Gift from a Child Grants

Since 2016, the Swifty Foundation has been the primary funder of the Gift from a Child initiative, which supports post-mortem tissue donation programs for pediatric brain cancer research. As of Q4 2024, the Michael's Master Plan Fund (housed at the CHOP Foundation) will fund future GFAC grants and expenses, with Swifty Foundation leadership maintaining oversight.

Geographic Scope: National (United States)

Focus Areas:

• Post-mortem tissue collection and coordination
• Tissue Navigator positions at pediatric hospitals and research institutions
• Infrastructure development for the Children's Brain Tumor Tissue Consortium (CBTTC)
• Website, marketing, and advocacy support for tissue donation programs
• Education and coordination of post-mortem brain tumor tissue recovery

Key Programs:

• Tissue Navigator positions at regional medical centers to educate patients and families, assist with donation logistics, and coordinate tissue donations
• CBTTC Infrastructure Development supporting personnel and research initiatives
• Post-Mortem Tissue Donation Program operations and national coordination

Background: Michael Gustafson, who died at age 15 from recurrent medulloblastoma, created the Swifty Foundation to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research through his "Master Plan" of post-mortem tissue donation.