Fellowship Grants

Focus Area: Supporting outstanding predoctoral and postdoctoral researchers working under expert mentors to develop the next generation of leaders in DIPG/DMG research

Geographic Scope: International

Award Amount: Approximately $200,000-$300,000+ over three years (exact amounts vary; 2024 awards represent ~$260,000 per fellow)

Funding History:

• 2024: 10 fellowships funded ($2.6M over three years)
• 2022: 8 fellowships funded ($1.9M)
• 2022-2024: 20+ fellowships awarded total
• Total foundation commitment to all grants (2024): $36 million across 44 institutions

Eligibility:

• Outstanding predoctoral researchers (PhD students)
• Outstanding postdoctoral researchers (postdocs)
• Must be working under guidance of expert mentor
• From institutions globally

Mentor Requirements:

• Must be established expert in DIPG/DMG research
• Provides guidance and training to fellow
• Co-mentorship accepted

Research Focus Areas:

• All aspects of DIPG/DMG research
• CAR T-cell therapy
• Tumor biology and origins
• Drug development and combinations
• Immunotherapy
• Molecular and genetic studies
• Novel treatment approaches

Review Process:

• Applications reviewed by foundation's Scientific Advisory Council
• Council composed of leading experts on childhood brain cancer
• Rigorous scientific review ensures funding for most promising candidates

Key Features:

• Designed to develop next generation of DIPG leaders
• Multi-year support allows focused research
• Prestige of ChadTough Fellowship enhances researcher's career
• Often co-funded with partner foundations
• Enables young researchers to establish themselves in DIPG field

Impact Statement:
"Private funding, including those granted by ChadTough Defeat DIPG, are critical for moving the field of DIPG forward. Foundations that specifically fund DIPG research not only enable but encourage researchers to include DIPG as a primary focus of their research." — Dr. Tara Barron, 2021 Fellowship Awardee, Stanford University

Contact Information:

• ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation
• P.O. Box 907, Saline, MI 48176
• Phone: (734) 707-8732
• Website: chadtough.org
• 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Federal Tax ID: 47-4041494

Application Process

Submission Details:

• Applications reviewed by Scientific Advisory Council composed of leading experts on childhood brain cancer
• Rigorous review process ensures selection of outstanding candidates

Required Elements (based on program structure):

• Research proposal/project description
• CV of fellow applicant
• Academic credentials and achievements
• Mentor letter of support
• Project timeline and research plan
• Institutional affiliation confirmation

Note: Specific application form requirements, narrative questions, LOI requirements, and submission portal URL not provided in available website content. Contact foundation directly for current application details and deadlines.