About the 2026/27 Funding Round
The Kids’ Cancer Project supports research that improves outcomes for children and adolescents and young adults (AYAs) affected by cancer.
The 2026/27 Project Grant Round is focused on low-survival childhood and AYA cancers, defined as cancers or molecular subtypes with less than 50% five-year overall survival.
This targeted approach ensures investment is directed toward areas of greatest unmet need, in line with national childhood cancer research priorities.
For the 2026/27 round, TKCP is investing approximately $1.875 million to support five high-quality research projects across the Discover, Translate and Support research pillars.
What We Fund
Applications must be submitted under one of the following research pillars:
- Discover - Hypothesis-driven, innovative research that improves understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying childhood cancer.
- Translate - High-quality translational and clinically focused research informed by discovery and designed to support future clinical application.
- Support - Research that improves quality of life and care delivery for children with cancer by reducing the short- and long-term effects of treatment.
Further detail on priority areas and exclusions is provided in the Funding Guidelines.
Who Can Apply
Applications must be administered by an Australian research organisation.
To be eligible:
- The administering institution and project team must be based in Australia
- Applicants must hold Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or an existing right to work in Australia for the duration of the project
Projects must:
- Focus on a childhood or AYA cancer (or molecular subtype) with less than 50% survival
- Align with one The Kids’ Cancer Project research pillar
- Demonstrate a clear pathway to translation or implementation
- Include meaningful consumer involvement
- Be feasible within the proposed timeframe and budget
Application Limits
To ensure fair access to funding:
- Each administering institution may submit one application per research pillar
- A maximum of three applications per administering institution will be accepted across the round
Applications exceeding these limits will not be considered.
Funding Available
TKCP will invest approximately $1.875 million in this funding round to support five high-quality research projects.
Five research projects
- One project per pillar
- Two additional projects selected on overall merit
- Up to approximately $375,000 per project
- Maximum project duration of three years
Application Process
All applications for this funding round must be submitted through SmartyGrants, The Kids’ Cancer Project online grant management system.
The funding round will be run in two stages:
Stage 1 – Expression of Interest (EOI)
Applicants submit a short proposal addressing eligibility, alignment and project concept.
Stage 2 – Full Application (by invitation)
Shortlisted applicants are invited to submit a detailed proposal for peer review.
Assessment & Governance
All eligible applications are assessed through an independent peer-review process, consistent with national cancer research funding standards.
- Each application is reviewed by at least two independent reviewers
- Peer review is conducted by The Kids’ Cancer Project Research Advisory Committee
- Final funding decisions are approved by The Kids’ Cancer Project Board
- View the Research Advisory Committee
Reporting & Funding Conditions
Successful applicants are required to meet The Kids’ Cancer Project reporting, acknowledgement and engagement requirements. Full details are set out in the Funding Guidelines.
Key Dates
Expression of Interest
- Opens: Wednesday 7th January 2026
- Closes: Wednesday 18th February 2026
Full Application
- Shortlist notified: Friday 20th March 2026
- Applications open: Monday 23rd March 2026
- Applications close: Friday 8th May 2026
Outcomes
- Board approval: week commencing 22nd June 2026
- Funding announced: 29th June 2026
Contact
For enquiries, please contact: research@tkcp.org.au