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Children's Cancer Research Fund

Grant Range
$250K - $1.0M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: Over $233 million since 1981
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not specified
  • Grant Range: $250,000 - $1,000,000
  • Geographic Focus: National (US)

Contact Details

Website: https://childrenscancer.org
Phone: 952-893-9355 (Toll Free: 1-888-422-7348)
Email: contact@childrenscancer.org
Address: 1650 W 82nd St., Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55431
Hours: 9AM to 5 PM CT, Monday – Friday

Overview

Founded in 1981 following 13-year-old Katie Hageboeck's battle with leukemia, the Children's Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) is a national nonprofit dedicated to ending childhood cancer. With contributions exceeding $233 million to research since inception, CCRF has funded over 190 researchers at 36 different research institutions. The organization demonstrates exceptional efficiency, with over 81% of funds raised in 2024 going directly to program services. Notably, for every dollar invested in their research grants, scientists secure an additional $18 in subsequent funding, amplifying their impact significantly. CCRF focuses on investing in groundbreaking research, funding vital family support services, and advocating for childhood cancer education and awareness.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

CCRF offers four primary research grant programs:

  • Accelerating Hope: Clinical Trials for Hard-to-Treat Cancers: Up to $1,000,000 for 3-year projects
  • Accelerating Impact for Hard-to-Treat Cancers Award: $250,000 for two years
  • Survivorship Award: $250,000 for two years
  • Eliminating Disparities in Childhood Cancer Award: $250,000 for two years

Priority Areas

CCRF focuses on three key research priorities:

  • Hard-to-treat childhood cancers (those with less than 70% 5-year survival rates)
  • Survivorship and quality of life for childhood cancer survivors
  • Reducing health disparities in childhood cancer care and outcomes

Specific cancer types of interest include:

  • Brain & Neural Tumors
  • Leukemia
  • Lymphoma
  • Sarcomas
  • Other rare childhood cancers

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, their focus on hard-to-treat cancers suggests limited funding for cancers with already high survival rates (>70% 5-year survival).

Governance and Leadership

CCRF operates as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization (Federal Tax ID: 41-1893645). The organization was founded by Diana and Norm Hageboeck, who organized the first fundraising event "Dawn of a Dream" in honor of their daughter Katie. Funding recommendations are made by a Research Advisory Committee through peer review, with final decisions made by the CCRF Board of Directors.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

All grant applications must be submitted through ProposalCentral, an online grant management system. Applications undergo peer review by the Research Advisory Committee, which makes funding recommendations to the CCRF Board of Directors. Detailed Request for Applications (RFAs) with specific requirements are available on the CCRF website.

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly available. Applicants should refer to individual RFAs for grant-specific deadlines and notification dates.

Success Rates

Success rates and application competitiveness data are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies are not specified in publicly available materials.

Application Success Factors

Based on CCRF's funding priorities and stated mission, successful applications likely demonstrate:

  • Focus on cancers with poor prognosis (less than 70% 5-year survival)
  • Potential for translational impact - moving research from bench to bedside
  • Innovation in approach to hard-to-treat childhood cancers
  • Clear pathways to securing additional funding (given CCRF's 1:18 leverage ratio)
  • Alignment with one of their three core priority areas
  • Strong preliminary data and feasibility

Special consideration appears to be given to:

  • Projects addressing the Zach Sobiech Osteosarcoma Fund priorities
  • Research conducted at or in partnership with The Katie Hageboeck Children's Cancer Research Fund Clinic

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • CCRF provides substantial grants ($250,000-$1,000,000) for childhood cancer research
  • Focus your application on hard-to-treat cancers with <70% survival rates for best alignment
  • Emphasize potential for securing additional funding - CCRF values their role as catalyst funding
  • Applications must be submitted through ProposalCentral platform
  • Consider addressing health disparities or survivorship issues as these are explicit priorities
  • Over 81% of funds go directly to programs, indicating strong commitment to research funding
  • With 190+ researchers funded across 36 institutions, CCRF has broad national reach

References

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