Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine that drive
medical advancements, enhance clinical care and improve cancer outcomes.
What We Fund
Edwards Foundation, Inc. accepts grant proposals for cancer-related research at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and Cabell Huntington Hospital. A rigorous review process evaluates each submission based on the following criteria: significance of the research, innovation and originality, feasibility, qualifications of the applicant, budget justification, and potential for future funding and impact.
The application cycle is open from July 10 to August 29, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET.
Edwards Foundation, Inc. Cancer Research Fund
Overview
According to recent data, West Virginia ranks among the top five states in both the incidence of cancer and cancer mortality rate. Nationwide, cancer is far and away the second leading cause of death, trailing only heart disease.
There are reasons for optimism, however. Due to improvements in research, screening, and preventative care, cancer mortality rates have declined since the 1990s.
The Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center's Cancer Research Fund (CRF) was established to address this significant problem and build on positive trends. It is the goal of the fund to award financial support for basic, translational and clinical research projects to talented faculty and physicians with unique hypotheses for cancer prevention, screening, and/or treatment.
This program seeks to support a broad range of research in topics related to cancer. Priority will be given to projects that have the potential to secure future external funding, or have available matching funds as well as those with clear pathways to improving care for patients.
Eligibility
- Principal Investigator(s) (PI) must hold a faculty appointment within the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine or serve on the medical staff of Cabell Huntington Hospital.
- Medical staff at other Marshall Health Network facilities may serve on projects in other roles (e.g. Co-PI or Co-I).
Application Dates and Funding Information
The CRF accepts requests up to $50,000. Budgets should be reasonable and consistent with the work proposed.
The CRF anticipates making 2-3 awards per cycle, depending on quality and availability of funds.
Projects should be designed to be completed within one year of the award date. Funded investigators will be eligible to apply for subsequent support through the normal application timeline, subject to specific requirements outlined later in this document.
The window for applications will open July 10. Applications must be submitted by August 29 at 5 p.m. eastern time. It is anticipated that funding decisions shall be made by October 15 with projects to begin on or around November 1. Though actual start dates will be subject to discussion upon award.
Complete applications should be submitted using the form on this website.
Compliance Requirements
Investigators must be prepared to meet all necessary compliance requirements in the event of a funded application (e.g. IRB and/or IACUC approval, completion of CITI training). While IRB and/or IACUC approval are not required prior to submission, investigators must certify their intent to secure necessary approvals within 30 days of an award decision.
Review Criteria and Selection Process
An independent review panel will be convened to assess the submitted projects. Reviewers will provide an overall impact score that reflects their assessment that the proposed project will provide meaningful advancements in the field of cancer research. Projects will be evaluated roughly in line with NIH review criteria, which can be found in section 2.4 of the NIH Policy Guide.
Reviewers will consider the following criteria in the determination of the project’s scientific merit:
• Significance and Innovation
• Approach
• Investigator
They will also evaluate:
• Protections for Human Subjects and Vertebrate Animals
• Management of Biohazards
• Radiation Safety and Hazardous Materials
• Budget and Timeline of Support
Other positive factors:
• Potential to secure external funding in the future
• Proposals with investigator teams that include ECCC clinicians in key roles
• Novel projects that have not previously received institutional support
• Projects with a clear translational pathway and concrete effects on patient health
• Projects with available matching funds
Selection
Upon completion of the review process, the review panel will provide recommendations to the EFI Board of Directors which will make final determinations regarding which project will receive funding.
All PIs will be informed once funding decisions have been made. Projects selected for funding will be required to provide proof that all necessary compliance issues (e.g. human subjects, animal welfare, etc.) have been resolved within 30 days of an award decision. Failure to show approval within a reasonable time frame may result in rescindment of the award. In addition, investigators will be expected to sign an agreement outlining expectations.
This program reserves the right to award none, one, or multiple pilots depending on response and available funds.
Reporting
Investigators will be required to submit an interim progress report after the first 6 months of the project, as well as a final progress report and invention statement upon completion.
Investigators seeking additional funding periods for previously funded projects should provide their progress report through the annual application process.
Investigators are expected to present the findings in a scientific publication and/or at a scientific conference within 12 months of completion of the grant funding period. Investigators shall disclose any presentations, publications, grants, products, or patents resulting from the funding.
Budget and Allowable Costs
Personnel: Funds for coordinators, technicians, student assistants, postdoctoral associates, and other research staff are allowable. Administrative assistance is allowable provided the work is directly related to the project (e.g. survey development, data collection, analysis, etc.). General clerical or administrative support will not be funded. Pilot funding shall not be used for salary support of faculty or physician effort. However, matching funds may be used for this purpose.
Consultants/Contractual Costs: Justify any use of consultants and their rates, if applicable. These should be non-Marshall or CHH personnel/organizations.
Equipment: Costs for equipment (items > $5,000 per unit) and maintenance/upgrades will be considered if carefully justified.
Supplies: Should be categorized and justified. IT supplies (computers, iPads, etc.) should be carefully justified.
Travel: Project-specific travel is allowable up to $2,500.
Patient Care Costs: Should be justified.
Alterations and Renovations: Not allowable.
Other Expenses: Should be justified and may include publication costs up to $2,000.
Additional Notes on Allowable Costs
- Costs should be reasonable in nature, allocable to your project, and allowable under federal regulations (OMB Uniform Guidance).
- Participant support costs are allowable when needed.
- No indirect costs shall be approved.