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We fund the science most likely to become treatments for children.

CureSearch supports researchers working to develop better, safer treatments for children with cancer. Our research awards span early-career investigation, preclinical development, and early-phase clinical trials, with funding matched to the stage and needs of the research.

Whether you are building the foundation for a new treatment approach, preparing promising science for clinical testing, or evaluating a new therapy in patients, explore our funding opportunities below to find the program that best fits your work.

Explore opportunitiesStages of research we fund

Funding opportunities

Find the program that fits your work.

Three awards support distinct stages: from early-career ideas to treatments entering clinical trials.

Early-career investigation

Young Investigator Award

Supporting promising researchers early in their careers.

The Young Investigator Award provides funding for early-career researchers pursuing innovative pediatric oncology research. Awards provide $225K over three years.

Award funding
$225K / 3 years
Application status
The 2026/27 application cycle is now closed

2026/27 Funding Cycle

RFA Launch
3/1/2027
Letter of Intent (LOI) Due
4/14/2027
LOI Notification/Full Applications Invited
5/10/2027
Full Applications Due
7/16/2027
Earliest Award Notification
September 2027
Project Start Date
1/1/2028
View program details

Preclinical development

Acceleration Initiative Award

Advancing promising preclinical research toward clinical trials.

The Acceleration Initiative supports innovative, evidence-based translational and preclinical research with the potential to significantly improve treatment options for children with cancer. Awards provide up to $1.5 million over three years.

Award funding
Up to $1.5M / 3 years
Application status
The 2026/27 application cycle is now closed

2026/27 Funding Cycle

RFA Launch
9/1/2028
Letter of Intent (LOI) Due
10/6/2028
LOI Notification/Full Applications Invited
11/10/2028
Full Applications Due
1/18/2029
Earliest Award Notification
March 2029
Project Start Date
5/15/2029
View program details

Early-phase clinical trials

Catapult Award

Bringing promising treatments into clinical testing.

The Catapult Award supports the development of novel, innovative, less-toxic treatments for children with cancer by providing meaningful funding for phase I and phase II pediatric cancer clinical trials. Awards provide up to $2.5 million over three years.

Award funding
Up to $2.5M / 3 years
Application status
The 2026/27 application cycle is now closed

2026/27 Funding Cycle

RFA Launch
9/1/2027
Letter of Intent (LOI) Due
10/7/2027
LOI Notification/Full Applications Invited
11/10/2027
Full Applications Due
1/18/2028
Earliest Award Notification
March 2028
Project Start Date
5/15/2028
View program details

A researcher’s perspective

“This funding has enabled my lab to explore innovative research directions that would have otherwise been unattainable.”

Jamie Anastas, PhDBaylor College of Medicine · CureSearch Young Investigator Awardee

How to apply

A two-stage application process.

CureSearch uses a two-stage application process to identify the strongest research proposals.

  1. Step 1

    Submit a Letter of Intent

    Applicants begin by submitting a Letter of Intent (LOI) through Proposal Central. CureSearch staff conduct an administrative review, followed by scientific review by the Scientific Review Committee.

  2. Step 2

    Submit a Full Proposal

    Applicants with the strongest LOIs are invited to submit a full application for more detailed review.

Learn about our review process

Researcher resources

Policies and guidance for applicants and funded investigators.

Questions

Have a question about our research awards?

Paisley Myers, PhD

Paisley Myers, PhD

Vice President of Scientific Affairs

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Be the first to know when a new Request for Applications opens.

Stay informed about funding opportunities

Be the first to know when a new RFA opens.

CureSearch funding opportunities open at different times throughout the year. Sign up to receive notifications about upcoming Requests for Applications, deadlines, and new research funding opportunities.

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