Torrey Coast Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $6,486,061 (2023)
Total Assets: $312 million
Average Grant: $308,860
Number of Grants (2023): 21
Decision Time: A few days (for GEMINI-supported projects)
Grant Range: $2,000 - $4,500,000
Geographic Focus: National and international (U.S., Asia, Europe)
Founded: 2021 (formerly Braynin Family Foundation)

Contact Details

Foundation Address: 5930 Cornerstone Court West, Suite 300 San Diego, CA 92121

For GEMINI-supported research: Submit applications via the Team GEMINI website (www.teamgemini.org)

For AACR partnership grants: Applications submitted through AACR's ProposalCentral system

Note: The foundation does not maintain a public website. Most grants are awarded through partnership programs or by invitation.

Overview

The Torrey Coast Foundation was established in 2021 (formerly known as the Braynin Family Foundation until January 2021) as a private independent foundation based in San Diego, California. With assets exceeding $312 million, the foundation has quickly emerged as a significant force in cancer research philanthropy, specifically focusing on gastroesophageal cancer research. Led by President Alan Braynin, CEO of Aya Healthcare Inc., who serves without compensation, the foundation distributed $6.5 million in grants to 21 organizations in 2023.

The foundation operates primarily through strategic partnerships with major research institutions and funding consortia, including the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), Stand Up to Cancer (SU2C), and the Gastroesophageal Malignancies Investigator Network Initiative (GEMINI). Rather than operating traditional open application processes, Torrey Coast Foundation focuses its resources on collaborative, high-impact research programs aimed at advancing treatment options for gastric and esophageal cancers through preclinical studies, Phase 1 trials, and translational research.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

1. GEMINI-Supported Research (Rolling Basis)

Grant range: Varies by project
Application method: Submit via Team GEMINI website (www.teamgemini.org)
Focus: High-risk, high-reward research in gastroesophageal malignancies
Decision timeline: Typically within a few days
Restrictions: Preclinical research and Phase 1 trials treating gastroesophageal cancer

2. AACR-Torrey Coast Foundation Transpacific Gastric and Esophageal Cancer Research Partnership Grant

Grant amount: Up to $400,000 over 24 months
Application deadline: January 15 (annually)
Decision timeline: Award decisions by April; grant term starts July 1
Application method: ProposalCentral system
Team requirement: Multi-institutional collaboration with at least one Principal Investigator from a U.S. institution and one co-PI from an Asian institution

3. Stand Up to Cancer Dream Team Collective

Major collaborative funding: $2.5 million+ awards
Multi-institutional research teams (11+ institutions)
Focus: Bringing new therapies to clinical trials for gastroesophageal cancer

4. Direct Institutional Grants

Range: $2,000 - $4,500,000
By invitation or through institutional partnerships
Major 2022 award: $4,500,000 to Entertainment Industry Foundation's Stand Up to Cancer

Priority Areas

Primary Research Focus:

Gastroesophageal cancer (gastric and esophageal cancers)
Preclinical research in gastroesophageal malignancies
Phase 1 clinical trials
Ex-vivo sensitivity testing
Biosensor development for cancer detection
Drug agent identification for clinical trial pilot data
Resistance mechanisms in gastroesophageal cancer
Metastasis research
Innovative treatment strategies and novel target identification
Cellular and immunotherapies
Adenosquamous carcinomas of the esophagus
3D cancer organoid development and screening platforms

Translational Research Emphasis:

Projects that include clear plans for clinical translation
Research organized under collaborative frameworks
Team science approaches connecting U.S. and international researchers
Studies utilizing patient-derived organoids and genetically engineered mouse models

What They Don't Fund

Based on available information:

Research unrelated to gastroesophageal cancers
General cancer research outside their specific focus
Clinical trials beyond Phase 1 (unless part of larger collaborative initiatives)
Non-research activities (general operating support, capital campaigns, etc.)
Individual patient support or treatment costs

Governance and Leadership

Key Personnel

Alan Braynin - President

CEO of Aya Healthcare Inc.
Serves as President of Torrey Coast Foundation without compensation
Founded the Braynin Family Foundation, which became Torrey Coast Foundation in January 2021
Located in San Diego, CA

Research Direction

While the foundation itself maintains a small administrative footprint, key research initiatives are directed by leading scientists:

GEMINI Initiative Directors:

Dr. Yelena Y. Janjigian, MD - Associate Professor and Chief of Gastrointestinal Oncology Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; international expert in esophageal and stomach cancers who has led seminal studies changing practice standards
Dr. Karuna Ganesh - Co-director of GEMINI research activities

The foundation's collaborative approach means governance extends through partnership with major institutions including Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, the Broad Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Columbia University, Case Western Reserve University, and others.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Torrey Coast Foundation does not maintain a traditional open application process. Instead, grants are awarded through three primary mechanisms:

1. GEMINI-Supported Projects (Rolling)

Submit applications via the Team GEMINI website (www.teamgemini.org)
Required materials:
- Biosketch of principal investigator(s)
- Justified budget
- Two-page proposal including:
  - Background
  - Proposed experiments
  - Rationale
  - Expected outcome
  - Timeline
No submission deadlines (rolling review)
Expedited assessment: typically reviewed within a few days

