Clinical Research Award Grant Program

The Children’s Tumor Foundation (CTF) is a leading organization focused on advancing research into neurofibromatosis (NF), a group of genetic disorders that cause tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. CTF has built a reputation as a “seed funder,” particularly supporting early-career investigators and innovative research ideas that have not yet reached the level to secure larger-scale funding from government or industry sources. The Clinical Research Award (CRA) is one of several mechanisms within CTF’s Discovery Fund, which also includes programs like the NF Data Utilization (NDU), Young Investigator Award (YIA), Drug Discovery Initiative (DDI), and other Contract Awards. The CRA program specifically aims to fund clinical research that enhances the treatment, care, and management of individuals with NF. It is intended to catalyze new directions in NF disease management that may lead to larger studies or external funding. CTF prioritizes projects that explore novel clinical interventions, real-world outcome measures, biomarker development, or natural history studies. These projects can include pilot trials, retrospective or prospective studies, or correlative investigations linked to ongoing trials. A strong emphasis is placed on proposals that incorporate innovative approaches and demonstrate potential for high impact in patient care. Grants under the CRA program are awarded for a two-year term with a maximum total funding of $200,000, which includes up to 10% indirect costs. Payments are made semi-annually and are contingent upon the submission of progress reports. Applications are welcome from individuals holding an MD, PhD, or equivalent degree from any recognized institution worldwide. There is no citizenship requirement, and applicants from both academic and private sectors may apply. To support research transparency and collaboration, all applicants must possess an ORCID ID and authorize CTF as a trusted partner on that platform. Moreover, CRA grantees must commit to the NF Open Science Initiative by sharing key data outputs on the NF Data Portal within 12 months of project completion. The CRA uses a two-stage application process via ProposalCentral. Stage one requires a Letter of Intent (LOI) outlining the study hypothesis, aims, design, research significance, and impact on patients, along with a summary budget and organizational assurances. The LOI opens on January 5, 2026, and must be submitted by February 3, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. EST. Applicants with successful LOIs will be invited to submit a full proposal that includes abstracts, a detailed research plan, budget justification, biosketch, data sharing plan, and evidence of open-access outputs. Institutional agreement with CTF’s Patent Policy is strongly encouraged at the submission stage to ensure smooth award activation. Applications are reviewed by the CRA Program Committee, which includes scientific reviewers, statisticians, and NF patient or caregiver reviewers. Evaluation is based on the potential impact and feasibility of the research, soundness of experimental design, budget suitability, and the applicant’s qualifications. Transparency and willingness to embrace open science practices are considered advantageous. Applicants are notified of funding decisions within 6–8 weeks after full submission. Funded projects require IRB approval, a signed award letter, data sharing plan, and execution of CTF’s Patent Policy before funds can be disbursed. Ongoing requirements for awardees include submission of progress reports at six-month intervals, a final financial report, and potential engagement in public communication efforts such as presentations and publications. Awardees are expected to inform CTF of any follow-on funding or collaborations resulting from their CRA-supported research. CTF also offers a reimbursement fund for open-access publication fees to further encourage widespread dissemination of findings. The CRA program reflects CTF’s commitment to fostering bold, clinically relevant research that directly benefits people living with NF.

Highlight patient-centered impact and readiness for open science and data sharing; demonstrate feasibility and innovation.