[Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation](https://www.alexslemonade.org)

June 16, 2025 (Full application deadline, proposals due by 8:00 PM ET)

Up to $800,000 total over four years; maximum $200,000/year; no indirect costs allowed.

Supports early career researchers establishing independent careers in pediatric oncology through funding for innovative, original childhood cancer research.

--- ## Description The 'A' Award Grant from Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation aims to accelerate the careers of early-stage investigators committed to pediatric oncology research. It funds innovative, original research projects that advance the understanding and treatment of childhood cancers, particularly those not currently supported by other sources. The program strongly emphasizes career development, mentorship, institutional support, and resource sharing to maximize the impact of funded research and foster the next generation of independent pediatric cancer researchers. --- ## Due Dates - June 16, 2025: Full application deadline (proposals due by 8:00 PM ET) Award notification is expected in November 2025. The projected funding period is February 2026 through January 2030. --- ## Funding Amount - Up to $800,000 total in direct costs over four years - Maximum $200,000 per year - No indirect costs allowed; tuition remission is not permitted - Follows NIH salary cap for principal investigator - Budget may include fringe benefits, travel, supplies, and equipment (under $10,000) - Awards are not renewable, but one no-cost extension may be requested --- ## Eligibility - Applicant institutions must be nonprofit organizations based in the United States or Canada. - Applicants must have an MD, PhD, MD/PhD (DO, MBBS, or equivalent) and be within five years of their first Assistant Professor appointment at application time. - MD/MD-PhD applicants: within ten years of terminal research degree or end of post-graduate clinical training (whichever is later). - PhD applicants: within ten years of terminal research degree. - More senior Assistant Professors, Associate, and Full Professors are ineligible. - Instructors may apply if there is a written commitment to an Assistant Professor position within one year of award. - Minimum of 75% protected non-clinical time for research during the grant period. - Must have a mentor at the home institution; a co-mentor from another institution may be added. - Applicants cannot be PI of a K99/R00, R01 (or equivalent), P, or U award funded or recommended for funding before the 'A' Award start date. - Applicants may hold mentored career development or mentored-research grants (e.g., K08, K23, ACS-Clinician Scientist Development Grant), but must document no scientific or budgetary overlap. - Current ALSF Young Investigator (YI) grantees may apply; the 'A' Award will supersede the YI grant if funding periods overlap. - Projects must focus on childhood cancers (primary focus on patients >19 years old is not eligible). - Proposals for research using human embryonic stem cells or non-human primates are not allowed; human iPSCs are permitted. - Epidemiological and cancer control projects are not eligible; projects on social determinants of health are permitted if focused on oncologic outcomes. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted as a single PDF (max 20 MB) via Proposal Central. - Required components: - Cover page, table of contents, scientific abstract, impact statement - Detailed budget and justification (using ALSF templates) - PI statement, mentoring and career development plan, institutional commitment letter - NIH-format biographical sketches for PI and key personnel - Full research plan (specific aims, significance, innovation, approach, timeline) - Resource sharing plan (using ALSF template) - Letters of recommendation (minimum three, including one from a current mentor) - Letters of support (as appropriate) - Appendix (limited; see guidelines) - ORCID registration is required. - Applications are peer-reviewed by an independent panel using NIH criteria. - Only one resubmission is allowed; must address prior critiques. - Annual progress reports required; continued funding contingent on satisfactory progress. --- ## Additional Information - Resource sharing is a required component; applicants must describe how outputs will be disseminated. - Optional collaboration with the ALSF Childhood Cancer Data Lab is available at no cost. - No indirect costs or tuition remission allowed. - ALSF adheres to NIH salary cap for the PI. - Only one no-cost extension is allowed post-award. --- ## External Links - [2025 'A' Award Grant Application Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.alexslemonade.org/sites/default/files/images/alsf1/downloads/2025_a_award_grant_application_guidelines.pdf) - [Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation Homepage](https://www.alexslemonade.org) - [Contact ALSF](https://www.alexslemonade.org/about/contact-us-now) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | |--------------|--------------------------------------------|---------------| | Conner Holm | [C.Holm@AlexsLemonade.org](mailto:C.Holm@AlexsLemonade.org) | 610.649.3034 |

'A' Award Grant - Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation

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