The Andrew McDonough B+ (Be Positive) Foundation (www.BePositive.org) is the largest provider of financial assistance to families of kids with cancer nationwide.
Additionally, The B+ Foundation, with the help of a highly respected Scientific Advisory Board, funds cutting-edge childhood cancer research. The B+ Foundation funds grants that support basic, translational or clinical research, which may lead towards cures and better treatments for childhood cancers.
The 2025 Research Grant Cycle is open on ProposalCentral from June 1 - September 3, 2025.
Five to ten grants will be awarded. Each grant will be a 2 year grant of $75,000/yr for a total grant award of $150,000.
The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation was established in memory of 14-year-old Andrew McDonough, who faced leukemia with extraordinary resilience and inspired a “Be Positive” outlook during his battle. Its mission centers on four pillars:
Providing financial assistance to families affected by childhood cancer (it is the largest U.S. nonprofit in this space).
Funding cutting-edge childhood cancer research.
Increasing public awareness and advocacy to raise dedicated research funding.
Offering psychosocial support to children and their families.
1. Focused Early-Stage Research Investment
The foundation has awarded over 250 research grants globally to date.
Grants support innovative, hypothesis-driven projects at leading institutions—such as St. Jude’s, Dana-Farber, Seattle Children’s, and Children’s Oncology Group.
These awards foster emerging scientists by enabling them to collect crucial preliminary data and launch high-impact studies in pediatric oncology.
2. Notable Funded Projects with Lifesaving Potential
Example: Dr. Max M. van Noesel at the Princess Máxima Center is developing a PET imaging agent to visualize GD2—a promising biomarker for neuroblastoma—in children.
Example: Dr. Jiao Zhang at Baylor College is investigating androgen-driven mechanisms behind deadly PFA ependymoma in infants, aiming to uncover new therapeutic strategies.
Such projects underscore the foundation’s role in accelerating translational research in childhood cancers.
3. Innovative Collaborations & Advocacy
The Foundation is a leading supporter of ACCELERATE, a European initiative drawing together industry, regulators, academia, and advocates to streamline pediatric cancer drug development.
By backing such partnerships, the Foundation ensures that early research has real-world impact and access to treatment pathways.
4. Track Record & Visibility
In recent years, the B+ Foundation has awarded nearly $1 million annually toward research and family support programs.
Its active engagement in both scientific and community spheres—from public events to academic collaborations—adds prestige and reach to its funding programs.
| Characteristic | Impact on Research & Careers |
|---|---|
| Targeted seed funding | Enables early-stage researchers to build high-impact, grant-ready projects |
| Cutting-edge project support | Propels novel investigations like neuroblastoma imaging and PFA ependymoma therapies |
| Collaborative ecosystems | Integration into global platforms like ACCELERATE enhances translational potential |
| National presence & credibility | Active in both advocacy and research spheres—it amplifies visibility and networks |
Final Thoughts
While the B+ Foundation’s primary mission is centered on family support and positivity, its role in funding innovative childhood cancer research is a significant predictor of success for emerging scientists. Their grants empower researchers to produce meaningful discoveries, build visibility, and form indispensable networks—accelerating the path toward breakthroughs in pediatric oncology.
• Applicants must have a M.D., D.O., Ph.D, or PharmD degree
• Applicants may be Assistant, Associate or Professor level investigators
• Applications will be considered from instructors who have a minimum of a two-year commitment from an accredited academic institution
Sponsor Institute/Organizations: McDonough (Andrew) B+ (Be Positive) Foundation
Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit
Address: 101 Rockland Circle Wilmington, DE 19803
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Sep 03, 2025
Sep 03, 2025
$150,000
Affiliation: McDonough (Andrew) B+ (Be Positive) Foundation
Address: 101 Rockland Circle Wilmington, DE 19803
Website URL: https://www.bepositive.org/research
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