The RARE Grant Program

The RARE Grant Program, a collaboration between the RUNX1 Research Program and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, is a competitive research funding opportunity designed to accelerate the development of targeted therapies for individuals with RUNX1-FPD, a hereditary predisposition to blood cancers. The program’s mission is to fund innovative and translational research that can intercept the onset of disease or prevent progression to serious hematologic malignancies such as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This two-year award provides a total of $250,000 in direct costs, with a maximum of $125,000 per year. Applicants must propose projects aligned with the goal of preventing hematologic malignancies in RUNX1-FPD, and priority is given to research with high translational potential. The program especially welcomes studies focused on clonal hematopoiesis, clone adaptation, and resistance to inflammation within the RUNX1-FPD context. Indirect costs are not allowed, and funds may not be used for tuition remission or non-eligible human embryonic stem cell research. Eligible applicants must hold a doctoral-level degree (e.g., MD, PhD, MD/PhD, DO, MBBS or equivalent) and demonstrate research experience in hematopoiesis or immunology. Institutions may be based in the U.S. or internationally, but all awards must be made to nonprofit institutions. The principal investigator may hold other grants during the award period, provided there is no scientific or budgetary overlap. The 2026 application deadline is December 11, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET. Applications must be submitted via Proposal Central and must follow specific formatting and packaging instructions, including a combined PDF of the application not exceeding 20 MB. Required materials include budget forms, biographical sketches, a detailed research plan, and documentation for human or animal research protocols if applicable. Proposals will be peer-reviewed by an independent panel using the NIH 9-point scoring system. Evaluation criteria include training record, publication history, collaboration evidence, and scientific merit. Award notifications will be sent in February 2026, and projects are expected to begin in April 2026. Recipients must present their progress annually at the RUNX1 Research Program scientific meeting and submit progress and final reports. One no-cost extension is allowed. For scientific questions, applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Katrin Ericson, Executive Director of the RUNX1 Research Program. General inquiries may be directed to Margaret Poore at Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. Full application instructions and policy guidelines are available on ALSF’s website.

Ensure alignment with RUNX1-FPD prevention goals. Emphasize translational relevance and collaboration. Use the resource sharing plan effectively.