Cancer Research: Swim Across America & Bears Care

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. Inter-institutional or inter-disciplinary proposals are of particular interest.
• For Bears Care, only breast cancer research projects that are new to Bears Care will be considered. Currently not accepting applications.

Funding amounts and availability

• Swim Across America is accepting $50,000 and $100,000 applications and anticipates funding up to $300,000. Special consideration for early-stage investigators. Capital equipment not allowed.
• Bears Care will fund one award of $75,000 - $100,000. Capital equipment not allowed. Currently not accepting applications.

The period of support is one year. Applicants may reapply for continued support.

Eligible investigators

• Applicants can be early career or established investigators.
• The principal investigator of the proposal must hold an active faculty appointment at Rush University at the rank of assistant professor or higher.
• Instructors may apply if the department chair submits a letter indicating that they will be promoted to assistant professor by the award date.
• There are no citizenship or residency requirements. 

Criteria

• The award recipient must commit at least 10% of their research effort to the research contained in their proposal.
• Applicants may submit only one application as a principal investigator/multiple PI per award cycle.