ACCEL Grant Program

To be considered for support, applicants must:

• Be a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to SCD and are exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Proof of tax exempt status will be required.
• Have the organizational capacity needed to manage the proposed project's timeline and deliverables.
• Submit an application by the stated deadline of 11:59pm PST on April 23, 2021.
• Applications received after the deadline will not be evaluated.
• Collaborations between two or more entities are permitted but not required.
• Only one grant proposal application per organization will be considered.
• Previous ACCEL grantees may apply; however new program proposals are preferred.

Follow these steps to submit a funding request:

1. Confirm your organization's eligibility
   a. Verify whether your organization is eligible to submit a funding request application. Visit the Eligibility section for requirements and restrictions.
   
   
2. Sign in or create an account
   a. An account is required for our online funding system. Once your account is created, you will be able submit a funding application. Be sure to save your login information for future applications.
   
   
3. Complete online application
   a. Complete your funding request via our funding request system.
   
   
4. Review and submit your application
   a. Review your application thoroughly for accuracy and completeness before submitting it for funding consideration. A confirmation email will be sent upon receipt of a submitted application to the primary and secondary contacts listed in the application.
   
   

Please see FAQ document for information on funding restrictions.

Access to Excellent Care for Sickle Cell Patients Program (ACCEL) - FAQs

What is ACCEL?

In September 2018, GBT sponsored an Access to Care Summit for healthcare providers and other sickle cell disease stakeholders to discuss programs that are successfully working to address significant gaps in healthcare delivery for both adults and children living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). During the Summit, participants created draft roadmaps of these successful programs to help disseminate best practices and to encourage the initiation of new SCD access-to-care programs.

The ACCEL Program funding came out of the momentum of the Summit by providing funding for novel access-to-care pilot programs, with the goal of accelerating the development of sustainable programs that have the potential, over time, to deliver healthcare for people living with SCD. U.S.-based nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organizations serving people living with SCD and their families are eligible to apply. Grant awards may be up to fifty thousand ($50,000 USD) during a 12-month period.

What are the eligibility requirements?

• Be a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to SCD and are exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Proof of tax-exempt status will be required.
• Have the organizational capacity needed to manage the proposed project's timeline and deliverables.
• Collaborations between two or more entities are permitted but not required.
• Only one grant proposal application per organization will be considered.

Can past grantees re-apply?

• Yes, organizations that have been awarded grants in prior years may reapply; however, preference will be given to new program proposals.

When are proposals due?

• Applications are due 11:59pm Pacific Time on April 23, 2021.
• Applications received after the deadline will not be evaluated.

How much money can be requested?

• Grant requests up to, but not exceeding, fifty thousand dollars ($50,000 USD) will be considered.

How long is the funding term?

• The funding period is twelve (12) months from the date of award.

How many awards will be given?

• Up to ten (10) proposals will be funded; up to five (5) institution-based programs and up to five (5) community-based programs.

Can proposals support existing programs?

• Yes, proposals may expand upon existing programs or services.

Which topic areas or categories will be considered for funding?
Suggested access-to-care programs may include, but are not limited to:

Institutions:

• Expanding available capacity by partnering with non-SCD stakeholders
• Improving transition from pediatric to adult care
• Innovative outreach models
• Innovative training programs
• Educational programs focused on the impact of race and healthcare disparities
• Educational initiatives focused on patient empowerment and shared decision-making
• Initiatives around COVID-19 vaccine awareness for sickle cell patients

CBOs

• Improving transition from pediatric to adult care
• Educational initiatives that empower SCD patients and enable them to navigate the healthcare system
• Educational programs which target Healthcare Provider education around the impact of race and healthcare disparities
• Initiatives around COVID-19 vaccine awareness for sickle cell patients
• Community outreach models using community health workers to directly facilitate patient access to care

How many proposals can my organization submit?

• Only one (1) grant proposal application per organization will be considered.

How are ACCEL grant proposals submitted?

• Completed grant proposals and required documentation should be submitted through GBT's funding request system portal at https://gbt-foundation-portal.idea-point.com/

What is included in the submission packet?

• Applications must be in English with currency in USD. To submit a proposal, complete and submit the ACCEL grant proposal application form online. A list of required documentation is included below. Please visit https://gbt-foundation-portal.idea-point.com/ to access the application form.
  1. Cover letter written on your organization's letter head with the following information:
     1. Formal request for funds
     2. Description of the project for which you seek funding
  2. Detailed scope of work including quarterly milestones
  3. Biographical sketch of project lead and detailed narrative of key personnel including title, qualifications, role, and percentage of FTE personnel
  4. Detailed line item budget that includes the following:
     1. Minimal but essential permanent equipment directly relevant to the GBT grant
     2. Supplies (broken down by subcategory, e.g., postage, print or training materials)
     3. Indirect costs
     4. Other expenses relevant to the conduct of the grant program goals and intended outcomes
  5. W-9 form (signed and dated not more than one (1) year ago)
  6. IRS tax determination letter of 501(c)(3) status

What are the funding restrictions?

The following are outside the purview of this funding opportunity:

• Capital campaigns, building construction, employee benefits, or fundraising (does not preclude seeking funds from other sponsors).
• Projects or activities aimed solely at transportation to/from health care services.
• Medical and scientific research (e.g., Investigator Sponsored Trials).
• CME education and training
• Entertainment expenses of any kind, including but not limited to lavish meals and alcohol expenses.
• Activities hosted at lavish facilities such as a spa or resort.
• Funding market research or analysis to build a business plan.
• While reasonable salaries, exclusive of benefits for Community Health Outreach Workers or Care Navigators, are permitted, direct physician or other health care provider salaries/compensation, are outside the purview of this program.

Is there a required budget template?

• You are welcome to use your own template; however, budgets must be detailed (see question above with information regarding what details should be included in your budget).

Can supplemental information or materials be included in an application?

• While not required, supplemental information may be included in a proposal submission (e.g., letter/s of support). All supplemental materials must be submitted as appendices and be in PDF format.

What are the evaluation criteria?

Responses to questions or requirements identified in the application will form the basis of evaluation. The final decision and award(s) granted by GBT will be subject to the following key decision criteria about each application:

• SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, timely) goals and objectives
• Strength of proposal and team responsible for completing work
• Highest potential impact to SCD patient care
• Degree of innovation of the approach
• Ability to execute on plan
• Evaluation methods and sustainability plan
• Budget

Who is on the review committee?

• Proposals will be reviewed by a panel comprised of GBT personnel and external stakeholders with expertise in the issues affecting people with SCD.

Are there other required steps if a grant is awarded?

• For all proposals which are awarded a grant, the organization will be required to sign a grant award letter agreeing to the terms upon which such grant has been provided. GBT does not have any obligations to a grant requestor until all parties have signed an award letter.

Are there any reporting requirements for grantees?

• Grantees are required to submit regular progress reports during the funding period documenting milestone(s) achieved and funds used to date. Upon receipt and review of report, if milestones are met, the next installment of funding will be issued. A final report documenting project outcomes and use of funds is due ninety (90) days after the termination date of the grant.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

• Inquiries concerning this funding opportunity are encouraged. Please contact patientadvocacy@gbt.com or call 1-800-741-9102 to request additional information or ask questions.