Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Leukodystrophies Foundation
Overview of Available Grants and Funding
The Leukodystrophies Foundation is a Canadian charitable foundation created in 2006 by the parents of a child with leukodystrophy. It funds medical research to find treatments for this rare degenerative disease and provides psychosocial support to affected families. The foundation has invested over one million dollars in research projects and collaborates with major Quebec and Canadian research institutions. View Leukodystrophies Foundation's website for more information.
Content last updated: March 24, 2026
About Leukodystrophies Foundation
What is the mission of Leukodystrophies Foundation?
To give children with leukodystrophy the best chances of cure by funding research, supporting the development of treatment projects for this disease, and providing psychosocial support to families.
What type of organization is Leukodystrophies Foundation?
Leukodystrophies Foundation is a Foundation.
When was Leukodystrophies Foundation founded?
Leukodystrophies Foundation was founded in 2006.
What is Leukodystrophies Foundation's official website?
Leukodystrophies Foundation's official website is http://www.leukofoundation.com/en/.
What else should I know about Leukodystrophies Foundation?
Role of the Foundation in the Funding Ecosystem
The Leukodystrophies Foundation acts as a charitable organization that raises funds to finance medical research specifically focused on leukodystrophies, a group of rare genetic degenerative diseases affecting the nervous system. As a patient organization, it bridges the gap between affected families and the scientific research community.
General Evaluation Criteria for Research Applications
The foundation supports research projects through a formal grant application process. Researchers interested in leukodystrophies can apply for funding by completing a grant application form. Priority is given to projects targeting the identification of genetic causes, development of treatments, and clinical trials.
Transparency, Governance and Accountability
The foundation is governed by a diverse board of directors comprising business professionals, philanthropy management experts, researchers, and parents of affected children. Key founding members include Marjolaine Verville (cofounder and board president) and Eric Tailleur (cofounder).
History and Evolution of the Organization
Founded in 2006, the foundation has achieved significant milestones: funded the first clinical and genetic research on Quebec children with leukodystrophy in 2008; helped establish specialized clinics at the Montreal Children's Hospital and the Montreal Neurological Institute; contributed to the discovery of three genes responsible for leukodystrophies (POLR3A, POLR3B, POLR1C); and published the largest international collaborative study on POLR3-related leukodystrophy in 2014.
Supported Audiences and Overall Impact
The foundation supports three main audiences: researchers through grant funding, affected children and their families through psychosocial support, and the broader rare disease community through awareness campaigns and advocacy.
Institutional Partnerships and Networks
The foundation collaborates with major Quebec and Canadian research institutions including Génome Québec, IRCM, CHUM, CUSM, CHUL, as well as international partners such as CARE for RARE and researchers from Amsterdam.