Short-Term Support to Sustain Long-Term Impact
The Bridge & Strategic Gap Funding mechanism is designed to support ongoing research efforts that are at risk of losing momentum due to temporary funding gaps. Whether it’s sustaining key personnel, maintaining lab resources, or carrying a project through a transitional phase, this funding helps ensure that promising work can continue uninterrupted.
What is Bridge Funding?
Bridge funding is short-term, strategic support intended to “bridge the gap” in funding for active research programs that have a strong track record of external support and clear alignment with Fixel’s mission. This funding may be used to:
- Sustain essential research activities during a lapse in external funding (e.g., between grant cycles)
- Support critical elements not covered by an active grant (e.g., symposium costs, guest speakers, collaborative workshops)
- Retain programmatic infrastructure or key personnel critical to the success of ongoing research efforts
Example
In 2025, bridge funding was used to support the renewal of the T32 in Interdisciplinary Training in Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration. While the NIH T32 covered core program expenses, Fixel provided bridge support to sponsor a movement disorders fellowship research symposium and fund travel and honoraria for visiting experts. This support ensured the continuity and visibility of a nationally recognized training initiative closely tied to Fixel’s mission.
What Is Strategic Gap Funding?
Strategic Gap Funding refers to flexible, targeted funding designed to unlock opportunities for external support or to propel promising work toward major milestones. It is typically smaller in scope than traditional pilot grants and is meant to:
- Fill resource gaps to finalize or strengthen a competitive external proposal
- Provide seed support for new interdisciplinary collaborations or shared infrastructure
- Enable rapid-response funding for mission-critical needs
Eligibility
To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be active members of the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases. Priority is given to proposals that align with Fixel’s mission and show clear potential for securing future external support.
Award Details
- Amount: Varies depending on the scope, urgency, and justification of the request. Funding is intended to be targeted and strategic.
- Funding Period: Up to 12 months
- Uses: Must be well-justified and aligned with the Fixel Institute’s research mission.
How to Apply
Bridge funding requests are typically initiated through direct communication with Fixel leadership and may require documentation of prior or pending funding efforts. Please reach out to the Fixel leadership team to inquire about availability and next steps.
Email: Fixel-Institute@ufl.edu
Current Opportunities
To view currently open RFAs visit the Currently Open RFAs page. To explore additional funding mechanisms please visit the Funding Hub.
Discretionary & Bridge Funding Awardees
Past Awardees
Explore previously funded projects and learn more about the types of research Fixel has supported through this program.
