Research Collaboration Grants are two-year, $200,000 grants for multi-investigator and multi-institutional brain tumor collaborative research projects. They are intended to promote team science, streamlining and accelerating research progress.
Research projects must be conducted by a team of at least two co-principal investigators (Co-PI’s) from different institutions. The research project should be multidisciplinary, incorporating multiple components such as basic, translational, clinical, and epidemiological research.
The ABTA is accepting Letters of Intent through December 10, 2025.
Letter of Intent Decision: On or around February 23, 2026
Full Application Due: On or around March 30, 2026
Applicant Notification: On or around July 29, 2026
Earliest Start Date: September 1, 2026
Funding Opportunity Description
The American Brain Tumor Association seeks applications from a collaborative team of two faculty at different institutions, who propose multi-disciplinary, high-risk/high-impact projects with the potential to change current diagnostic or treatment paradigms for adult and pediatric brain tumor care.
• ABTA Research Collaboration Grants provide up to $200,000 in support over a two-year period (See Section III for more information on the grant award and term).
• Grants are intended to promote team science in a way that will streamline and accelerate the development of new approaches to diagnosis and treatment, leading to advancements in the understanding and treatment of brain tumors and increasing the potential for improving, extending, and ultimately, saving the lives of those living with a brain tumor diagnosis.
• Grants specifically encourage innovative research by allowing research teams to conduct the early scientific studies needed to secure additional/future funding for their collaborative projects.
• The research projects supported by this mechanism must be conducted by a team of two co-principal investigators (Co-PIs) from distinct institutions.
• The research project should be multi-disciplinary in that it incorporates multiple components such as basic, translational, clinical, and epidemiological research.
• Investigators from sciences outside traditional biological fields are encouraged to apply.
1. Alignment with Brain Tumor Research Focus
Projects must directly target brain tumors (primary or metastatic) — including biology, genetics/epigenetics, novel therapeutics, imaging/diagnostics, biomarkers of risk or treatment response. American Brain Tumor Association+3UNC Lineberger+3American Brain Tumor Association+3
If a project does not clearly address brain tumors, it risks administrative withdrawal. UNC Lineberger+1
Both adult and pediatric brain tumors are eligible, so long as the relevance is clear. American Brain Tumor Association
2. Appropriate Grant Mechanism & Career Stage
ABTA offers different grants for various career levels:
Discovery Grants (~US $50,000 for 1 year) for bold, early‐stage ideas. American Brain Tumor Association+1
Basic Research Fellowships (~US $100,000 over two years) for postdoctoral fellows under mentorship. UNC Lineberger+1
Research Collaboration Grants (~US $200,000 over two years) for multi‐investigator, multi‐institutional projects. American Brain Tumor Association
Medical Student Summer Fellowships (~US $3,000) to engage students in brain‐tumor research. American Brain Tumor Association+1
Matching your stage and experience to the correct award type is critical.
3. Innovation + High Potential Impact
Discovery Grants are explicitly for “high‐risk, high‐impact” work that could transform current diagnostic or treatment models. American Brain Tumor Association+1
Projects that pause conventional thinking or propose novel therapeutic strategies, new imaging/diagnostic tools, or biomarker discovery tend to be more competitive.
4. Feasibility & Clear Execution Plan
Even for seed/early‐stage awards, applications must show a reasonable plan, with realistic aims and timelines.
For fellowship-level awards: mentorship, institutional backing, and a credible environment matter. For example, the fellowship requires the applicant to work under a lead mentor who has substantial brain‐tumor research credentials. UNC Lineberger+1
5. Strong Mentorship & Institutional Support
For the Basic Research Fellowship: the postdoctoral candidate must commit at least 75% effort to the project; institutional and mentor support must be evident. Funds for NGOs+1
For multi‐institutional grants: having co‐PIs across institutions and multidisciplinary collaboration increases strength. American Brain Tumor Association
6. Early‐Career Pipeline/Commitment to Brain Tumor Field
The ABTA emphasizes cultivating new brain‐tumor researchers (“the next generation of leaders”). A demonstrated commitment to a career in brain‐tumor research helps. UNC Lineberger+1
For student fellowships, the goal is to stimulate interest in neuro‐oncology research careers. American Brain Tumor Association
7. Correct Use of Data, Repositories, and Community Resources
ABTA funds seed and translational research; proposals that leverage or propose to integrate resources such as the brain‐tumor registry, collaborative networks, or patient biospecimens may be seen as more strategic (though this is less explicit in the public criteria).
The ABTA’s research program page notes support of the Research Registry of primary brain tumors. American Brain Tumor Association
8. Clear & Focused Writing, Strong Rationale
Proposals with a clear hypothesis, a concise “Specific Aims” style layout, and a strong rationale gain reviewer confidence.
Projects should answer the question: What gap in brain tumor research will this fill, and how will the outcomes advance the field?
9. Budget & Duration Fit to the Grant Scope
For example, Discovery Grants are 1 year and ~$50k; Basic Fellowships are 2 years and ~$100k. Aligning your budget and timeline to match the grant’s expectations is essential. American Brain Tumor Association+1
Avoid over‐ambitious scopes given the budget/time.
10. Deadline Compliance & LOI Process
Many ABTA grant programs use a Letter of Intent (LOI) stage followed by full application invitation. For example, the Discovery Grant process is LOI → full application. Funds for NGOs
Being ready early, submitting by deadlines, and following guidelines increases competitiveness.
| Success Predictor | Why It Matters for ABTA Grants |
|---|---|
| Brain‐tumor–specific focus | Aligns directly with ABTA mission |
| Matching grant type to applicant stage | Ensures reviewer expectations align |
| Innovation + high‐impact potential | Drives transformation in field |
| Feasibility + clear plan | Shows you can deliver within budget/time |
| Strong mentorship & environment | Supports applicant readiness and project execution |
| Commitment to brain tumor research | Demonstrates long-term value to ABTA |
| Leveraging brain-tumor resources | Adds strategic value and network effect |
| Clear, persuasive writing | Increases reviewer engagement and clarity |
| Appropriate budget & timeline | Fits grant scope and avoids mismatch |
| LOI adherence & deadline compliance | Facilitates entry into competitive pool |
Applicants/Lead PIs, Co-PIs and Institutions must conform to the eligibility criteria below to apply for an ABTA Research Collaboration Grant.
Grants will be awarded to a Lead Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Principal Investigator (CoPI) from distinct institutions. Additional Collaborators will be considered but their contribution must be well justified and add a critical perspective or role to the project. If you have questions about your eligibility, contact grants@abta.org.
The PI or Co-PI faculty must confirm that their institution considers their position equivalent to a faculty position if they do not follow traditional academic rank titles (e.g., Professor, Associate Professor).
Sponsor Institute/Organizations: American Brain Tumor Association
Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit
Address: 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Ste 550 Chicago, IL 60631
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Mar 30, 2026
Mar 30, 2026
$200,000
Affiliation: American Brain Tumor Association
Address: 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Ste 550 Chicago, IL 60631
Website URL: https://www.abta.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/2026-ARC-RFA-LOI_FINAL.pdf
Disclaimer:It is mandatory that all applicants carry workplace liability insurance, e.g., https://www.protrip-world-liability.com (Erasmus students use this package and typically costs around 5 € per month - please check) in addition to health insurance when you join any of the onsite Trialect partnered fellowships.