How much funding does Emerging Leader Award provide?

Emerging Leader Award provides $1,000,000 over 4 years ($250,000 USD per year) in funding.

When is the deadline for Emerging Leader Award?

The deadline is April 30, 2026.

Emerging Leader Award

THE MARK FOUNDATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH

Foundation Annual Grants for Cancer Nonprofits Grants for Science Research

Apply Now

Funding Amount

$1,000,000 over 4 years ($250,000 USD per year)

Deadline

April 30, 2026

22 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Emerging Leader Award

Program Overview

The Mark Foundation Emerging Leader Awards support innovative cancer research from the next generation of leaders. These grants are awarded to outstanding early career investigators to support high-impact, high-risk projects that are distinct from their current research portfolio.

New in 2026

Emerging Leader Awards now support scientists worldwide with no eligibility restrictions based on geography or citizenship.

Eligibility Requirements

Degree and Independence

Required: MD, PhD, or equivalent degree
Lab Independence: Must have established independent laboratories 3-8 years prior to December 31, 2026 (official start date of independent appointment must fall within calendar years 2018-2023)
Independent status requirements:
Ineligible positions: Research track, adjunct faculty, and independent fellow positions

Funding Requirements

Award is not intended to be main source of funding for applicant's laboratory
Must demonstrate multi-year independent funding active in 2027 that sustains central laboratory activities
For US-based applicants: should have at least one or two NIH/R01 grants

Project Requirements

Projects must be centered on evidence-based laboratory data and/or medical science
Proposed projects must not be supported by other sources of funding
Only one submission per applicant per cycle
No co-investigators permitted (award is granted to single investigator; collaborators may provide letters of support)
Institutions may submit multiple applications, but no more than one award per institution per funding cycle

Interview Requirement

If selected as finalist, must be available for virtual interviews in October 2026

Award Terms

Amount: $1,000,000 (USD) distributed over 4 years ($250,000 USD per year)
Budget: Inclusive of both direct and indirect costs
Indirect Costs: Allowed up to 10% of direct costs, included in total grant amount
Award Structure: Granted to single investigator; co-investigators not permitted
Collaborations: Award may support projects carried out with collaborators (who provide letters of support)
IP Terms: Letter of agreement will include IP terms with revenue-sharing component
Start Date: January 1, 2027

Non-Discrimination

The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other legally protected characteristics.

Contact Information

Phone: 646-866-5950
Email: info@themarkfoundation.org
Address: 1350 6th Ave, New York, NY 10019

How to Apply

Application Process

Step 1: Letter of Intent Submission

Deadline: April 30, 2026 at 5 PM Eastern Time

Portal: Online application system requires registration and email address verification

Note: Notifications sent from application system; ensure emails not caught in spam filters

Required Materials in Letter of Intent:
1. Project Title
2. Project Summary (350 words maximum):
- Description of proposed project
- Concise discussion of:
- Rationale
- Experimental approach
- Innovation
- Potential impact
3. Statement of Project Distinction (brief paragraph):
- Describe how proposed project is unique from main focus of lab
- Highlight differences from prior research activities
4. Biosketch (NIH format or similar)
5. List of current grants and other funding supporting the lab

Important Instructions for LOI Submission:

To ensure fairness, initial review process will conceal applicant's name and institution

Avoid citations and references to applicant and institution name in Project Summary and Statement of Project Distinction

Letters of Intent containing identifying information (applicant name, institution name, or citations of applicant-authored articles) may result in disqualification

Language Requirements

All application materials (Letter of Intent, biosketch, letters of support) must be submitted in English

Step 2: Full Application (By Invitation Only)

After Letters of Intent evaluation, full applications accepted by invitation only

Full Application Deadline: July 30, 2026 at 5 PM ET

Key Dates

| Date | Milestone |
|------|----------|
| March 25, 2026 | Letter of Intent portal opens |
| April 30, 2026 | Letters of Intent due by 5 PM ET |
| Week of June 22, 2026 | Applications invited |
| July 30, 2026 | Full applications due by 5 PM ET |
| Week of September 28, 2026 | Finalists notified |
| Week of October 12, 2026 | Virtual finalist interviews |
| January 1, 2027 | Grant start date |