2. AACR Partnership Grant (Annual Cycle)

Application deadline: January 15 (annually) at 1:00 PM ET
Submit through AACR's ProposalCentral system
Eligibility: Applicants must hold doctoral degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent) and be affiliated with an academic, medical, or research institution
Team structure: Requires at least one PI at U.S. institution and one co-PI at Asian institution
Must include clinical translation plans with estimated timeline

3. Direct Institutional Partnerships

By invitation only
Typically involves major research consortia and established institutions
No public application process

Getting on Their Radar

Work with Established Research Networks: The foundation primarily funds through established partnerships. Researchers interested in Torrey Coast Foundation support should:

Join GEMINI (Gastroesophageal Malignancies Investigator Network Initiative): This network connects scientists and clinicians studying gastroesophageal cancers across institutions. GEMINI expedites access to patient tumor samples, patient-derived organoids, and genetically engineered mouse models - resources funded by Torrey Coast Foundation.
Participate in AACR initiatives: The foundation has a formal partnership with the American Association for Cancer Research for transpacific collaboration grants.
Connect with funded institutions: Recent grant recipients include Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, Broad Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Columbia University, Cancer Research Institute, and Case Western Reserve University. Collaborative projects with researchers at these institutions may have better access to foundation funding.
Focus on collaborative, team science approaches: The foundation strongly favors multi-institutional teams and international partnerships, particularly U.S.-Asia collaborations.

Decision Timeline

GEMINI-supported projects:

Assessment typically within a few days of submission

AACR partnership grants:

Application deadline: January 15
Award decisions: By April
Grant term starts: July 1

Major collaborative initiatives:

Timeline varies by partnership
Typically involves multi-stage review processes through partner organizations

Success Rates

Specific success rate data is not publicly available. However, the foundation's focused scope (gastroesophageal cancer only) and relationship-driven approach suggest:

High selectivity for direct grants
More accessible opportunities through GEMINI for researchers working in the specific disease area
Competitive process for AACR partnership grants (standard for major research funding)

The foundation made 21 grants in 2023, totaling $6.5 million, with an average grant of $308,860.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication restrictions are documented. Given the rolling nature of GEMINI submissions and annual cycle for AACR grants, unsuccessful applicants can refine proposals and resubmit. For GEMINI projects assessed within days, rapid feedback allows for quick revision and resubmission.

Application Success Factors

Foundation-Specific Priorities

1. Alignment with Gastroesophageal Cancer Focus The foundation has an absolute restriction to gastroesophageal cancer research. Successful applications must focus specifically on:

Preclinical research in gastric or esophageal cancers
Phase 1 trials treating gastroesophageal cancer
Translational research with clear clinical applications

2. High-Risk, High-Reward Research GEMINI, the foundation's primary funding vehicle, explicitly states it "funds high-risk, high-reward research projects that may not be able to get funding from other sources." This suggests:

The foundation fills gaps left by traditional funders
Novel, innovative approaches are valued over incremental research
Preliminary data requirements may be less stringent than NIH or other traditional sources
Projects should articulate why traditional funding sources wouldn't support the work

3. Collaborative Team Science Recent funding patterns demonstrate strong preference for:

Multi-institutional collaborations
International partnerships (particularly U.S.-Asia connections)
Integration with existing research networks (GEMINI, Stand Up to Cancer)
Projects involving 11+ institutions in Dream Team Collective models

4. Clinical Translation Emphasis The AACR partnership grant specifically requires "plans indicating how the work will be translated into the clinic, including an estimated timeline." Successful applications should:

Clearly articulate pathway from bench to bedside
Include realistic timelines for clinical implementation
Demonstrate understanding of regulatory pathways
Show potential for impact on patient care

Recent Funded Projects as Examples

2023 Grant Recipients included:

Broad Institute: Multiple grants ($605K, $159K, $128K) for scientific research, including GEMINI-related projects
Columbia University: Multiple grants ($500K, $152K, $2K) for scientific and medical research
Cancer Research Institute: $100K for medical research
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Part of Dream Team Collective
Case Western Reserve University: Part of Columbia-led esophageal cancer research team

Specific Research Areas Funded:

Adapting 3D cancer organoids into monolayer cell lines for PRISM screening platform
Ex-vivo sensitivity testing for esophagogastric cancer
Biosensor development efforts
Drug agent identification for clinical trial pilot data
Adenosquamous carcinomas of the esophagus research

Application Quality Factors

For GEMINI Submissions:

Concise proposals: Two-page limit requires clear, focused writing
Strong rationale: Explain why this research matters and why traditional funders won't support it
Defined timeline: Specific milestones and deliverables
Justified budget: Clear explanation of resource allocation
Expected outcomes: Articulate what success looks like

For AACR Partnership Grants:

