The V Foundation Awards More Than $20 Million in Cancer Research Grants in 2015

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, Cary, N.C., a leading cancer research funding organization, recently announced 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 most grants awarded and largest financial contribution to the fight against cancer in a fiscal year to date for The V Foundation.

“Awarding stellar cancer research grants is the most rewarding work we do at The V Foundation,” said Susan Braun, CEO of 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. 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 percent 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, each one 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 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 percent 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.

Composed of physicians and research scientists from 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 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, visit www.jimmyv.org.