Apply for a research grant
We fund the best science with the greatest potential to reach pediatric cancer patients in an accelerated time frame. Our rigorous review process engages members across the drug development ecosystem. The collaborative input of scientists, oncologists and industry experts enables us to support projects that are positioned to succeed.
Application submissions and reviews follow a two-stage process. Applicants first must submit a “Letter of Intent” (LOI). LOIs are administratively reviewed by our scientific staff and then reviewed by the CureSearch Scientific Review Committee (SRC). Top-scoring LOIs are then invited to submit full proposals.
Our Young Investigator program provides seed support for bright researchers, early in their careers, who are pursuing exciting and novel research in pediatric oncology. Young Investigator Award Funding provides up to $75,000 per year for up to three years.
| Timeline* | Date |
| RFA opens on ProposalCentral | 3/2/2026 |
| Letter of Intent due | 4/14/2026 |
| LOI Notification/Full Applications Invited | 5/11/2026 |
| Full Applications Due | 7/16/2026 |
| Earliest Award Notification* | Sept. 2026 |
| Earliest Start Date* | 11/15/2026 |
*Timelines may change slightly. Awards made on rolling basis, pending availability of funds.
Our Catapult Award program aims to accelerate the development of novel, innovative, less-toxic treatments for children with cancer. The goal of the Catapult Award is to overcome barriers to pediatric cancer drug development by providing meaningful funding in order to advance the development of promising oncology research out of the lab and into clinical trials. Catapult Award funding ranges from $500,000 – $2.5 million.
| Timeline | Date |
| RFA opens on ProposalCentral | 9/1/2027 |
| Letter of Intent due | 10/7/2027 |
| LOI Notification/Full Applications Invited | 11/10/2027 |
| Full Applications Due | 1/19/2028 |
| Earliest Award Notification* | March 2028 |
| Earliest Start Date* | 5/1/2028 |
Our Acceleration Initiative Awards fund innovative, evidence-based, translational and preclinical research with the potential to significantly improve therapeutic options for children with cancer. Each award provides up to $1.5M in funding over three years.
| Timeline* | Date |
| RFA opens on ProposalCentral | 9/1/2026 |
| Letter of Intent due | 10/7/2026 |
| LOI Notification/Full Applications Invited | 11/10/2026 |
| Full Applications Due | 1/19/2027 |
| Earliest Award Notification* | March 2027 |
| Earliest Start Date* | 5/1/2027 |
