Advancing Research

The largest patient advocacy funder of pediatric brain tumor research, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation is wholly dedicated to ending the most commonly diagnosed and deadliest childhood cancer.

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Welcome! If you are a pediatric brain tumor researcher or clinician, we invite you to learn more about PBTF’s research model, priorities and areas of focus that are tied to current funding opportunities.


The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) serves patients and families every step of the way along their journey through the core pillars of our mission:  Research, Family Support and Advocacy.

Through our Research Pillar – our overarching goal is to help children survive brain cancer and as survivors, live a long and healthy life. We’ll strategically advance research to get there and thank you for your tireless efforts towards our common goal.

Throughout the year, the PBTF advances several research projects, programs and initiatives towards our mission to improve survival outcomes. We utilize a diverse portfolio that includes foundation-initiated challenge grants (RFP’s); collaborative funding programs with like orgs, and investigator-initiated proposals submitted through our website.

Our current grant cycle for investigator-initiated proposals is accepting applications for funding through July 31, 2025, that align with our 4 priority objectives:

  • New Therapies & Novel Drug Delivery
  • Precision Medicine
  • Data Repositories & Technology
  • Survivorship & Early Detection

Below is a preview of important grant support conditions:

  • Two-stage submission process:For investigator-initiated grant support submissions, applicants are required to submit a pre-proposal (LOI) and, if invited to the next stage, a full application. All submissions undergo an administrative and scientific review, which also considers alignment with our priority objectives, and funding criteria.
  • Eligibility: For the current funding cycle, (a) applicants must be medical and scientific professionals with MD and or PhD degrees, (b) applicants must be a member of, or affiliated with a research or clinical care institution that is a member hospital of the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) or an affiliated hospital (full membership listed here)

Please email [email protected] with any questions.

Apply for a Research Grant
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Apply for a Research Grant

The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation invests in high-impact research with the strongest potential to benefit pediatric brain tumor patients in an accelerated time frame. The current grant cycle for investigator-initiated proposal submission closes July 31, 2025.

Visit our Funded Projects database to explore the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s currently and previously funded research. Search awards by keyword, pediatric brain tumor type, type of research, and institution. If you have questions about the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s research funding opportunities, please email us to connect with a member of our team. If you would like to receive email updates about upcoming and active Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation grant cycles and RFP announcements, click here.