Funder: Sebastian Strong Foundation
Due Dates: November 30, 2026 (Letter of intent) | February 15, 2027 (Full-proposal invitations) | March 31, 2027 (Full proposal) | May 15, 2027 (Award notification)
Funding Amounts: Typically up to $500,000, including indirect costs; exceptional proposals may receive more
Summary: Supports bold, early-stage pediatric cancer research developing less toxic, more targeted treatments with near-term clinical potential.
Key Information: Submitting institutions or organizations must be U.S.-based; ongoing clinical trials are not eligible.
Description
SebastianStrong Foundation’s Discovery Science Award funds early-stage pediatric cancer research aimed at developing more targeted, less toxic treatments. The foundation focuses exclusively on childhood cancers, where small patient populations, limited institutional support, lack of commercial incentive, and minimal government investment can leave promising ideas unfunded.
The program supports new, ongoing, and updated peer-reviewed research with strong potential to progress toward a clinical trial within one to three years. It prioritizes cancers with low survival rates or high relapse rates, along with underfunded or unconventional approaches that could meaningfully change treatment. One or more proposals receive funding each year following review by the foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board and approval by its Board of Directors.
