The Young Investigator grant is a three-year award designed to support early career researchers, such as postdoctoral fellows, clinical fellows or instructors, pursuing promising childhood cancer research ideas. These grants aim to cultivate the best and brightest researchers of the future who demonstrate a commitment to a research career in pediatric cancer. A mentor is required, and a career development plan must be included. The Young Investigator grant offers up to $60,000 in direct costs per year for three years.
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 |
At the time of application
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Applicant institutions must be based in the United States or Canada. Applicants need not be United States citizens. Funds must be granted to nonprofit institutions or organizations.
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Applicants must have an MD, PhD, or MD/PhD or equivalent and must not have achieved an appointment higher than Instructor. Assistant Professors, including adjuncts at this level, will not be considered. In addition:
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Applicants from accredited clinical fellowship programs are automatically eligible for the duration of their training and during their first three years at the Instructor level.
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Applicants not from accredited clinical fellowship programs must meet the following criteria:
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Applicants holding an MD or MD/PhD must be within seven years from the granting of the last doctoral degree at the time of application.
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Applicants holding a PhD must be within four years from the granting of the last doctoral degree at the time of application.
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A minimum of 75% of the applicant’s time during the Young Investigator period must be allocated as non-clinical protected time for all research activities. This percentage of time includes both Young Investigator activities and the applicant’s other research responsibilities.
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Research mentor(s) must be identified and have a track record in pediatric cancer research. If no such record exists, a co-mentor with such a record must be identified. The application must document the mentor(s) involvement in experimental design and execution. A detailed plan for training activities is required and will be weighed heavily during the application review.
At the time of application or successful award
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Applicants must not hold an NIH independent (R or P Award) or individual training (F or K Award) grant. Institutional training grants (KL2, K12, T32) are permitted. Funding from other foundations is permitted provided there is no scientific or budgetary overlap.
Eligible Countries:
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
$60,000
Affiliation: Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation
Address: 333 E. Lancaster Ave, #414, Wynnewood, PA 19096 USA
Website URL: file:///C:/Users/Administrator/Downloads/PRDESC8966.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.