Networks anticipating significant remaining funds as they reach the five-year point in the grant may request a no-cost extension (NCE), which may be granted, at the discretion of the foundation, for up to one year (e.g. the 6th year of the network). Networks must make a formal request for a no-cost extension at the latest six months before the scheduled termination date of the grant, using the NCE Request form, found under the Policies and Documents menu on our website, or at this link. Following a one-year no-cost extension, decisions about further allocation of unspent funds will be made by the Leducq Foundation, in consultation with the network coordinators. Network members should understand that after a one-year no-cost extension, the allocation of remaining funds is not guaranteed, and funds may be reallocated within the network, or to other Leducq Foundation programs.
It may occur, as networks approach the five-year point, that a different set of researchers may be supported by the network than was involved at the outset. For example, some networks have foreseen a shift from basic science to clinical studies as the network progresses. In some such cases, the continued work of a few researchers will represent the outcome and extension of the earlier work by the network, and the foundation will generally be favorable to continuing support after the term. However, those networks whose members all wish to continue the support of the network as a whole after the term, under a no-cost extension agreement, must demonstrate a continued collaborative effort, and must make arrangements to continue to support the network administrator or manager for purposes of providing the foundation with the reports that it needs.
Networks proceeding to a no-cost extension year should complete the Final Report at the end of year five. Following the end of the NCE year, a brief report should be completed. The template for this report may be found here.