Deadline: 05-Nov-2025
Applications are now open for ALSF Crazy 8 Initiative to focus on funding studies that uncover more efficacious and less toxic treatments for pediatric brain tumors.
This highly competitive funding opportunity invites ambitious, large-scale proposals designed to make transformative impacts in understanding, treating, and ultimately curing brain tumors in children.
The program offers between $3 million and $5 million USD over four years, depending on the project’s scope and team size. Proposals must demonstrate both scientific innovation and cost efficiency, as the Crazy 8 Scientific Review Board will closely evaluate the value and impact of each dollar spent. Continued funding throughout the grant term will be based on satisfactory progress.
Investigators may include up to 10% indirect costs in their budgets, calculated based on total direct costs. However, the total budget—including indirects—must not exceed the $5 million cap. Subawards may also include indirects, but these must be excluded from the primary institution’s indirect cost calculation. Funding cannot be used for tuition remission, and travel to the annual Crazy 8 Summit in Philadelphia must be included in the proposed budget.
Eligible applicants must hold a doctoral degree (MD, PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent) and a faculty-level appointment at a nonprofit academic or research institution. A strong track record of peer-reviewed publications and prior grant funding is essential. The program is open to researchers worldwide, with all grants awarded in U.S. dollars.
To ensure equitable access to this opportunity, those who have previously served as Principal Investigators or Co-Principal Investigators on Crazy 8-funded projects are not eligible to reapply in those roles. Co-Investigators must also not be part of a currently funded Crazy 8 team at the time of submission, though exceptions may be made in special cases where unique expertise is required.
The 2026 Crazy 8 Initiative represents a significant commitment to driving high-impact research forward in one of the most challenging areas of pediatric oncology. By supporting collaborative, visionary science, the program aims to shift the trajectory of pediatric brain tumor outcomes for future generations.
For more information, visit ALSF.
