CTF’s longest running program, the YIA provides two-year funding, commensurate with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to young scientists early in their careers, bringing them into the NF field and helping to establish them as independent investigators. The YIA program has been a 'seeding mechanism' for researchers and their mentors, who could showcase their Foundation-funded research to secure larger grants from the NIH and the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program - Neurofibromatosis Research Program (CDMRP-NFRP). 

Provides $250,000 in unrestricted funds to one Laureate in each disciplinary category (Life Sciences, Physical Sciences & Engineering, and Chemistry). Interested participants must hold a doctorate degree and a faculty position at an invited institution (other conditions apply, see the Eligibility category). This is a limited solicitation, view the RDS Limited Solicitation Calendar for additional information on how to apply. Nominations due mid-November annually.

Doctoral New Investigator (DNI) grants provide start-up funding ($110,000 over two years) to support fundamental research in the petroleum field. Applicants must be within the first three years of their first academic appointment at the level of Assistant Professor or the equivalent.

Eligible applicants are tenure-track faculty who hold primary or courtesy appointments in chemistry, physics, or astronomy departments that offer bachelor's and/or graduate degrees in the applicant's discipline. For the 2023 proposal cycle, eligibility is limited to faculty members who started their first tenure-track appointment anytime in calendar year 2020. Accommodations are made for faculty who have taken maternity or paternity leave, or who have experienced medical conditions or research delays that prompted a tenure clock extension. Funding of $120,000 is available for a three-year project.