[Melanoma Research Alliance](https://www.curemelanoma.org)

April 10, 2026: Letter of Intent (LOI) | June 16, 2026: Full application

$100,000–$500,000 (preclinical/pre-IND); up to $1,000,000 (clinical trials); up to 3 years, milestone-based payments

Supports preclinical to clinical-stage research advancing innovative cellular and vaccine therapies for acral and uveal melanoma.

LOI required; applications from academic/nonprofit institutions worldwide; no for-profit applicants.

--- ## Description The Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA) Next Steps Program is a targeted funding opportunity to accelerate the development of innovative cellular and vaccine therapies specifically for acral and uveal melanoma, including GNAQ/11-mutated subtypes. The program supports projects at preclinical, pre-IND, and clinical stages that demonstrate a clear path to clinical translation and impact for these rare and challenging forms of melanoma. Emphasis is placed on milestone-driven research that advances promising therapeutic approaches toward patient benefit. --- ## Due Dates - **April 10, 2026:** Letter of Intent (LOI) submission deadline (via Proposal Central, 5:00 PM ET) - **June 16, 2026:** Full application submission deadline (invited applicants, via Proposal Central, 11:59 PM ET) --- ## Funding Amount - **Preclinical/pre-IND studies:** $100,000–$500,000 total (up to 3 years) - **Clinical trials:** Up to $1,000,000 total (up to 3 years) - **Payment is milestone-based:** Disbursements are tied to achievement of specific project milestones as detailed in the application. - **No indirect or overhead costs permitted.** --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible applicants:** Researchers and clinicians at academic medical centers, universities, or other nonprofit research institutions worldwide. - **Principal Investigator (PI) requirements:** - Must hold a full-time faculty appointment at the level of Assistant Professor (or equivalent) or above. - Early-stage career investigators are encouraged to apply. - PI must be supported by at least one co-investigator (can be from a different institution). - **Not eligible:** For-profit companies; fellows, postdocs, or those in training/support roles as PI (may be included as key personnel). - **Multiple applications:** Allowed from a single institution, provided each has a different PI and represents a distinct project. --- ## Application Process ### Step 1: Letter of Intent (LOI) - Submit a one-page LOI via [Proposal Central](https://proposalcentral.com/) by April 10, 2026, 5:00 PM ET. - LOI must include project title, brief description of aims, team members and their roles. - Institutional approval not required at LOI stage. - LOIs are reviewed and selected applicants will be invited to submit a full application by May 6, 2026. ### Step 2: Full Application - Invited applicants must submit a full proposal via [Proposal Central](https://proposalcentral.com/) by June 16, 2026, 11:59 PM ET. - Required components include: - Detailed project description (max 5 pages) - Milestone/timeline plan - Budget and justification (aligned with milestones; no indirect costs) - NIH-format biosketches for PI and key personnel - Data and resource sharing plan - Current and pending support - For clinical trials: brief protocol synopsis - Institutional sign-off (electronic signatures required) - Late submissions will not be accepted. --- ## Additional Information - **Eligible project types:** Cellular or vaccine therapies for acral and/or uveal melanoma, including clinical trials, IND-enabling studies, and preclinical studies in relevant models. - **Not supported:** Target/neoantigen discovery, mechanism-of-action studies, or projects focused on cutaneous, mucosal, or pediatric melanoma. - **Diversity:** MRA encourages applications from investigators of diverse backgrounds. - **Milestone-driven:** Payment and progress are closely tied to achievement of proposed milestones. --- ## External Links - [MRA Next Steps Program page](https://www.curemelanoma.org/research/request-for-proposals/next-steps-program) - [Full RFP PDF](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65fc7713b6643108b3c7e675/69b99f946cf91587981d0436_Next%20Steps%20Program%20RFP%202026.pdf) - [MRA Funding Opportunities](https://www.curemelanoma.org/research/request-for-proposals) - [Proposal Central application portal](https://proposalcentral.com/) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | Web | |-----------|-------|-------|-----| | MRA General Contact | [info@curemelanoma.org](mailto:info@curemelanoma.org) | (202) 336-8935 | [Contact Form](https://www.curemelanoma.org/contact-us) | | Scientific Questions | [science@curemelanoma.org](mailto:science@curemelanoma.org) | | | | Dr. Sara DiNapoli, Director, Scientific Programs | [sdinapoli@curemelanoma.org](mailto:sdinapoli@curemelanoma.org) | | | ---

Next Steps Program

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