Bridge-funding by tertiary-educational institutions allows researchers to continue their research in times of funding loss. With the ever-declining funding rates for major medical research institutions in North America, and the global economic downturn, it is crucial to critically assess institutional policies surrounding the allocation of bridge-funding. We review the theoretical framework of bridge-funding decisions and present theoretical factors that determine the success of bridge-funding. We also report the results of an online survey of bridge-funding policies in major medical research institutions in North America.