Institute For Follicular Lymphoma Innovation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $12,009,375 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Spring review for RAFL program applications
• Grant Range: $800,000 - $7,900,000
• Geographic Focus: Global

Contact Details

Website: www.i-fli.org Email: contact@i-fli.org Address: 1440 Bridgegate Dr, Diamond Bar, CA 91765

Overview

Founded in February 2022, the Institute for Follicular Lymphoma Innovation (IFLI) is a global, non-profit, private foundation with over $26 million in assets dedicated to accelerating the development of innovative treatment options for patients with follicular lymphoma (FL). As a private grantmaking foundation, IFLI deploys its budget across grants, project-based partnerships, and venture philanthropic investments. The foundation has committed over $20 million in funding over five years through pivotal partnerships with leading organizations including the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and the Follicular Lymphoma Foundation (FLF). IFLI operates as a venture philanthropy organization, providing catalytic capital to develop new technology approaches for FL patients.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• RAFL Program (with LLS): Multi-million dollar competitive grants including:
  • Synergistic Team Award: Multi-investigator collaborative grants
  • Translational Awards: Lab-to-clinic research projects
  • Innovation Awards: Novel approaches to understanding/treating FL
• Research United to CURE FL: $2.25 million collaborative funding program
• Institutional Partnerships: $800,000 - $2,100,000 for academic research
• Venture Investments: Up to $11 million for biotech companies developing FL therapeutics

Priority Areas

• Early Biology Research of follicular lymphoma
• Biomarker Discovery programs including BIDIFLY initiative
• Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) exploration
• Novel therapeutics and treatment approaches
• AI and emerging technologies in FL research
• Data hub development for FL research

What They Don't Fund

Not explicitly stated, but focus is exclusively on follicular lymphoma-related research and development

Governance and Leadership

Key Leadership:

• Andrew Peykoff II - President/Director (Owner of Niagara Bottling, philanthropist)
• Dave McCullagh - Managing Director/CFO
• Kent Ratzlaff - Secretary/Director
• Shwetha Lakshmipathi, Ph.D. - Director of Portfolio and Project Management
• Mehrdad Mobasher, M.D., M.P.H. - Executive Partner
• Carol O'Hear, M.D., Ph.D. - Executive Partner

Dave McCullagh stated: "At IFLI, we are dedicated to uniting partners in a shared mission to accelerate breakthroughs in follicular lymphoma care and research."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The RAFL Program with LLS began accepting grant applications July 1, 2024, with review process taking place in spring 2025. IFLI operates through both competitive grant programs and strategic partnerships. Researchers should monitor www.i-fli.org for funding announcements and may contact the foundation at contact@i-fli.org for opportunities.

Getting on Their Radar

IFLI actively seeks partnerships with academic institutions, biotechnology companies, and research organizations focused on follicular lymphoma. The foundation has established collaborations with City of Hope, Washington University, Queen Mary University of London, and multiple biotech companies. Organizations working on FL biology, biomarkers, or novel therapeutics aligned with IFLI's five key research strategies should consider reaching out directly.

Decision Timeline

RAFL Program: Applications submitted July 2024, review in spring 2025 Strategic partnerships and venture investments appear to be evaluated on a rolling basis

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed

Reapplication Policy

Not specified in available information

Application Success Factors

Based on IFLI's funded projects and stated priorities:

• Strong focus on collaborative, multi-institutional approaches
• Emphasis on translational research moving from lab to clinic
• Innovation in understanding FL biology and developing biomarkers
• Projects that leverage AI and emerging technologies
• Research addressing early progression and high-risk FL patients
• Proposals that align with IFLI's five key research strategies

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• IFLI uses a venture philanthropy model combining grants, partnerships, and investments
• Strong preference for collaborative projects involving multiple institutions
• Exclusive focus on follicular lymphoma - all proposals must directly address FL
• Substantial funding available ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions
• Partnership approach means relationship building is important
• Monitor major collaborative programs like RAFL with partner organizations
• Foundation actively invests in both academic research and biotech companies

References

• Institute for Follicular Lymphoma Innovation official website (www.i-fli.org) - Accessed February 2026
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Institute For Follicular Lymphoma Innovation (EIN: 880639274) - Accessed February 2026
• "New $20 Million Research Funding Program Aims to 'Accelerate a Cure' for Follicular Lymphoma" - Blood Cancer United/LLS Press Release, June 3, 2024
• "Blood Cancer Foundations Award $2.25 million for 'Research United to CURE Follicular Lymphoma'" - PRNewswire, August 7, 2024
• "City of Hope and Institute for Follicular Lymphoma Innovation (IFLI) announce $2 million research program" - City of Hope, July 30, 2024
• IFLI News page (www.i-fli.org/news) - Accessed February 2026