Background: The Campbell Foundation was established as a private, independent foundation in 1986 by the late Richard Campbell Zahn. It was Mr. Zahn's wish that his foundation support nonprofit organizations conducting clinical, laboratory-based research into the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, and related conditions and illnesses. The focus of the Campbell Foundation's funding lies in alternative, nontraditional avenues of research that will have direct clinical impact/relevancy to the HIV care/research community within five to seven years. Our Board of Directors remains dedicated to pursuing Mr. Zahn's original goals. 1995 was the Foundation's first year of substantial funding.

Grant Requests: A lay-language Letter of Intent (LOI) is required prior to submission of a full grant proposal. LOI's should include a brief description of the research aims, an approximate one-year budget, a list of collaborating research teams, and an explanation of how the project will apply to the HIV community at large within five to seven years from date of completion.

Once The Foundation invites a full proposal, grant requests should be as detailed and concise as possible. One original proposal (with any supporting documentation) is sufficient. Please see our list of grant submission materials that must be included with all incoming proposals. After initial screening, requests are reviewed by a Peer Review Board of noted HIV/AIDS physicians and clinicians, and then by our Board of Directors for final disposition. All grant seekers are notified as soon as a final funding decision has been reached. We have no set deadlines, but since all grants are handled chronologically, we suggest submitting as early as possible.

Funding: Funding is restricted to those organizations providing proof of IRS 501(c)(3) status. The Campbell Foundation will entertain budget requests for first-year funding only. We do not fund large equipment purchases or travel expenses. Additionally, we will consider funding no more than 10% for indirect costs. The majority of grant funding falls between the $60,000 to $100,000 range, but the Foundation has co-funded and has provided partial funding for more costly research projects.

All organizations accepting funding from the Campbell Foundation agree to provide quarterly status reports including progress and expenditure of funds of the program. Site visits from Foundation staff may be scheduled.