ICA Pilot Research Program
The Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA) Pilot Research Program began in 1985 and remains the first and only interstitial cystitis (IC) dedicated research program funded by a non-profit, patient association. To date, the ICA Pilot Research Program has funded over 70 IC research projects, totaling more than $1 million. Donations for this research program are collected through the IMAGINE NO IC campaign.
Often scientists with novel IC research proposals are unable to receive funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) because they lack the preliminary
data required for NIH grant approval. That’s where the ICA Pilot Research Program comes in—we provide researchers with the initial grant monies needed to get their projects literally "off the ground." ICA pilot research, funded largely by the Fishbein Family Foundation and ICA patient contributions, has "opened the door" for many researchers and enabled them to obtain large government grants to further pursue their explorations into the causes and treatments of IC.
What We’ve Learned Thus Far
The ICA Pilot program has been an exceptionally successful program. This is a reflection of the generosity of donors and the Fishbein Family Foundation, excellent work of the researchers, dedication and expertise of the scientific review committees, and the ICA’s ongoing networking within the research community. Highlights include the work of:
Many of these funded pilot IC research projects went on to receive National Institutes of Health (NIH) research funding. The importance of this cannot be overstated since NIH funding allows researchers to further pursue the work they began thanks to initial funding from the ICA Pilot Program and Fishbein Family Foundation. Learn about how your donations really do help advance our understanding about IC and translate into studies to find better treatment options and ultimately a cure.
Fishbein Family Foundation
ICA Pilot Research Program
Current Projects
| Epidemiology/Genetics |
Natural History of 314 Incident IC/PBS Cases, University of Maryland, MD |
| Treatments/Drug Discovery |
The Effects of Caffeine on the Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome, Smith Institute for Urology, NY |
| |
Osteopathic Manipulation as a Therapeutic Intervention for Female Interstitial Cystitis Patients with High-tone Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, Pelvic Pain and Sexual Health Institute, PA |
| Biomarkers Research |
Evaluating a Rapid Biomarker-based Method for Differentiating IC from Overactive Bladder (OAB), Tony Buffington, Ohio State University |
| |
Understanding the Mechanism of Degeneration of Bladder Epithelial Cells that Occurs in IC Patients and Identifying Biomarkers, Jayoung Kim, PhD, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center |
| Basic Research |
Influence of Endometriosis on Bladder Function: Basic Studies in a Rodent Model, Florida State University, FL |
Request for Proposals—ICA Pilot Research Program Grant Application
Research areas of interest:
- Epidemiology of interstitial cystitis: Special interest in studies on the burden of disease
- Etiology of interstitial cystitis
- Serum or urine markers
- Potential IC treatment modalities
- Neurophysiology
- Pain management
- Pregnancy and IC
There are no standardized application forms to fill out. To apply submit two (2) PDFs including:
PDF #1: Proposal (we urge you to keep your proposal as concise as possible)
- Cover sheet listing the researcher’s full contact address (name, academic degree, full address with zip, phone and fax numbers, and e-mail address for principal investigator)
- Title of proposed project and abstract
- Research hypothesis or conference theme
- Proposed methodology or conference proposed conference logistics
- Estimated time required to complete project (one year maximum)
- Short-version curriculum vitae of principal researchers
- List of funding sources for current research projects, including those ongoing or completed in the last 3 years
- List of other grants expected in the near future, with funding sources and titles
- Detailed budget (The use of award funds is restricted to research based on the purposes and methodology outlined in the application. No funds may be used toward administrative overhead costs.)
PDF #2: Relevant articles
- Provide no more than three (3) articles recently published in the peer-reviewed literature.
The 2011 call for proposals is closed. For next year's cycle, please submit the PDFs in one email to research@ichelp.org no later than October 1, 2012 (the deadline has been extended to October 8, 2012). The date stamp of the email will determine timeliness of submission. An email will be sent acknowledging receipt of your proposal. Review is tentatively scheduled for six to eight weeks following receipt of proposals.
Download a pdf version of the Request for Proposals.
Scientific Advisory Board
A committee comprised of members of the ICA Medical Advisory Board reviews all grant applications. Board members of this ad hoc Grant Review Committee are selected based on the pool of applications received and area of expertise.
Process for Determination of Funding
Grant Review Committee members evaluate applications independently and submit their evaluation and feedback. The committee then meets as a whole and discusses all proposals weighing scientific merit, potential advancement for the field, relevance for those affected by IC, quality of the application, and costs.
Grants are classified into three groups: Yes, No, Maybe (pending resubmission of grant). Applicants of grants classified as “Maybe” are asked to address limitations of their application and offered the opportunity to resubmit with a revised cost proposal. All resubmitted applications are reviewed by the grant committee and reclassified as Yes or No decisions.
Award Decisions
All applicants will be informed by email regarding grant decisions.
An initial payment of 50% of the total grant is made upon award. Upon receipt, review and approval of the final report by the review committee, a check for the remaining 50% of the grant is issued. Failure to complete the project and submit the final report within one year of receipt of initial payment will require that you repay the full amount initially received.
Post-award Requirements: Scientific, Lay and Budget Reports
Three reports are due no later than one year from the date of the initial payment:
- Final Scientific Report: A final report outlining the results of the project is required. Researchers are also required to credit the ICA for support of the research where appropriate and participate in scientific and patient meetings to discuss the research if requested and whenever possible.
- Lay Report: A short, one paragraph description of the salient findings in plain language (6 to 8th grade reading level) is also required for posting on the ICA website and distribution to the donors who made this award possible.
- Budget Report: An accounting for use of all funds. Awardees are required to return unused funds.
Final Payment
After scientific and cost review of three final reports, final payment will be made.
Researchers who receive a larger grant (such as one from the NIH) to fund the same type of research described in the proposal to the ICA, are required to inform the ICA of this news and agree to waive the final payment of the grant. In that event, researchers are required to provide the ICA with a report on the part of the research funded by the ICA.
If you have any further questions, please contact the ICA at research@ichelp.org.
Revised January 4, 2013