Rising Tide Foundation for Clinical Cancer Research Grant

The Rising Tide Foundation for Clinical Cancer Research (RTFCCR) offers a global funding opportunity focused on supporting patient-centered clinical trials that aim to improve outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients. As part of the Rising Tide Group based in Switzerland, RTFCCR invites applications for interventional clinical trials spanning phases I to III, emphasizing innovative approaches in therapy optimization, early detection and intervention, disease burden, and implementation science. The foundation’s mission centers on promoting individual freedom through health empowerment, and its grantmaking portfolio reflects a strong commitment to tangible, patient-relevant clinical outcomes. The application process begins with the submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI), which is accepted on a rolling basis through RTFCCR's online portal, SmartSimple. While LOIs can be submitted at any time, internal assessment deadlines occur three times per year, with the next deadlines scheduled for June 22, 2026, and November 23, 2026. Applications are evaluated first for strategic alignment and potential impact. Selected applicants are invited to submit full proposals, which undergo scientific peer review by an independent Grant Review Committee comprising domain experts, a patient partner, and a biostatistician. Final funding decisions are made by the RTFCCR Board of Directors during one of their three annual meetings. Notification to awardees occurs within a month of board decisions. RTFCCR grants are milestone-based and typically provide up to USD 100,000 per year for a period of up to five years. The funding covers non-reimbursable patient care costs, investigator and staff salaries, patient participation support (e.g., travel, parking), imaging studies, and study-related supplies. Equipment costs are allowed only if entirely attributable to the funded project. Notably, indirect costs such as institutional overhead are excluded from coverage. RTFCCR does not fund basic or observational research, phase IV trials, population screening, or companion diagnostics studies. Immunotherapy-related proposals must be discussed with staff prior to submission. Eligibility is open to investigators worldwide who hold a doctoral degree and a faculty appointment or equivalent at a research institution. Applicants must demonstrate the capability to manage and implement clinical trials in compliance with ethical and regulatory standards. Projects must involve patient partners as integral contributors to study design and implementation. Proposals without established patient partner participation may be considered for a separate pre-application grant that supports this development phase. Research involving pediatric populations and innovative approaches in early cancer intervention is encouraged, provided it aligns with the foundation’s criteria. Applications must be submitted in English and include detailed study design components, ethical approvals, patient partner involvement plans, and budget breakdowns that clearly delineate RTFCCR-funded versus externally funded components. Evaluation criteria emphasize scientific merit, feasibility, strategic portfolio fit, and patient impact potential. Scoring by the review committee uses a 9-point system, while strategic alignment is assessed during the board meeting using a 3-point scale. The foundation places particular importance on patient community perception, innovation, accessibility, and the reputational value of the research team. For full consideration, applicants must adhere to RTFCCR’s Terms and Conditions and engage in regular communication post-award. Contact can be made via [email protected] for application guidance, and prospective applicants are advised to review the full application guidelines available in PDF format. While RTFCCR encourages global collaboration, grant oversight feasibility and ethical compliance remain essential prerequisites for international institutions. The foundation's long-term vision is to foster impactful partnerships that enable cancer patients to live on their own terms.

Plan patient partner involvement early and budget accordingly. Ensure scientific feasibility and relevance to RTFCCR focus.