Pediatric Cancer Research

The Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) is seeking applications for its Pediatric Cancer Research RFGA (DCY-G-2627-0282R), a state-funded initiative designed to support scientific research that addresses the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of pediatric cancer. This grant program is part of Ohio's larger effort to reduce childhood mortality and improve long-term health outcomes for children across the state. Funding is targeted at organizations directly engaged in conducting scientific research—not intermediaries or fund distributors—ensuring that state dollars support hands-on innovation and advancement in pediatric cancer care and treatment. Eligible applicants include nonprofit hospitals, universities, and research organizations that are based in Ohio and will conduct all research activities within the state. Organizations must also demonstrate a minimum of five years of experience in pediatric cancer research. For-profit entities, federal or state government laboratories, and nonprofits that do not perform research directly are not eligible to apply. The intent is to fund organizations with the internal capacity to conduct the proposed studies. Applicants must also comply with DCY’s ethical and administrative requirements, including appropriate IRB approvals for research involving human subjects. Applicants may request between $200,000 and $1,500,000 in funding. Awards will be reimbursed for allowable, approved costs in accordance with the submitted line item budget, and are subject to a 15% de minimis cap on indirect costs. The budget must span two Ohio state fiscal years: FY26 (ending June 30, 2026) and FY27 (ending June 30, 2027), beginning with a project start date of November 25, 2025. Funding may be awarded to multiple recipients, potentially selected based on geographic distribution to ensure broad state-wide coverage. The application deadline is October 23, 2025, at 1:00 PM EST. Applications must be submitted electronically by email, in PDF format, with no password protection. A separate itemized budget form must accompany the main application. Applicants must include a summary of the research proposal, specific aims, methodology, timeline, sustainability plan, and the qualifications of all involved personnel. While no pre-application (e.g., LOI or concept paper) is required, selected finalists will be invited to give an in-person presentation to DCY before final awards are made. These presentations are mandatory and at the applicant’s own expense. The RFGA evaluation process includes an initial compliance review, scoring based on application quality and relevance to grant objectives, and a final in-person presentation phase. Criteria include scientific merit, innovation, sustainability, and alignment with DCY’s overarching goals. The State retains the discretion to negotiate award amounts and select multiple recipients based on overall fit and funding availability. Notably, a previously proposed requirement that DCY retain ownership of research IP and data has been officially removed from the grant terms. For inquiries, applicants must contact the DCY Office of Contracts and Monitoring at [email protected], using the subject line “DCY-G-2627-0282R.” Questions must be submitted no later than 8:00 AM on the inquiry end date. Additional information, forms, and updates, including amendments, are posted on the Ohio Grants Portal. The primary contact for this opportunity is Laura Payne, Project Manager at DCY.

Follow all formatting instructions exactly. Submit unprotected PDFs. Include all required forms. Be prepared for in-person presentation if selected.