To connect donors with early-career scientists enabling them to perform peer-reviewed, novel research designed to prevent and cure Type 1 Diabetes, minimize its complications and improve the quality of life for those living with the disease.




T1D research projects funded.
Total amount DRC has granted to early-career scientists.
DRC-funded scientists who established or lead their own T1D research labs.
Follow-on funding driven by DRC seed investments.
University of Florida
in grants
Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute
NIH Grant
University of Washington: Lab secured
in grants
Sanford Burnham Prebys
Discovery Institue:
in additional funding
University of California San Francisco
in follow-on funding
The Jackson
Laboratory
Received a larger grant
J. Craig Venter Institue:
in additional funding
University of Miami: NIH-R21
Grant up to
over 2 years
Johns Hopkins
Children’s Center
NIH Grant up to
over 2 years
Indiana Biosciences
Research Institute
JDRF Innovation Grant up to
Scientists from all over the country submit their projects via our website. Our Scientific Review Committee (SRC), comprised of diabetes experts, meticulously reviews each proposal for its innovation, potential impact, and suitability. These dedicated professionals volunteer their time to support and nurture the next wave of Type 1 Diabetes researchers.
The journey from application to funding can be impressively swift taking as little as six months, compared to over a year for other funding agencies. We guarantee that 100% of our research funds are directly allocated to the scientists. For the sake of transparency, researchers are required to provide regular updates on their progress and share their final results on our website. Our funding comes from tax-deductible contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Donors are given the unique opportunity to choose which research projects they want to support, selecting from a variety of peer-reviewed proposals showcased on our site. It’s the extraordinary efforts of ordinary people that have the power to change the world. Your support could be the key to solving the diabetes puzzle that affects millions worldwide.


Scientists from all over the country submit their projects via our website. Our Scientific Review Committee (SRC), comprised of diabetes experts, meticulously reviews each proposal for its innovation, potential impact, and suitability. These dedicated professionals volunteer their time to support and nurture the next wave of Type 1 Diabetes researchers.
The journey from application to funding can be impressively swift taking as little as six months, compared to over a year for other funding agencies. We guarantee that 100% of our research funds are directly allocated to the scientists. For the sake of transparency, researchers are required to provide regular updates on their progress and share their final results on our website. Our funding comes from tax-deductible contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Donors are given the unique opportunity to choose which research projects they want to support, selecting from a variety of peer-reviewed proposals showcased on our site. It’s the extraordinary efforts of ordinary people that have the power to change the world. Your support could be the key to solving the diabetes puzzle that affects millions worldwide.
#InnovativeDiabetesResearch
Diabetes Research Connection (DRC) is a dedicated non-profit organization committed to the eradication of Type 1 Diabetes. By fostering a direct link between generous donors and promising early-career scientists, DRC ensures that every dollar contributed fuels innovative, peer-reviewed research aimed at preventing, curing, and managing the complications of this chronic condition.
The organization's core philosophy revolves around transparency and impact. DRC meticulously vets research proposals through its Scientific Review Committee (SRC), comprised of leading diabetes experts. This ensures that funding is directed towards projects with the highest potential for groundbreaking discoveries, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals affected by Type 1 Diabetes and moving closer to a world without it.
At the heart of Diabetes Research Connection's strategy is a profound commitment to fostering and funding novel scientific inquiry. The organization actively seeks out and supports early-career researchers whose work pushes the boundaries of current understanding in Type 1 Diabetes, focusing on prevention, cure, and complication management. This dedication to innovation is what sets DRC apart in its pursuit of eradicating the disease.
DRC's approach involves granting up to $75,000 per research project, providing crucial seed funding that enables scientists to explore high-risk, high-reward ideas. This initial investment is often the catalyst for securing larger grants from major institutions, demonstrating the significant leverage and impact of DRC's donor-driven funding model.
Diabetes Research Connection employs a rigorous Scientific Review Committee (SRC) to ensure that all funded research is of the highest caliber. This committee, composed of distinguished experts in the field of diabetes, meticulously evaluates each submitted project proposal. The review process prioritizes innovation, scientific merit, and the potential for significant impact on preventing and curing Type 1 Diabetes.
This thorough vetting process guarantees that donor contributions are directed towards the most promising research avenues. By adhering to stringent scientific standards, DRC ensures that its investments are not only impactful but also contribute to the advancement of peer-reviewed, evidence-based solutions for Type 1 Diabetes.
Diabetes Research Connection offers donors a unique and empowering way to contribute to the fight against Type 1 Diabetes. Unlike many charitable organizations, DRC provides donors with the opportunity to select specific research projects they wish to fund, fostering a direct connection to the scientific endeavors they are supporting. This transparency allows donors to see precisely where their contributions are making a difference.
The impact of donor funding is further amplified through the "Return on Investment" metrics highlighted by DRC. By showcasing the significant follow-on funding secured by researchers they've supported, DRC demonstrates the long-term value and catalytic effect of their initial grants. This model ensures that donor generosity translates into tangible progress toward eradicating Type 1 Diabetes.