Research domain
Rare diseases grants
Grants for orphan disease research, rare genetic conditions, undiagnosed diseases
7 open calls matched
Rare disease funding often has niche funders with dedicated programmes (CZI Rare As One, Chan Zuckerberg Biohubs, rare-disease-specific charities). Broader funders (ERC, Wellcome, Horizon Europe) include rare disease as one pillar of their health portfolios. Scope ranges from patient registries and natural-history studies to mechanism research and gene/cell therapy development.
Top funders in this domain
Open calls
FWO
Generet Award for Rare Diseases
€1,250,000 over 4 years
6 Jul 2026 · 21d
For senior researchers (PhD + 10 years minimum) affiliated to a Belgian university, university hospital, or eligible research institute until 31 Dec 2030. Funds rare disease research (bench to bedside); rare cancers and rare adverse drug events excluded. Proposals must be submitted in English. Up to 30% may be outsourced internationally or to the private sector.
FNR Luxembourg
Inter – Erdera Call 2026
8 Jul 2026 · 23d
Thematic multilateral call under the ERDERA partnership (rare diseases). Budget cap per call and/or proposal applies. Luxembourg partner must submit INTER application at both pre-proposal and full proposal stage via FNR online system. Thematic call — no bottom-up funding.
Research Council of Norway
Resolving unsolved cases in rare genetic and non‑genetic diseases through variant validation and new technological approaches
8 Jul 2026 · 23d
ERDERA call to solve undiagnosed rare genetic diseases and complex rare non-genetic diseases by identifying causative variants in patients with no prior molecular diagnosis. International joint call; Norwegian researchers must participate in a transnational consortium.
Fondazione Telethon
ERDERA Joint Transnational Call (JTC) 2026
8 Jul 2026 · 23d
Joint transnational call under the ERDERA European rare disease research network. Requires international consortium across participating ERDERA member countries. Focus on rare/genetic diseases. Opened 10 December 2025.
FWO
Rare Diseases (ERDERA) — Joint Call
Approx. €350,000 (incl. overheads)
FWO co-funds transnational rare disease research for Flemish researchers under ERDERA. ~€350k per Flemish project (2 projects, 3 years). Applicants submit to the call secretariat; FWO selection based on transnational panel ranking. FO or SBO rules apply; SBO spin-off projects ineligible.
Fondazione Telethon
European Rare Disease Research Alliance (ERDERA)
Major pan-European partnership to strengthen research on rare diseases. Cross-border consortium participation expected; full eligibility and call details available on the ERDERA-specific page.
National Research
Horizon Europe Partnership — European Rare Diseases Research Alliance (ERDERA)
EUR 300,000/year
National co-funding for Hungarian participants in ERDERA, translating scientific advances into benefits for rare disease patients. NRDI Office conducts only formal/eligibility checks after international recommendation. Hungarian entities only.