Deadline: 03-Feb-2026
The Children’s Tumor Foundation (CTF) Clinical Research Award (CRA) funds innovative clinical research to improve treatments, interventions, and disease management for people living with Neurofibromatosis (NF). Grants of up to $200,000 over two years support projects with potential for large-scale studies and future external funding, open to qualified investigators worldwide.
Overview of the Program
The Clinical Research Award (CRA) aims to accelerate clinically relevant NF research that can lead to better patient outcomes. The program prioritizes:
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Bold, forward-thinking research proposals
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Projects that improve the everyday functioning of NF patients
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Studies with potential to progress to larger-scale clinical research
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Research likely to compete for additional external funding
Funding is structured to enable two-year research projects, providing financial support for impactful studies that advance NF clinical management.
Who is Eligible
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Investigators holding an MD, PhD, or equivalent advanced degree from a recognized US or international institution
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No citizenship restrictions—global applicants are welcome
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Applicants must demonstrate ability to conduct clinically relevant NF research
Funding Details
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Maximum award: $200,000 per project (inclusive of 10% indirect costs)
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Funding duration: 2 years
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Supports research that lays the groundwork for future large-scale studies
Application Process
Stage 1: Letter of Intent (LOI)
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LOIs must be submitted by February 3, 2026, 4:00 p.m. EST
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LOIs should outline the research objectives, significance, and potential impact
Stage 2: Full Application
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Selected applicants from the LOI stage will be invited to submit a full research proposal
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Full applications include detailed experimental design, methodology, milestones, and anticipated outcomes
Funding Timeline
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Award start date: September 1, 2026
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Aligns funding with the proposed research schedule
Key Focus Areas
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Development of effective clinical treatments and interventions for NF
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Exploration of new approaches to disease management
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Improving quality of life and daily functioning for NF patients
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Generating research ready for future expansion and external funding
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Missing the LOI submission deadline
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Proposing projects not clinically relevant to NF
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Failing to demonstrate impact potential or scalability
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Incomplete description of research design, milestones, or outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply?
Investigators with an MD, PhD, or equivalent advanced degree from recognized institutions worldwide.
2. What is the maximum funding?
Up to $200,000 over 2 years, including 10% indirect costs.
3. Are international applicants eligible?
Yes, there are no citizenship restrictions.
4. What is the LOI deadline?
February 3, 2026, 4:00 p.m. EST
5. When does funding begin?
September 1, 2026, for approved projects.
6. What type of research is prioritized?
Clinically relevant, bold proposals that improve NF patient care and have potential for larger-scale studies.
7. Can the award support indirect costs?
Yes, up to 10% of total funding can be allocated for indirect costs.
Conclusion
The Clinical Research Award by the Children’s Tumor Foundation enables innovative NF research with tangible clinical impact. By funding projects that improve treatment, patient management, and quality of life, the CRA fosters advancements in NF care and supports studies capable of evolving into large-scale, externally funded research initiatives.
For more information, visit Children’s Tumor Foundation.
