The RUNX1 Research Program and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation are delighted to continue their partnership this year and are excited to continue to support the Research Accelerating RUNX1 Exploration (RARE) Grant.
The purpose of the grant is to fund research that will accelerate the discovery of druggable oncogenic pathways and deliver cancer interception and cancer prevention therapeutics for RUNX1-FPD children and family members.
Program Description
The RARE Grant is a two-year award designed to fund research that will lead to the development of therapies for patients with RUNX1-FPD that will either intercept the transition from a precancer state (clonal hematopoiesis) to MDS/AML or prevent blood cancer (before clonal hematopoiesis).
The RUNX1 Research Program hosts an annual scientific conference and patient meeting that brings together grant recipients and other scientists. Grant recipients are expected to present their progress as part of the annual review.
A RARE Grant is $250,000 over 2 years (maximum $125,000 per year may be requested).
1. 🎯 Strong Alignment with ALSF’s Mission & Research Focus
ALSF funds research specifically in childhood cancer — proposals must clearly focus on cancers in children (not adult cancers), and especially on novel approaches, new therapies, or filling critical gaps in pediatric oncology. alexslemonade.org+2alexslemonade.org+2
Projects should aim toward less toxic treatments, improved survivorship, or therapies for cancers that are currently hard to treat. alexslemonade.org+1
2. 🧑🔬 Appropriate Career Stage & Grant Program
ALSF offers different award types depending on career stage: e.g., the “A” Award (up to ~US $800,000/4 years) for early faculty establishing independence. Research at UCalgary+1
They expect applicants to have a clear commitment to pediatric cancer research — for example, you should demonstrate that this field will be your long-term focus. Research at UCalgary+1
3. 📚 Innovation, Novelty & Feasibility
ALSF explicitly states that they want projects that are original and not currently being funded. For example, the “A” Award guidelines say: “original project that is not currently being funded.” Research at UCalgary
Feasibility matters: strong scientific rationale, well-designed research plan, realistic budget, and milestones.
4. 🏫 Institutional Support & Protected Research Time
For major awards (e.g., “A” Award), applicants must allocate a large percentage of their time (e.g., ≥ 75%) to research activities during the grant period. Research at UCalgary
Institutional commitment (department chairs, division chiefs) and letters of support strengthen applications.
5. 🔄 Resource Sharing & Broader Impact
ALSF requires applicants to include a Resource Sharing Plan: if you generate unique reagents, data, or tools, you must describe how those will be shared. Research at UCalgary
They value the long-term impact of the research — e.g., whether it can lead to trials, new therapies, or make a meaningful difference in childhood cancer outcomes. alexslemonade.org+1
6. 🤝 Collaboration & Big Picture Thinking
Some ALSF initiative programs (e.g., the “Crazy 8 Initiative”) fund large, multi-investigator, multi-institution teams tackling the most difficult childhood cancers. These projects are collaborative, high-risk/high-reward. alexslemonade.org+1
Even for smaller grants, showing connections, cross-discipline thinking, or potential for follow-on funding is beneficial.
| Success Predictor | Why It Matters for ALSF Applications |
|---|---|
| Clear focus on childhood cancer | Funders only consider pediatric cancers (not adult cancers) |
| Appropriate award match (career stage, scope) | Ensures you fit the eligibility and expectations of the award |
| Novel, not-currently-funded project idea | Demonstrates uniqueness and ability to fill a gap |
| Strong scientific design, feasibility & milestones | Shows you can execute and deliver meaningful results |
| Institutional backing & protected time | Funders want to know you have support and time to succeed |
| Resource-sharing plan and broader impact | Amplifies value of investment and aligns with ALSF ethos |
| Collaboration or long-term translational potential | Strengthens potential for major impact and follow-on opportunities |
•Applicant institutions may be based in the U.S. or outside of the U.S. Applicants need not be United States citizens. Funds must be granted to non-profit institutions or organizations.
•Applicants must have an MD, PhD, or MD/PhD (DO, MBBS or equivalent)
•Applicants may have research grants from other funding sources during the award period, but there must be clear documentation of mechanisms to avoid scientific and budgetary overlap.
•Applicants must have research experience working in, and a deep understanding of, normal or malignant hematopoiesis and/or immunology.
Sponsor Institute/Organizations: Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation
Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit
Address: 333 E. Lancaster Ave, #414, Wynnewood, PA 19096 USA
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Dec 11, 2025
Dec 11, 2025
$250,000
Affiliation: Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation
Address: 333 E. Lancaster Ave, #414, Wynnewood, PA 19096 USA
Website URL: file:///C:/Users/Administrator/Downloads/PRDESC8967.pdf
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