Immune and Multi-System Diseases
Sarcoidosis is a devastating disease marked by clusters of immune cells, called granulomas, in various organs. Sarcoidosis is often seen in the lungs; however, granulomas can occur in nearly any organ. Because of its various presentations, sarcoidosis has unique clinical challenges. Sarcoidosis can be asymptomatic and self-correcting, but if unmanaged, the disease may progress, leading to organ damage and death.
SPARC is working with sarcoidosis leaders and funders to identify specific challenges and opportunities to use philanthropic capital to facilitate better outcomes for sarcoidosis patients.
Together with the Ann Theodore Foundation (ATF), SPARC facilitates multiple efforts to provide the sarcoidosis research community with funding to discover new clinical methods. ATF and SPARC have launched several philanthropic initiatives.
SPARC has partnered with ATF since 2021 to support research and promote a growing workforce in sarcoidosis. This grant program is designed to support foundational and translational research in sarcoidosis and grow the sarcoidosis community by encouraging new-to-sarcoidosis scientists to join the workforce.
In 2021, SPARC assessed the field’s current biological understanding of sarcoidosis and the funding landscape. The Giving Smarter Guide summarizes these findings and describes philanthropic opportunities for strategic investments in sarcoidosis.
ATF and SPARC launched a second grant program in 2025, specifically designed to support early-career independent sarcoidosis investigators. This program offers mentorship matching to support these investigators as they build their research programs.
Sarcoidosis is a complex, underfunded disease. In partnership with the Ann Theodore Foundation, SPARC launched the Breakthrough Sarcoidosis Initiative to accelerate research, foster collaboration, and drive progress.
Sarcoidosis is a complex, often lifelong disease with limited treatment options and high costs for patients. To help address these challenges, the Ann Theodore Foundation partnered with SPARC to advance research and better support the sarcoidosis community.
SPARC examines recent advances in sarcoidosis research, from progress toward a simple blood test to new treatment options and insights into cardiac sarcoidosis. The piece highlights the impact of philanthropic funding, key research collaborations, and efforts to improve clinical trial diversity.