The ICA is very proud of its distinctive Pilot Research Program, which was begun in 1985, and remains the first and only interstitial cystitis research program funded by a non-profit, patient-driven association. To date, this ICA Program has funded over 60 projects totally over $1.5 million.
Before 1985, there was no federal funding available for IC research. Because of the ICA’s efforts, funding became available in 1987 for the very first time, and funding has remained available every year since. The ICA continues to work closely with the US Congress and National Institutes of Health (NIH) to ensure that IC research continues and expands.
And your contributions have made it possible for this rich body of knowledge to evolve and to continue to grow. The ICA Pilot Research Program, funded largely by ICA patient contributions, has "opened the doors" for many researchers, and enabled them to obtain large government grants to further pursue their explorations into the causes and treatments of IC.
Many times, researchers with new IC concepts are unable to receive funding from the NIH because they lack the preliminary data needed for NIH grant approval. This is where our Pilot Research Program steps in. Our Pilot Research Program is unique because we provide researchers with the initial funding to get their projects literally "off the ground." In fact, the ICA’s Pilot Research Program is considered an important "stepping stone" for researchers seeking further funding for IC studies.
Our enduring and successful Program continues to cultivate interest in IC within the medical community, while, at the same time, it continues to attract outstanding researchers to study IC.
For information on applying for an ICA Pilot Research Program grant, please click here.
Below you will find the ICA Pilot Research Program grants awarded. They are categorized by year, followed by the project name and recipient. In some cases you will also find a brief description of the project.