Grant Program: Advancing Groundbreaking Microbiome Research

OpenBiome Foundation is committed to advancing the science and application of microbiome research in ways that will transform patient care and improve health for all. Our grantmaking program plays a crucial role in this mission by funding emerging scientific leaders whose research sits at the forefront of microbiome science, and whose work has the potential to improve patient outcomes and advance our collective understanding of microbiota-directed therapies.

By supporting visionary researchers, we aim to accelerate the pace of discovery and ensure that the future of microbiome science is shaped by diverse, bold, and fresh perspectives.

Our overall aim is always to do as much good as possible, and in pursuit of that goal we seek proof of concept grantmaking opportunities that combine some of the following criteria:

We seek scientific boldness—researchers who push boundaries by pursuing unconventional or innovative directions. As pioneers ourselves, we welcome questions that challenge assumptions, de-risk bold ideas, and build data to unlock new possibilities.

We prioritize emerging leaders—early-career investigators with breakthrough or proof of concept ideas that are unlikely to get NIH funding yet, as well as seasoned scientists pivoting toward bold, mission-aligned research directions.

We insist on scientific rigor and translational impact—strong, well-justified methodologies tailored to the research stage, with clear articulation of potential limitations and a thoughtful approach to ethical considerations.

We champion openness and access—we believe the tools of microbiome research should be representative, shared widely, and built collaboratively. Many of our grants support the development of open-access tools, datasets, protocols, or infrastructure to help democratize microbiome science.

Stay in touch to learn about upcoming opportunities

Our Commitment to C. difficile and FMT Innovation

As part of our enduring commitment to patients affected by Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), we will dedicate a portion of our funds to advancing research using fecal microbiota transplantations. Along those lines, we will only consider proposals that:

Explore novel uses or delivery methods for FMT
Advance biological understanding or safety frameworks
Address barriers to access treatment
Focus on patients with unmet needs

This dedicated support ensures continued innovation in the field that launched our mission.

Our Current Portfolio

Accelerating the pace of discovery and ensure that the future of microbiome science is shaped by diverse, bold, and fresh perspectives.

A Randomized, Placebo Controlled Trial for FMT in Powdered Formulation for Severe or Fulminant CDI in Hospitalized Adults.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Byron Vaugh, University of Minnesota.

Currently, there are no microbiome-based treatments approved for patients with severe or fulminant Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), a life-threatening condition that may not respond to antibiotics and often leaves surgery as the only option—one that carries high risks. This early-phase, randomized, placebo-controlled study will evaluate the feasibility and potential effectiveness of a new powdered FMT product, MTP-301P, designed to treat acute and severe CDI.

Building a Reference Dataset for Microbiome Dynamics: OpenBiome Stool Collection

Principal Investigator: Dr. Eric Alm, Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics at MIT

OpenBiome Foundation has built one of the most comprehensive collections of healthy, longitudinal stool samples in the world—a unique resource for advancing microbiome science. In partnership with researchers at MIT, we’re generating open-access datasets that help scientists better understand the natural variation of the human microbiome over time.By sharing this data, we aim to accelerate discovery and provide a strong foundation for the development of microbiome-based diagnostics and therapies.

The Global Microbiome Conservancy (GMbC)

Principal Investigators: Drs. Mathilde Poyet and Mathieu Groussin, Kiel University

Through a network of local collaborations, the GMbC collects and studies fecal microbiome samples from underrepresented populations around the world, generating both 16S and metagenomic sequencing data to build a global microbiome databank.

OpenBiome Foundation is funding and supporting local researchers and their collection efforts in Ethiopia, Paraguay, Borneo, Iraq, Argentina, and Kazakhstan. These projects aim to better understand how diet, environment, genetics, and lifestyle shape the human microbiome—and, in turn, influence health.

Our Work

We bring our vision to life by:

Expanding Access

We break down barriers to microbiome therapies, so patients can get the care they need—when and where they need it.

Funding Boldly

We support pioneering scientists and high-impact research that accelerate the future of microbiome therapies.

Building Systems

We create open-access tools, train providers, and support infrastructure that will last long after our work is done.

Collaborating Globally

We partner with local and global leaders to build solutions that are scalable, sustainable, and informed by diverse communities.