2026 Seed Grant Application

Sky Foundation is now accepting applications for our 2026 Seed Grant Program. These grants are designed to support early-stage, innovative research that advances the field of pancreatic cancer. Our goal is to provide researchers with the initial funding they need to generate preliminary data and strengthen their competitiveness for larger national grants, such as those offered by the NIH.

GRANT FUNDING

This year, we’re offering two flexible tracks for funding. First, we encourage applicants to consider submitting a collaborative proposal that includes at least one Michigan-based institution. For strong, promising collaborations, we are prepared to fund a grant of up to $100,000. Second, we continue to offer seed grants, generally in the $50,000 range, open to any research institution in the United States. While we’re especially excited about encouraging cross-institutional collaboration, our final awards will be based on the strength, innovation, and impact of the proposals—whether collaborative or individual.

RESEARCH CRITERIA

We are looking for bold, forward-thinking ideas that push the boundaries of what we know about pancreatic cancer. Projects may focus on early detection, novel therapies, biomarker research, or other high-impact areas that align with Sky Foundation’s mission. We’re especially interested in work that generates preliminary data with the potential to lead to larger, transformative grants in the future.

All proposed research must focus on pancreatic cancer. Studies designed to advance knowledge in pancreatic carcinoma—especially in early detection and new therapeutic approaches—are strongly encouraged. Supported projects may include basic science, translational research, clinical trials (including pilot or early-phase studies), epidemiological investigations, or the development and testing of novel therapeutics.

Funding must be used to cover direct costs only, with a clearly defined budget. Any overlap with existing support should be disclosed in the “Other Support” section of the application.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications will be reviewed by members of Sky Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Committee, composed of experts in pancreatic cancer research and treatment. Each proposal will be evaluated based on scientific merit, innovation, feasibility, and potential impact. After review, the SAC will submit funding recommendations to Sky Foundation’s Governing Board for final approval. All applicants—whether funded or not—will receive feedback, and decisions will be shared by September 2026.

Sky Foundation can only fund U.S.-based institutions that are designated 501(c)(3) nonprofits or have equivalent nonprofit status. If selected for funding, grantees will be asked to submit brief public progress reports every six months, and we hope to welcome awardees into our growing SAC reviewer pool for future grant cycles.

The deadline for all submissions is July 1, 2026. We’re excited to support the next wave of research that brings us closer to better detection, treatments, and outcomes for those facing pancreatic cancer.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must be employed by a U.S. non-profit institution engaged in health-related research and must hold an advanced degree (MD, DO, PhD, or international equivalent). Work funded by Sky Foundation must be conducted in the United States. If an applicant changes institutions during the application or funding period, Sky Foundation must be notified, and the award may be subject to review. Collaborations with senior scientists in advisory or mentorship roles are viewed favorably.

Eligibility Criteria

Tenured faculty members
Pre-tenured (tenure-track) faculty members
Postdoctoral researchers
Non-tenure-track faculty or research scientists

Eligible Projects Must

Focus on pancreatic cancer research
Aim to generate preliminary data that could support future large-scale funding
Propose innovative, high-impact work
Be led by a principal investigator eligible to receive external funding through their institution

Applicant Name

First Name

Last Name

Applicant Institution

Applicant Email

Applicant Phone

Title of Project

Application Category

Principal Investigator – Name (Last, First, MI), Degree

Are you conducting your research in the state of Michigan?

Affiliation

Principal Investigator Name of Institution

Principal Investigator Department

Principal Investigator Full Address (Street, City, State, Zipcode)

Principal Investigator Phone

Principal Investigator Email

Official of Institution – Name (Last, First, MI, Degree)

Official of Institution – Name of Institution

Official of Institution – Department

Official of Institution – Address (Street, City, State, Zipcode)

Official of Institution Phone

Official of Institution Email

It is the responsibility of the institution to assure that the activities funded by this grant are properly carried out in accordance with the guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Does the investigator agree to this?

List All Key Investigators & Institution Affiliation

Ex. Name, Institution

Write an abstract portion of the application (300 words or less) – should contain enough information to adequately explain the project and its relevance to the pancreas. This page should also contain 3-5 key words or phrases that best describes the application.

Specific Aims, Background and Significance, Preliminary Data, Proposed Studies and Methods (limit of 3 pages)

You must label your file as follows: “Last Name, First Name_ RESEARCH PLAN”

Have you been awarded a Sky Foundation seed grant previously?

Budget Justification (300 words or less) – Justification for salary support, supplies, and equipment listed in the budget page should be briefly detailed. The budget should be inclusive and for direct costs only.

Bio Sketch and Other Support (maximum of 4 pages per investigator) should be submitted in NIH format for the Principal Investigator and other investigators listed in the application. Returning applicants will need to supplement their Bio Sketch and Other Support, if applicable. Potential overlap with other funding should be clearly detailed which should be identified in the Other Support document.

You must label your file as follows: “Last Name, First Name_ BIO SKETCH”

Budget Proposal – information needed: Personnel (salaries, benefits), Equipment, Supplies, Miscellaneous. You must make sure your budget totals the amount of funding you are requesting ($50,000 or $100,000 joint)

Drop a file here or click to upload

Please upload a letter of support from your Institution’s Research Representative. It is the responsibility of the institution to assure that the activities funded by this grant are properly carried out in accordance with the guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Please have principal investigator sign at bottom of this letter.

You must label your file as follows: “Last Name, First Name_ SUPPORT”

If you are human, leave this field blank.