Donors choose scientists to sponsor based on factors like geographic location, institution, or area of study. Sponsored researchers are selected from projects reviewed and approved annually by OCRA’s Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC). The minimum contribution is $20,000.

Donors can review detailed grant information, including project summaries, abstracts, or full proposals. There’s ongoing communication between donors and researchers, with possibilities for personalized lab tours. Donors also receive regular updates on research progress, final summaries, annual reports, and publications resulting from the research.

Donors can sponsor multiple investigators depending on the contribution amount or co-sponsor a research project with others.

The program is open to individual donors, private family foundations, organizations, community events, and groups of friends or relatives supporting research on behalf of a loved one. OCRA staff provide guidance throughout the selection process, ensuring a meaningful and personal experience.

Donors’ support is acknowledged on the OCRA website, and grants can be named in honor or in memory of a loved one.