed. Include an accounting statement showing the project's financial status and a revised budget for the proposed extension.
The UKF Board reviews the request and determines whether it will be approved.
Still Have Questions?
For questions about the FLAG Grant Program or application process, please contact us at:
Uncle Kory Foundation
2121 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 4335
El Segundo, CA 90245