The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), through the Office of Performance Management, has released a new funding opportunity titled “Childhood Cancer Research” under funding opportunity number CCR-26. This grant is part of the state’s commitment to supporting health equity and advancing research into pediatric cancers. The funding source for this grant is exclusively from the State of Illinois, supported by voluntary contributions from Illinois taxpayers through their annual state income tax returns.
The primary goal of this grant is to fund a one-year research project that investigates childhood cancers affecting children from birth through age 14. The scope of research may include topics such as epidemiology, etiology, pathology, social or economic impacts, in-home care, and psychosocial issues related to childhood cancer. The funding is directed exclusively toward Illinois-based researchers and must be administered by an institution rather than an individual, although individual researchers may conduct the research under the institution’s authority.
This funding opportunity will provide one award of $70,702.27. Applications must be submitted via the Illinois Department of Public Health's Electronic Grants Administration and Management System (EGrAMS) at idphgrants.com. The application period opens on May 9, 2025, and closes on June 16, 2025, at 5:00 PM. No technical assistance sessions will be offered, and cost sharing or matching is not required. However, applicants may voluntarily use indirect costs as a programmatic match to maximize direct cost allocation. Indirect costs are allowed up to 15% unless a federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) is provided.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit corporations, government entities, and universities or community colleges within Illinois. All applicants must be registered with the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) portal and meet prequalification criteria, including having an active UEI number, SAM registration, and being in good standing with various state and federal regulatory agencies.
Applications will be reviewed competitively based on four main criteria: scope of work (40 points), work plan (15 points), budget (10 points), and health equity considerations (35 points). Particular emphasis is placed on the use of IDPH’s Health Equity Checklist and applicants are expected to demonstrate how their project addresses social determinants of health and incorporates culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
The anticipated program start date is July 1, 2025, with an end date of June 30, 2026. Award announcements are expected by July 1, 2025. Applicants must also be prepared to submit quarterly progress reports and reimbursement certifications. Contact for the grant is Linda Kasebier at the Illinois Department of Public Health, who can be reached at Linda.Kasebier@illinois.gov or 217-558-2640.
