The V Foundation Awards More Than $20 Million in Cancer Research Grants in 2015
Cary, NC (PRWEB) October 15, 2015 -- The V Foundation for Cancer Research, one of the nation’s leading cancer research funding organizations, is proud to announce it has awarded more than $20 million in cancer research grants this year. A total of 79 translational, V Scholar and designated grant recipients were selected. The announcement marks The V Foundation’s most grants awarded and largest financial contribution to the fight against cancer in a fiscal year to date.
“Awarding stellar cancer research grants is the most rewarding work we do at The V Foundation. And now, our generous sponsors and donors have made this a banner year with the grant dollars awarded and the breadth and depth of our research portfolio,” said Susan Braun, CEO of The V Foundation. “Our world-class scientific advisors have selected researchers and projects that are very unique and forward-looking, all aimed at putting an end to cancer. Their hope and vision is an inspiration!”
With 100% of all direct cash donations benefitting cancer research and related programs, The V Foundation has now awarded more than $150 million in cancer research grants at institutions nationwide. Eleven of the grants awarded this year are translational grants, funding projects that assist in converting laboratory discoveries into clinical applications and delivering to the patient bedside more quickly and efficiently. Translational grants are each $600,000, three-year commitments. The V Foundation also awarded 28 V Scholar grants designed to identify, retain and further the careers of talented young investigators. These “rising star” researchers will each receive $200,000 over a two-year period. The remaining 40 grants awarded are designated grants, and each one is inspired by particular areas of scientific interest and geographic reach.
“The V Foundation Translational Awards will accelerate the transfer of new concepts and drugs from the laboratory to the clinic; and the V Scholar Awards will assure that exceptional investigators will be there to better understand cancer and to improve the care of cancer patients for decades to come,” said Dr. Robert Bast, vice president for Translational Research at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and chair of The V Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Committee.
The V Foundation’s landmark year was made possible by several record-breaking fundraising events and included various initiatives, including the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund. The Stuart Scott Fund, established in loving remembrance of the longtime ESPN anchor and friend of the Foundation, awarded more than $2 million in research grants in 2015. It assists some of the most vulnerable and disproportionately impacted ethnic populations by devoting funds to the study of cancer disparities among minorities and supporting minority scientists launching independent research projects.
The V Foundation also reinforced its effort in the fight against pediatric cancer, allocating nearly $5 million of the grants awarded this year to childhood cancer research projects through fundraising initiatives led by Dick Vitale and The V Foundation Wine Celebration. With only 4% of federal cancer research funding dedicated to pediatrics, The V Foundation’s contribution to pediatric cancer research will make a significant impact to end the leading case of death by disease in American children.
Comprised of the nation’s leading physicians and research scientists from prominent universities and cancer centers, The V Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Committee ensures proposals meet the highest standards of scientific merit and funding is properly allocated. Charity Navigator, America’s largest and most-utilized independent evaluator of charities, has awarded The V Foundation a 4-star rating for sound fiscal management and its commitment to accountability and transparency.
For more information about The V Foundation for Cancer Research, its grants program and the Scientific Advisory Committee, please visit http://www.jimmyv.org.
Editor’s Note: A complete list of all 2015 grant recipients can be found here. A personal message from Susan Braun, CEO of The V Foundation, can also be found here.
About The V Foundation for Cancer Research
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, the Foundation has funded more than $150 million in cancer research grants nationwide. It awards 100 percent of all direct cash donations to cancer research and related programs. Due to generous donors, the Foundation has an endowment that covers administrative expenses. The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive awards process vetted by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit http://www.jimmyv.org.
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Margaret Pentrack, Intrepid Marketing Group, +1 412-337-2997, [email protected]
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