Curesearch for Children's Cancer
Curesearch for Children's Cancer is a public charity based in Bethesda, Maryland, that funds and supports targeted, innovative childhood cancer research. Its research programs support work from early-stage investigation through clinical trials, with an emphasis on accelerating the development of treatments for children.
Curesearch for Children's Cancer at a glance
In short: Curesearch for Children's Cancer gave $2.7M across 14 grants in 2024 (avg $193K), top state Texas. 43% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $2,702,015
- +51.0% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 14
- +27.3% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $193,001
- +18.6% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $129,096
- Total assets
- $7,245,176
- -9.5% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 43% first-time grantees (6 of 14, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Texas (29% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Curesearch for Children's Cancer
- How to Apply
-
For the 2026–27 Acceleration Initiative, submit an LOI through the stated application process; top-scoring applicants may be invited to submit full proposals. The program seeks translational and preclinical projects addressing high unmet need and designed to lead to clinical studies within three years.
- Review Cycle
- The 2026–27 Acceleration Initiative LOI is due October 7, 2026. Its full application deadline is January 19, 2027, for applicants invited to submit.
- Deadline
- The 2026–27 Acceleration Initiative LOI is due October 7, 2026.
- Contact
Mailing address: 4800 Hampden Lane Pmb 183 Suite 200, Bethseda, MD 20814
Phone: (240) 235-2200
Website: https://curesearch.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Curesearch for Children's Cancer funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was MD Anderson Cancer Center ($703K). Together the top 10 received $2.5M.
Grant Size Distribution
50 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $50–100K range: 18 grants of 50 (36%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
CureSearch says it supports international research and collaborations. Its 2024 grant dollars went to recipients in multiple states; the largest shares were directed to Texas (29%), California (25%), Missouri (12%), Pennsylvania (12%), and Georgia (10%). These figures describe the locations of recipients listed for that filing year.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 14 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Curesearch for Children's Cancer open to new grantees?
43%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 6 of 14 grantees (43%) were first-time recipients. With only 14 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 7 points. First grants averaged $279K; repeat grants $128K. How we count
Medians: $244K first-time, $89K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $1.3M (2019) to $2.7M (2024). In 2024 it made 14 grants totaling $2.7M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston, TX | Therapeutic | $703,489 |
| Cedars Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles, CA | Therapeutic | $334,000 |
| Washington University St. Louis, MO | Therapeutic | $333,334 |
| Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA | Therapeutic | $332,000 |
| Augusta University Medical College of Georgia Augusta, GA | Therapeutic | $200,000 |
| Massachusetts General Hospital Boston, MA | Therapeutic | $166,000 |
| University of California (UCLA) Los Angeles, CA | Therapeutic | $155,192 |
| St Baldrick's Foundation Inc Monrovia, CA | Therapeutic | $103,000 |
| Connecticut Childrens Medical Center Hartford, CT | Therapeutic | $75,000 |
| Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX | Therapeutic | $75,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Curesearch for Children's Cancer?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $7,245,176 | $4,967,108 | $6,127,026 | $2,702,015 | 14 | $106,843 |
| 2023 | $8,001,953 | $6,131,955 | $4,882,330 | $1,789,869 | 11 | $160,105 |
| 2022 | $6,578,675 | $4,389,970 | $5,141,799 | $2,256,900 | 12 | $86,253 |
| 2021 | $8,075,617 | $6,245,230 | $4,792,437 | $2,146,975 | 7 | $400,190 |
| 2020 | $7,250,521 | $4,635,277 | $4,193,929 | $1,528,256 | 6 | $178,125 |
| 2019 | $6,337,825 | $4,883,264 | $4,257,913 | $1,312,786 | 6 | $169,652 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
CureSearch states that its mission is to fund and support targeted, innovative cancer research with measurable results, and to be an authoritative source of information and resources for people affected by childhood cancer. Its website describes a goal of accelerating the development of safe, effective treatments.
Its research strategy includes Young Investigator Awards, Acceleration Initiative Awards, and Catapult Awards. These support early-career researchers, translational and preclinical projects, and Phase 1 or Phase 2 clinical trials, respectively. CureSearch says it prioritizes areas of high unmet need, including cancers with low survival rates, limited or damaging treatment options, and underserved populations such as adolescents and young adults. It seeks projects with commercial potential and a path to patients in three to five years; the Acceleration Initiative focuses on projects designed to lead to clinical studies within three years.
The 2024 filing also describes educational resources for parents and caregivers, including plain-language information on diagnosis and treatment, procedural videos, and parent webinars. It reports that the organization raises funds through individuals, corporations, private foundations, and special events.
Recipients in the 2024 grant list include medical centers, universities, and a foundation. For example, St. Baldrick’s Foundation describes its mission as supporting promising research toward cures for childhood cancers. Connecticut Children’s Medical Center describes its mission as improving children’s physical and emotional health through family-centered care, research, education, and advocacy. Emory University describes its mission as creating, preserving, teaching, and applying knowledge in the service of humanity.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, CureSearch reported 14 grants totaling $2,702,015. The grants ranged from $37,500 to $703,489, with a median grant of $129,096. The largest listed grants were $703,489 to MD Anderson Cancer Center, $334,000 to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, $333,334 to Washington University, $332,000 to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and $200,000 to Augusta University Medical College of Georgia. These grants were identified as therapeutic in purpose.
The website describes a two-stage application process: applicants submit a letter of intent (LOI), which is reviewed by scientific staff and the Scientific Review Committee; selected applicants are invited to submit full proposals. The review process also involves scientific and industry reviewers and advisory councils. CureSearch evaluates scientific merit, potential clinical impact, the proposed commercial path, available resources, and the research team. The website says applications are ranked on scientific excellence and business case, with grants primarily awarded according to peer-review ranking.
