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International Myeloma Foundation

Annual Giving
$0.8M
Grant Range
$50K - $0.1M
Decision Time
3mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: Up to $800,000 in research grants
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Applications close late August, awards announced in fall, funding begins January
  • Grant Range: $50,000 - $80,000 (annual awards)
  • Geographic Focus: International

Contact Details

Website: www.myeloma.org

Address: 4400 Coldwater Canyon Ave., Suite 300, Studio City, CA 91604, USA

Phone: 818-487-7455 | Toll-free (U.S. & Canada): 1-800-452-CURE (2873)

Email: [email protected]

Grant Information Email: [email protected]

InfoLine Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Pacific)

Overview

The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1990 by Brian Novis, Susie Novis, and Dr. Brian G.M. Durie to improve the quality of life of myeloma patients while working toward prevention and a cure. With a mission to support myeloma research, patient education, and advocacy, the IMF channels 91 cents of every dollar directly to medical research or patient support, education, and advocacy programs. The organization operates several major research initiatives including the Brian D. Novis Research Grant program (established 1995), the Black Swan Research Initiative (founded 2012), and coordinates the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) with 270 members across 40+ countries. To date, the IMF has funded nearly 160 of the most promising projects by both senior and junior investigators in the field of multiple myeloma. In 2024, the organization underwent significant leadership transitions with Dr. S. Vincent Rajkumar assuming the role of Chairperson of the Board and Heather Cooper Ortner becoming President & CEO in October 2025.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Brian D. Novis Junior Research Grant: $50,000 (second year of funding available)

  • For researchers who completed postdoctoral studies or clinical fellowships no later than August 1 of the application year
  • Applicants must devote minimum 50% of time to the research project during the award year
  • Application deadline: Late August annually
  • Awards announced: Fall
  • Funding begins: January of following year

Brian D. Novis Senior Research Grant: $80,000

  • For established investigators with a track record in myeloma or related disorders
  • Designed for projects representing a different focus, direction, or area of research from current funding
  • Same timeline as Junior Research Grant

Priority Areas

The IMF funds research in:

  • Multiple myeloma
  • Smoldering myeloma
  • MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance)
  • Immunoglobulin-derived amyloidosis
  • Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) testing and assessment
  • Early intervention strategies for high-risk patients
  • Cure-focused translational research

What They Don't Fund

The grant program is specifically focused on myeloma and related disorders. Research outside these disease areas is not considered.

Governance and Leadership

President & CEO: Heather Cooper Ortner (appointed October 2025) - brings deep institutional knowledge from seven years with the IMF, including service as Executive Vice President of Development

Chairperson of the Board: Dr. S. Vincent Rajkumar, MD (Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN) - assumed role in February 2024

Scientific Advisory Board

The newly established IMF Scientific Advisory Board (created 2024) guides and prioritizes IMF research initiatives. Key members include:

  • Dr. S. Vincent Rajkumar, MD (Mayo Clinic—Rochester, MN), Chairperson
  • Dr. Wee Joo Chng, MD (National University Cancer Institute—Singapore)
  • Dr. Vania Hungria, MD, PhD (Santa Casa de São Paulo—São Paulo, Brazil)
  • Dr. María-Victoria Mateos (University of Salamanca, Spain)
  • Dr. Jesús San Miguel (University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain)
  • Dr. Sagar Lonial
  • Dr. Nikhil Munshi

Founding Leadership

Founded by Brian Novis, Susie Novis, and Dr. Brian G.M. Durie in 1990. Dr. Durie served the organization for 35 years before stepping down in 2024.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the IMF website at myeloma.org/apply-imf-research-grant

Application Deadline: Late August (2025 grants closed August 26, 2024)

Award Announcement: Fall

Funding Start Date: January of following year

Decision Timeline

  • Application submission: Late August
  • Review period: September-October
  • Awards announced: Fall (typically late October/November)
  • Awards reception: Held in conjunction with IMF Patient and Family Seminar
  • Funding commencement: January

Success Rates

The IMF does not publicly disclose application-to-award ratios. However, the program is highly competitive, having funded nearly 160 projects since 1995 (averaging approximately 5-6 awards per year across junior and senior categories).

Reapplication Policy

The IMF does not publicly disclose a specific reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants. Researchers should contact the IMF directly at [email protected] for guidance on resubmission.

Application Success Factors

While the IMF does not publish detailed evaluation criteria, successful applications typically demonstrate:

For Junior Researchers:

  • Completion of postdoctoral studies or clinical fellowships
  • Commitment of at least 50% time to the research project
  • Novel approaches to myeloma research that could advance the field
  • Strong institutional support

For Senior Researchers:

  • Established track record in myeloma or related disorders
  • Projects representing new directions different from current funded work
  • Potential for transformative breakthroughs

Recent Funded Projects (2024 examples):

  • Martin Gazvoda, PhD (University of Ljubljana, Slovenia): "Boron-rich antibodies for synergistic targeted therapy with boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) in multiple myeloma" - Funded by Laughs for Life
  • Patient-specific predictive biomechanical simulation model for spinal stability in multiple myeloma - Funded by Miracles for Myeloma 5K Walk/Run
  • Research determining the role of Setd2 in multiple myeloma pathogenesis - Funded by the Inland Empire Virtual/In-Person Walk for Myeloma

Program Philosophy: According to program documentation, "Many past recipients' careers have gotten a head start because of these grants, and the grants have transformative power over the recipients and their work." This suggests the IMF values projects with career-launching potential for junior researchers and paradigm-shifting approaches for senior investigators.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Application timing is critical: The late August deadline is firm, with only one funding cycle per year
  • Second-year funding available: Successful junior grant recipients can access additional funding for a second year, making the total potential award $100,000
  • International applications welcome: The IMF has funded researchers across the globe, including recent recipients from Slovenia, Brazil, Spain, and beyond
  • Community fundraising connection: Many grants are funded through specific IMF community fundraising events (e.g., Laughs for Life, Miracles for Myeloma 5K), highlighting the organization's grassroots support
  • Focus on career development: The program explicitly aims to give researchers a "head start" and has "transformative power" over recipients' careers
  • Strategic alignment matters: Projects should align with IMF's broader research priorities, particularly the Black Swan Research Initiative's focus on MRD testing, early intervention, and cure-focused strategies
  • Institutional support required: Both junior and senior applicants need to demonstrate strong institutional backing

References

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