Strong collaborative framework: Demonstrate genuine partnership between U.S. and Asian institutions, not just nominal collaboration
Complementary expertise: Show how each institution brings unique capabilities
Focus on priority research areas: Resistance, metastasis, innovative treatment strategies, cellular and immunotherapies
Clinical translation plan: Required element with estimated timeline

Common Success Patterns

Based on funding patterns:

Established institutions with strong cancer research programs receive majority of funding
Projects embedded in larger networks (GEMINI, Stand Up to Cancer) are more successful
Research using specific platforms (organoids, genetically engineered mouse models, PRISM screening) aligns with foundation priorities
Teams led by recognized experts in gastroesophageal cancer (like Dr. Janjigian) have successful track record

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Ultra-specific focus: This foundation exclusively funds gastroesophageal cancer research (gastric and esophageal cancers). Do not apply unless your work directly addresses these cancers.
Relationship-driven funding model: The foundation operates primarily through partnerships (GEMINI, AACR, Stand Up to Cancer) rather than open solicitations. Getting funded requires connecting with these established networks first.
GEMINI is the primary gateway: For most researchers, the fastest path to Torrey Coast Foundation funding is through Team GEMINI's rolling submission process, which promises assessment within days rather than months.
Embrace team science: The foundation strongly favors collaborative, multi-institutional projects, particularly those involving U.S.-Asia partnerships. Solo investigator projects are unlikely to succeed.
High-risk projects welcomed: Unlike traditional funders, the foundation explicitly seeks "high-risk, high-reward research that may not be able to get funding from other sources." Use this positioning to your advantage by emphasizing innovation and potential impact over extensive preliminary data.
Clinical translation is essential: All applications should clearly articulate how research will translate to the clinic, with realistic timelines. This is not basic science for its own sake - the foundation wants impact on patient care.
Rapid decision-making: For GEMINI projects, decisions come within days. This allows for quick revision and resubmission if initial proposals aren't funded. Don't be discouraged by initial rejection - refine and resubmit quickly.
Large grants available for right projects: While average grant is ~$309K, the foundation has awarded up to $4.5 million for major initiatives. Think big if you have a compelling collaborative project.

References

Grantmakers.io. "Profile - Torrey Coast Foundation." Accessed December 23, 2024. https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/854224393-torrey-coast-foundation/
Grantable. "TORREY COAST FOUNDATION | Foundation Profile & Grants." Accessed December 23, 2024. https://www.grantable.co/search/funders/profile/torrey-coast-foundation-us-foundation-854224393
The Share Way. "Torrey Coast Foundation." Accessed December 23, 2024. https://www.theshareway.com/funder/torrey-coast-66495
Instrumentl. "Torrey Coast Foundation | San Diego, CA | 990 Report." Accessed December 23, 2024. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/torrey-coast-foundation
Cause IQ. "Torrey Coast Foundation | San Diego, CA." Accessed December 23, 2024. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/torrey-coast-foundation,854224393/
Charity Navigator. "Torrey Coast Foundation | Charity Navigator Profile." Accessed December 23, 2024. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/854224393
ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. "Torrey Coast Foundation - Nonprofit Explorer." Accessed December 23, 2024. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/854224393
Philanthropy News Digest. "American Association for Cancer Research, Torrey Coast Foundation invite applications for gastric and esophageal cancer research." Accessed December 23, 2024. https://philanthropynewsdigest.org/rfps/rfp18558-american-association-for-cancer-research-torrey-coast-foundation-invite-applications-for-gastric-and-esophageal-cancer-research
OncoDaily. "AACR-Torrey Coast Foundation Transpacific Gastric and Esophageal Cancer Research Partnership Grant." Accessed December 23, 2024. https://oncodaily.com/grant/421192
Team GEMINI. "Gastroesophageal Malignancies Investigator Network Initiative - GEMINI." Accessed December 23, 2024. https://www.teamgemini.org/
Team GEMINI. "Yelena Y Janjigian, MD - GEMINI." Accessed December 23, 2024. https://www.teamgemini.org/investigators/yelena-janjigian/
Team GEMINI. "Research - GEMINI." Accessed December 23, 2024. https://www.teamgemini.org/research/
Weill Cornell Medicine Newsroom. "Stand Up To Cancer Dream Team Collective Seeks to Transform Care of Gastroesophageal Cancer." Accessed December 23, 2024. https://news.weill.cornell.edu/news/2024/03/stand-up-to-cancer-dream-team-collective-seeks-to-transform-care-of-gastroesophageal
Case Western Reserve University. "New $2.5M Stand Up To Cancer Grant Goes to Columbia-led Team for Clinical, Translational Esophageal Cancer Research." Accessed December 23, 2024. https://case.edu/cancer/about-us/news/new-25m-stand-cancer-grant-goes-columbia-led-team-clinical-translational-esophageal-cancer-research
Stand Up To Cancer. "STAND UP TO CANCER ANNOUNCES THREE TEAMS FOCUSED ON GASTROESOPHAGEAL CANCER." Accessed December 23, 2024. https://standuptocancer.org/press/stand-up-to-cancer-announces-three-teams-focused-on-gastroesophageal-cancer/