The 2026–27 Acceleration Initiative offers up to $1.5 million over three years for innovative, evidence-based translational and preclinical research. Young Investigator Awards provide up to $75,000 per year for up to three years. The Catapult program supports Phase 1 or Phase 2 trials and requires a plan for advancing to later-phase trials if successful.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Kay Koehler as President and CEO; Tiffani Copeland as COO; Tahira West as Senior Vice President, Finance & Operations; Libby Fennell as Senior Director, Donor Development; Chase Carter as Director, Community Engagement; Jess Nicholson as Senior Director, Marketing; and Paisley Myers as Director, Research & Programs.
The filing also lists Michael Miller, Esq., as Board Member Emeritus, and Samuel Blackman and Cason Carter as board members.
Curesearch for Children's Cancer is led by Kay Koehler, President & CEO since 2022 (on filings since 2019); 7 of 26 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Kay Koehler
President & CEO
President & CEO → CEO, 2020
CEO → President & CEO, 2022
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$314K (2019) → $475K (2024)
Jared D. Brancazio
Board Chair
Treasurer → Chair, 2020
Chair → Board Chair, 2023
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Chase Carter
Director Community Engagement
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$5K (2023) → $111K (2024)
Jess Nicholson
Senior Director Marketing
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$93K (2023) → $109K (2024)
Libby Fennell
Senior Director Donor Development
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$107K (2023) → $125K (2024)
Paisley Myers
Director, Research & Programs
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$94K (2024)
Tiffani Copeland
COO
Chief Development Officer → CDO, 2023
CDO → COO, 2024
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$169K (2019) → $225K (2024)
Tahira West
Senior Vice President Finance & Operations
Vice President Finance & Operations → Senior Vice President Finance & Operations, 2023
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$135K (2022) → $185K (2024)
Annie Gould
Board Member
Director → Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Cason Carter
Board Member
Director → Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Kupiec
Board Member
Director → Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kathy Wanner
Board Member
Director → Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Paula Carter
Board Member Emeritus
Director → Emeritus Director, 2022
Emeritus Director → Board Member Emeritus, 2023
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Samuel C. Blackman MD PhD
Board Member
Director → Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sheri Collier
Board Member
Director → Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Stuart E. Siegel MD
Chair Emeritus
Director → Emeritus Chair, 2022
Emeritus Chair → Chair Emeritus, 2023
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brenda Weigel
Board Member
Director → Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Whan
Board Member
Director → Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Trent Demulling
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jeffrey Skolnik
Board Member
Director → Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Suzanne Finnegan
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mike Carter
Board Memmber Emeritus
Emeritus Director → Board Memmber Emeritus, 2023
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michael Miller Esq.
Board Member Emeritus
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
STACEY ADAM PhD
Board Member
On filings since 2023
No compensation reported
Greg Hill
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John Polson
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (11)
- Former: Hank Adams (2019–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Ma Cherry Trivedi (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Tina Swallow (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Michael R. Miller Esquire (2019–2022) — Secretary
- Former: Katharine Burke (2019–2021) — COO & Vice President Finance
- Former: Mary Payne (2019–2021) — Emeritus Director
- Former: Richard Payne (2019–2021) — Emeritus Director
- Former: Kelli Wright (2019–2020) — National Director & Strategic Initiatives
- Former: Carleen Hawn (2019) — Director
- Former: Melisse Skelton (2019) — Director & Donor Development
- Former: Richard J. O'Reilly MD (2019) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $475K, to Kay Koehler (President and CEO). 7 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Curesearch for Children's Cancer
How much does Curesearch for Children's Cancer give each year?
Curesearch for Children's Cancer gave $2.7M across 14 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $1.8M across 11 grants.
What is Curesearch for Children's Cancer's typical grant size?
Curesearch for Children's Cancer's median grant in 2024 was $129,096, and its average grant was $193,001, across 14 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Curesearch for Children's Cancer that year got $279K on average.
Where does Curesearch for Children's Cancer give grants?
Curesearch for Children's Cancer's top state is Texas, with 29% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were California (25%) and Missouri (12%). The most frequent recipient cities were Los Angeles, CA (3 grants) and Houston, TX (2 grants).
Does Curesearch for Children's Cancer give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 13 grants with a stated purpose on Curesearch for Children's Cancer's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Therapeutic" (13 grants).
Who are Curesearch for Children's Cancer's largest grantees?
Curesearch for Children's Cancer's largest 2024 grantees include MD Anderson Cancer Center ($703,489), Cedars Sinai Medical Center ($334,000) and Washington University ($333,334), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 51% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Curesearch for Children's Cancer?
Curesearch for Children's Cancer reported $7.2M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $5.0M.
What does Curesearch for Children's Cancer fund?
CureSearch states that its mission is to fund and support targeted, innovative cancer research with measurable results, and to be an authoritative source of information and resources for people affected by childhood cancer. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Curesearch for Children's Cancer?
For the 2026–27 Acceleration Initiative, submit an LOI through the stated application process; top-scoring applicants may be invited to submit full proposals. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Curesearch for Children's Cancer's EIN?
Curesearch for Children's Cancer's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 95-4132414. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS August 5, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS July 13, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS July 11, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS October 10, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS September 27, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS August 13, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work Curesearch for Children's Cancer funds
Diseases, Disorders & Medical Disciplines Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Curesearch for Children's Cancer's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Curesearch for Children's Cancer funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/curesearch-for-children-s-cancer-morg_eb0c9710dca14ca8b15fe0d1a9d02cdb
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_954132414_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Curesearch for Children's Cancer funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/curesearch-for-children-s-cancer-morg_eb0c9710dca14ca8b15fe0d1a9d02cdb},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-16. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Curesearch for Children's Cancer's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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