Research funding FAQs

The 2026/27 Project Grant Round focuses on low-survival childhood and adolescent/young adult (AYA) cancers, defined as cancers or molecular subtypes with less than 50% five-year overall survival.

This targeted approach ensures funding is directed toward areas of greatest unmet need.

This is a project grant scheme.

The Kids’ Cancer Project is investing approximately $1.875 million in the 2026/27 Project Grant Round. The Kids’ Cancer Project will fund five research projects, each for up to three years, with funding of up to approximately AUD$375,000 per project. 

Projects must align with one of the following research pillars:

• Discover:  Hypothesis-driven research that improves understanding of childhood cancer biology
• Translate: Translational or clinically focused research that supports 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 priorities and exclusions is provided in the Funding Guidelines.

Yes.

• Each administering institution may submit one application per research pillar 
• A maximum of three applications per administering institution will be accepted across the round

Institutions are responsible for coordinating any internal selection processes.

Projects must focus on a childhood or AYA cancer (or molecular subtype) with less than 50% five-year overall survival.

Applicants must include a contemporary reference, preferably published within the past three years, that supports the survival estimate for the cancer or molecular subtype under investigation.

What will not be funded?

The Kids’ Cancer Project will not fund:

• Fellowships 
• Registry, database or infrastructure-only projects
• Descriptive, exploratory or survey-only research
• Clinical trial conduct 
• Projects focused on cancers with higher survival rates
• Projects conducted primarily outside Australia

The funding round uses a two-stage process:

• 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.

All applications must be submitted via SmartyGrants, The Kids’ Cancer Project’s online grant management system.

Expression of Interest

• Opens: 7th January 2026
• Closes: 18th February 2026

Full Application

• Shortlist notified: 20th March 2026
• Applications close: 8th May 2026

Outcomes

• Board approval: week commencing 22nd June 2026
• Funding announced: 29th June 2026

All eligible applications are assessed through an independent peer-review process.

• Each application is reviewed by a minimum of two reviewers
• Reviews are conducted by The Kids’ Cancer Project’s Research Advisory Committee 
• Funding recommendations are approved by the TKCP Board

Assessment criteria are outlined in the Funding Guidelines.

Yes.

All projects must demonstrate meaningful consumer involvement, appropriate to the type and stage of research. This may include involvement in study design, governance, implementation or dissemination.

Funded projects must submit:

• Annual progress and financial reports provided by 1 August each year
• A final scientific and financial report within three months of project completion

Reports must be submitted using The Kids’ Cancer Project’s online reporting templates. Continued funding is dependent on satisfactory progress and reporting.

Funding must be used for the approved purpose and in accordance with the Funding Guidelines. Failure to meet these requirements may result in funding being suspended or rescinded.

The administering institution is responsible for:

• Providing financial and governance oversight of the project
• Ensuring appropriate infrastructure, facilities and support are available for the duration of the project
• Covering all infrastructure and indirect costs from sources other than the The Kids’ Cancer Project’s grant, unless otherwise agreed in writing
• Researchers and institutions are also required to comply with The Kids’ Cancer Project’s reporting, acknowledgement and engagement requirements, as outlined in the Funding Guidelines.

Yes, where reasonable.

Funded teams are expected to:

• Acknowledge The Kids’ Cancer Project funding in all publications and presentations
• Provide short impact statements or testimonials
• Participate in The Kids’ Cancer Project communications, donor engagement or public education activities when requested

Any public communication relating to the project should be coordinated with The Kids’ Cancer Project.

Chief Investigators funded through this scheme are considered part of The Kids’ Cancer Project Research Alumni.

Alumni may be invited to:

• Participate in periodic promotional or advocacy activities
• Provide brief updates on research and professional outcomes every two years following project completion

All applications must be submitted via SmartyGrants

Applications submitted by email will not be accepted.

For questions about eligibility, alignment with the funding round, or the application process, please contact:

📧 research@tkcp.org.au