This funding opportunity is not currently accepting applications. This page will be updated with application deadlines and complete instructions when a new funding cycle is announced.
In the interest of providing seed funds to support cancer research at Rush University Medical Center, Swim Across America (SAA) and Bears Care have committed philanthropic funds to support investigator-initiated research. The intent of these grants is to encourage translational research by funding well-designed projects that could be competitive for future larger grants from a federal or private agency. Early-stage investigators, defined as individuals who do not have or have not previously received NIH R01 or equivalent funding, are encouraged to apply.
- For Swim Across America, applications are being solicited to conduct innovative translational, basic science, or population-based research relevant to the cause, prevention, diagnosis, cure or improved treatment of cancer.
- For Bears Care, only breast cancer research projects that are new to Bears Care will be considered.
Funding amounts and availability
- Swim Across America funds up to six awards per year. Applicants may apply for either $50,000 or $100,000. Special consideration for early-stage investigators. Capital equipment not allowed.
- Bears Care funds one award per year of $75,000 - $100,000. Capital equipment not allowed.
The period of support is one year. Applicants may reapply for continued support.
Requirements
- The award recipient must commit at least 10% of their research effort to the research contained in their proposal.
Who can apply
- At least one investigator in a proposal must be an active Rush University faculty member at the assistant professor level or above.
- Inter-institutional or inter-disciplinary proposals are of particular interest.
- Early investigators, women and members of groups underrepresented in research are encouraged to apply. There are no citizenship or residency requirements.
- Applicants may submit only one proposal as a principal investigator or multiple PI in response to each opportunity.
- Instructors may apply if the department chair submits a letter indicating that they will be promoted to assistant professor by the award date.
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Applicants for these pilot grants are strongly encouraged to develop a robust study design and statistical analysis plan. Development of an award-budget that includes resources for appropriate statistical or data analytics consultation or collaboration expected.
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Please submit your proposal using the online application form. Your proposal should consist of two PDF files in 11-point Arial font with at least 1/2-inch margins that include:
File 1
- A cover page, containing the following:
- Grant proposal title
- Names of principal investigator/multiple PIs, key personnel, and other significant collaborators
- Streamlined biosketches for multiple PIs and key personnel – use this biosketch template
- Include the most relevant research background, publication history, and funding history
- A project summary/Plain language abstract (1/2 page)
- A research plan, including the following:
- Specific aims (1 page)
- Research Strategy: Significance, innovation, and approach (4 pages)
- Facilities and other resources (1/2 page)
- Plan for Future Funding (1/2 page)
- Conflict of Interest list for multiple PIs: Please list current RUSH collaborators with whom you have published or written grants in the past three years (no more than 1 page)
- References (no limit)
- A letter of support from the PI’s Department Chair
File 2
- Budget – use this budget template
- Allowable: faculty support
- Not allowable: capital expenses
- Budget Justification
- A cover page, containing the following:
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- A panel of non-competing researchers will review applications based on the new NIH three-factor review framework.
- Applications that demonstrate potential for future funding will be prioritized.
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For SAA: Award notification will be May 2024 Final approval from SAA/grant period will begin in June 2024.
For Bears Care: The top applicant will be notified May 2024. That applicant will present to the Bears Care Hospital Committee in July or August 2024. Following final approval from Bears Care, the grant period will begin January 1, 2025.
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Bears Care Swim Across America Project Type - Breast Cancer research only
- Project must be new to Bears Care – no previous funding
- Any cancer research
# of Awards 1 3 - 6 Award Amounts - $75,000 - $100,000 over one year.
- Applicants may reapply for continued support
- $50,000 or $100,000 over one year.
- Applicants may reapply for continued support
Timing - Top applicant notified May 2024
- Applicant presents to Bears Care Hospital Committee July 2024
- Final approval from Bears Care/grant period begins January 1, 2025
- Award notification May 2024
- Final approval from SAA/grant period begins ~June 1, 2024
Special Considerations None Early-stage investigators Faculty Salary Support Yes Yes Capital Equipment None None
Norma Sandoval
norma_sandoval@rush.edu