BeWonderNow, Inc. is now accepting applications for its Spring 2026 Pilot Grant Program, providing seed funding for innovative, early-phase brain cancer research at accredited U.S. institutions.
The program awards between $25,000 and $150,000 in direct costs per project, supporting physician-scientists and researchers generating the critical preliminary data that opens the door to larger federal and industry funding. Project durations typically run 12 to 24 months, with indirect costs allowed up to 10%.
“We exist to fund the ideas that are too early for the NIH but too important to wait,” said Sandi Wewerka of BeWonderNow, Inc. “Brain cancer patients and families cannot afford a gap between bold scientific thinking and the resources to pursue it.”
Spring 2026 Submission Deadlines
- Letter of Intent: May 8, 2026
- Full Proposal: June 8, 2026
- Funding Decision Announcement: July 13, 2026
All applicants must submit a one-page Letter of Intent prior to a full proposal. The LOI process allows the BeWonderNow Board of Directors — a multidisciplinary group of physician-scientists and researchers — to evaluate alignment with the foundation’s mission before requesting a complete application. Applicants are notified of their invitation status within five business days of LOI submission.
Eligible applicants must be affiliated with an accredited academic, medical, or research institution within the United States. Proposed research must focus on innovative, early-phase brain cancer research with strong scientific rationale and meaningful potential to advance discovery.
Full proposal requirements include a five-page proposal, budget and budget justification, NIH biosketches for all key personnel, a cover letter, and an AI use statement.
For complete grant guidelines, eligibility requirements, and submission instructions, visit bwnfoundation.com/grant-information.
Questions about eligibility or mission alignment should be directed to Sandi Wewerka at sandi@bwnfoundation.com or 651-357-3679.
BeWonderNow, Inc. is a nonprofit organization providing seed funding for early-stage brain cancer research through pilot grants that bridge the gap between innovation and large-scale support. Learn more at bwnfoundation.com.
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