The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research
Aspire Award
Applications by invitation or via focused RFPs; no open deadline stated
Last verified:
The Aspire I Award from the Mark Foundation for Cancer Research funds high-risk, high-reward cancer research up to $250,000 (or up to $500,000 for clinical studies) over 12 to 24 months. The award is open to independent researchers globally working on basic, translational, technology, or early-stage clinical projects. Applications are by invitation or responsive RFP only, there is no open deadline, making timing dependent on the funder's strategic calls.
Details
| Funder | The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research |
| Budget | Up to $250k (ASPIRE I); up to $500k for clinical studies (ASPIRE I); up to $750k (ASPIRE II); larger amounts for clinical studies (ASPIRE II) |
| Duration | Up to 12 months (ASPIRE I); up to 36 months (ASPIRE II); up to 24 months for clinical studies (ASPIRE I) |
| Consortium | No |
| Application | Typically starts as ASPIRE I (feasibility/proof-of-concept); successful projects may be invited to apply for ASPIRE II |
| Frequency | Continuous |
Eligibility & scope
Supports high-risk, high-reward cancer research worldwide across basic research, therapeutic discovery, innovative technologies, and early-stage clinical trials. PIs must be independent researchers at their institutions. Applications are by invitation or via RFPs; indirect costs capped at 10% of direct costs. Revenue sharing terms apply. Clinical awards require institutional protocol approvals before fund release.
Who Should Apply
- •Independent researchers at their institutions (not junior postdocs in supervisors' labs)
- •Cancer researchers across basic science, translational, technology, or early-stage clinical domains
- •International applicants welcome; worldwide scope
- •Teams able to meet clinical protocol approval (for clinical study track)
- •Researchers willing to accept revenue-sharing terms on intellectual property
Key Dates
- •Applications by invitation or focused RFP only; no open deadline
- •Single-stage evaluation following submission
- •Up to 12 months funding (up to 24 months for clinical studies)
Tips for Applicants
- ✓This is invitation-or-RFP-only: monitor the Mark Foundation website for strategic RFPs aligned to your research area.
- ✓Indirect costs capped at 10% of direct costs; budget accordingly, this is stricter than many cancer funders.
- ✓Clinical studies must have institutional IRB/ethics approval before funds are released; factor approval timelines into your project start.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Aspire I Award fund?
Up to $250,000 for basic, translational, and technology research; up to $500,000 for clinical studies over 12-24 months.
Who is eligible for the Aspire I Award?
Independent researchers at their institutions, worldwide, working in cancer research across basic, translational, technology, or early-stage clinical domains.
How do I apply for the Aspire I Award?
Applications are by invitation or responsive RFP only; there is no open deadline. Monitor the Mark Foundation website for strategic calls.
What are the indirect cost rules for the Aspire I Award?
Indirect costs are capped at 10% of direct costs. Revenue-sharing terms on intellectual property apply.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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