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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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Targeted Call for Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Proposals

We’re seeking bold ideas to address critical unmet needs for survival and survivorship for any pediatric brain tumor type. To enhance impact towards improving patient outcomes, we’re accepting LOI proposals aligned with our four Priority Objectives in the current grant cycle.

  • Tumor Type/Subtype Any pediatric brain tumor type/subtype
  • Research Type (See Priority Objectives doc below for details)
  • LOI Application Deadline July 31, 2025
  • Funding Period One, two or three-year periods depending on scope and complexity of project

Email Us to Apply


The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation works closely with the global scientific community to identify and address critical gaps in pediatric brain tumor research and accelerate the discovery and development of more effective treatments. Our seed funding is a catalyst for innovative ideas and helps researchers develop promising projects to the point where they’re ready for larger government-funded grants.

We accept proposals across all types of research from scientists and clinicians studying any pediatric brain tumor type or subtype.

If you are interested in submitting a proposal, you can learn more about our eligibility requirements, application process, and grant conditions below. 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.

  • Eligible projects include basic and translational science, clinical trial initiatives, survivorship/outcomes studies, and scientific infrastructure and resources that will accelerate pediatric brain tumor research.
  • Novel concepts/hypotheses are encouraged, and a premium is given to projects that involve collaboration between institutions and investigators.
  • Project funding is awarded over one-, two-, or three-year periods depending on a project’s scope and complexity.
  • Investigators in the early years of their careers are encouraged to apply.

Investigators from all over the world are invited to email a ‘Letter of Intent’ to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation at any time throughout the year. This ‘Letter of Intent’ should contain:

  • A brief synopsis
  • Specific project aims
  • Potential outcomes for the proposed study
  • Project timetable (high level)
  • Budget (high level)
  • Collaborating institutions/Investigators

This document will be reviewed by members of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s Research Advisory Network, and a selected group of applicants will then be invited to submit a full proposal based on this feedback. The guidelines, forms, and requirements for the grant proposal will be provided when pre-applicants are notified of solicitation.

Only proposals with the highest scores demonstrating the most potential to have a significant impact on the future of pediatric brain tumor patients and survivors will be awarded. Award funding is based on a project’s size, impact, and complexity.

The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation also collaborates with other organizations across the cancer research and patient advocacy communities to accelerate the study of pediatric brain tumor tumors.

  • Grant recipients are required to submit progress reports to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation on an agreed-upon basis (typically annually).
  • Grantees must acknowledge the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s support in all publications about the research.
  • No grants will be made to private individuals.
  • All grants are awarded with the understanding of 0% overhead.
  • Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation grant awards do not cover debt reduction, capital improvements, or travel expenses.
  • Grant recipients must be willing to collaborate with other Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation grant recipients when appropriate.
  • Previous recipients of funding from the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, including PLGA Fund grants, are eligible to apply.