Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation — Innovation Grant

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation: Innovation Grant

Seed funding for high-impact, hypothesis-driven pediatric oncology projects with a clear path to clinical translation. For established investigators proposing a new research direction; U.S. and Canada institutions eligible. 

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Faculty (MD, PhD, or MD/PhD) at a nonprofit institution in the U.S. or Canada; citizenship not required. 

  • Track record includes at least one Senior Corresponding Author publication and an NIH R01-equivalent award; proposal must be a new direction (not a continuation). 

  • Pediatric focus (≤19 years); mechanistic, hypothesis-driven; innovation and feasibility must be clear. 

  • Resource/Data Sharing plan required; restrictions include no human embryonic/fetal stem cells or non-human primates. 

Funding Details:

  • Up to USD 250,000 total (direct costs) over 2 years; ≤USD 125,000/year; no indirect costs; NIH salary cap applies. Allowable: fringe, travel, supplies, small equipment; subawards permitted with no indirects. One no-cost extension possible. 

Deadline:

  • LOI due: October 15, 2025 (8:00 p.m. ET).

  • Full application (by invite) due: March 18, 2026 (8:00 p.m. ET).

  • Notification: July 2026. 

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