The DERC funds P/F projects for up to $50,000/year. Projects are generally funded for a year, but can be extended for a second year, based on progress. The Pilot/feasibility program supports research projects related to diabetes. Three types of applications are considered:

• Proposals from young investigators who have not held any prior funding to carry out preliminary studies leading to an NIH, ADA or JDFR grant application;
   
• Proposals for innovative/high risk projects by established investigators in the field of diabetes;
  
• Proposals from established investigator, without prior funding in diabetes, who wish to undertake a diabetes- project.

The Pilot and Feasibility program solicits applications from qualified investigators, ensures prompt peer-review, oversees grant administration, monitors funded investigators’ records of productivity, and integrates P/F-sponsored research with other programmatic enrichment activities.