[Hope Foundation](https://thehopefoundation.org)

July 1, 2026 | December 1, 2026

Up to $50,000 in direct costs per project (1–2 year duration); 25% indirect costs allowed (max total $62,500).

Supports early-stage research projects that can lead to future SWOG clinical trials or translational studies within the National Clinical Trials Network.

--- ## Description The SWOG Early Exploration & Development (SEED) Fund, administered by The Hope Foundation, provides awards to support preliminary research with the potential to lead to future SWOG clinical trials or translational medicine studies within the National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN). The fund targets projects such as pre-clinical data collection, secondary analysis of clinical trial data, pilot and feasibility studies (including early-stage clinical trials), small self-contained research projects, and the development of research methodologies or technologies. The primary objective is to generate data or insights that directly inform larger-scale SWOG research or help secure additional extramural funding. --- ## Due Dates - July 1, 2026 (full application, typically by 5pm ET) - December 1, 2026 (full application, typically by 5pm ET) If a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, it is automatically extended to the next business day. Late submissions are not accepted but may be referred to the next cycle. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum direct costs: **$50,000** per project - Indirect costs: **25%** of direct costs, capped at a total award of **$62,500** - Project duration: **1 or 2 years** - Number of awards and overall program duration depend on available funding --- ## Eligibility - **Applicants:** Any SWOG member investigator eligible for NIH funding - **Institutions:** - Non-profit organizations - Public or private institutions (universities, colleges, hospitals, laboratories) - Units of state/local government - Eligible federal agencies - Domestic or foreign institutions/organizations - Awardees must present progress at one or more SWOG meetings and comply with SWOG policies. --- ## Application Process ### Required Materials - Cover letter (≤2 pages) introducing the project and PI/PD relationship to SWOG - Specific Aims page (1 page, 1-inch margins, Arial 11pt) - Budget for entire proposed period (use [Hope Foundation template](https://thehopefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Budget-Template-Hope-Fdn.xlsx)) - Brief budget justification (PI salary not allowed) - Biographical sketch for key personnel (approx. 4 pages) - Other Support form - Research Plan (3-page limit, including tables/graphs) - All materials compiled as a single PDF (max 50 MB) ### Submission - Submit via the [SEED Fund application form](https://thehopefoundation.org/funding-opportunities/swog-early-exploration-development-seed-fund/) - Error correction window: 48 hours post-submission - Multiple applications allowed if scientifically distinct --- ## Additional Information - Projects should be feasible within a 1–2 year timeframe and have strong potential to inform or lead to future SWOG research. - Preliminary data are not required, especially for pilot/feasibility studies. - Review follows NIH peer review criteria, emphasizing significance, innovation, approach, feasibility, and alignment with SWOG’s mission. - Award payment may be contingent on Just In Time data, IRB approval, or other requirements. - Progress reporting: Oral presentations at SWOG meetings and annual 2-page progress/financial reports are required. - Compliance with the Physician Payments Sunshine Act may require reporting of payments to US-licensed physicians. --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Application Portal](https://thehopefoundation.org/funding-opportunities/swog-early-exploration-development-seed-fund) - [2025 SEED Fund RFA (PDF)](https://thehopefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/THF-SEED-Fund-RFA-010125.pdf) - [Budget Template (Excel)](https://thehopefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Budget-Template-Hope-Fdn.xlsx) - [SWOG Cancer Research Network](https://www.swog.org/about/mission-values) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |---------------------|-----------------------------------|------------------------------|-----------------| | Johanna Horn | President & CEO, The Hope Foundation | jo(at)thehopefoundation.org | (734) 998-7150 | | General Inquiries | | [Contact Form](https://thehopefoundation.org/contact/) | (734) 492-0277 |

SWOG Early Exploration & Development (SEED) Fund

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