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The Kids’ Cancer Project funds bold, innovative childhood cancer research with the greatest potential to improve survival rates and reduce the long-term impacts of treatment – backing ideas that can change the future for children with cancer.
The Kids’ Cancer Project is one of Australia’s largest independent funders of childhood cancer research with over $76 million committed to research since 2005.
The charity funds and co-funds projects in each of its funding rounds to determine those that will have the greatest impact on childhood cancer research in each of its research pillars – Discover, Translate, Support and Build.
As an independent organisation, the charity is solely funded via philanthropic donations made by its incredible community – working with like-minded organisations across Australia to co-fund and partner on projects that deepen its impact.
The Kids' Cancer Project invests in research through a competitive funding round, with every project and fellowship application independently assessed by the Research Advisory Committee, an expert panel operating within a robust governance framework. Funding recommendations are based on scientific excellence, innovation, clinical potential and alignment with the organisation's research priorities, before funding recommendations are approved by the Board.
This ensures donor funds are invested in the research most likely to improve survival rates and reduce the long-term impacts of childhood cancer treatment.
Strong governance underpins every investment made by The Kids' Cancer Project. Independent scientific review, robust financial oversight and transparent decision-making ensure every funding decision is fair, evidence- based and aligned with our mission.
Once projects are funded, researchers provide regular scientific and financial progress reports so we can monitor progress, track outcomes and ensure funds are used as intended.
Together with clear policies, conflict-of-interest management, external auditing and annual public reporting, this provides donors, funding partners and the research community confidence that every investment is managed responsibly and invested where it can have the greatest impact.
The Kids’ Cancer Project’s Research Advisory Committee is an independent panel of leading international and national childhood cancer experts who rigorously assess every grant application to ensure funding is directed to the highest-quality research with the greatest potential to improve outcomes for children.
Learn more about our latest funding round and how you can help The Kids’ Cancer Project make a lasting difference for childhood cancer research.
All applications must be submitted via SmartyGrants
Applications submitted by email will not be accepted.
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:
Further detail on priorities and exclusions is provided in the Funding Guidelines.
Yes.
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.
The Kids’ Cancer Project will not fund:
The funding round uses a two-stage process:
Applicants submit a short proposal addressing eligibility, alignment and project concept.
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
Full Application
Outcomes
All eligible applications are assessed through an independent peer-review process.
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:
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:
Yes, where reasonable.
Funded teams are expected to:
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:
For questions about eligibility, alignment with the funding round, or the application process, please contact:
