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BeWonderNow, Inc. Opens Fall 2026 Pilot Grant Applications — Last Brain Cancer Research Funding Cycle of the Year

BeWonderNow Inc. Fall 2026 Pilot Grant Cycle Open

BeWonderNow, Inc. is proud to announce that applications are now open for its Fall 2026 Pilot Grant Program — the second and final brain cancer research funding cycle of the year. Building on a strong Spring 2026 cycle that awarded grants to researchers at Harvard Medical School, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, and the Children’s Cancer Therapy Development Institute, BeWonderNow is ready to fund the next wave of bold, early-phase brain cancer science.

For researchers who missed the Spring window — or whose work is ready for a new submission — this is the last opportunity to apply for a BeWonderNow pilot grant in 2026.

Spring 2026 Grantees:
· Yoav Binenbaum, MD, PhD — Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center / Wyss Institute of Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard Medical School
· Laurie Delatour, MD, PhD — Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
· Tomas Garon-Mvudi, MD — Emory University School of Medicine
· Anthony Haight, Ph.D. — Children’s Cancer Therapy Development Institute

Fall 2026 Submission Deadlines:
· Letter of Intent: September 7, 2026
· Full Proposal: October 5, 2026
· Funding Decision Announcement: November 9, 2026

Awards range from $25,000 to $150,000 in direct costs, supporting projects of 12 to 24 months in duration. Indirect costs are allowed up to 10%. The program is open to physician-scientists and researchers affiliated with accredited academic, medical, or research institutions in the United States.

Applications begin with a one-page Letter of Intent. The LOI is designed to be brief and accessible — a straightforward entry point that allows the BeWonderNow Board of Directors to assess mission alignment before inviting a full proposal. Applicants are notified of their invitation status within five business days of LOI submission.

“Every cycle, we are inspired by the quality and ambition of the research ideas that come through this program,” said Sandi Wewerka of BeWonderNow, Inc. “Our Spring 2026 grantees are already advancing work that could reshape how we understand and treat brain cancer. We are eager to fund the next chapter.”

Full proposals, submitted by invitation only following LOI review, must include a five-page proposal with optional appendix, budget and budget justification, NIH biosketches for all key personnel, a cover letter, and an AI use statement. Funding decisions for the Fall cycle will be announced November 9, 2026.

Interested researchers are encouraged to submit their Letter of Intent early. For complete eligibility requirements, application guidelines, and submission instructions, visit bwnfoundation.com/grant-information.

Questions about eligibility or program 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 scientific innovation and large-scale support. BeWonderNow is a recipient of the Innovators in Cancer Research Award. Learn more at bwnfoundation.com.

Brain Tumor Awareness Month 2026: Why Early-Stage Research Changes Everything

Brain cancer surviver sitting being thankful for Brain Tumor Awareness month at BeWonderNow Inc.
700K+
Americans currently living with a brain tumor
94,000+
New primary brain tumor diagnoses expected in the U.S. in 2026
35.6%
5-year relative survival rate for malignant brain tumors
#1
Brain cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in children & adolescents

May Is #GrayMay — and the Numbers Demand Our Attention

Every May, the brain tumor community asks the world to go gray. To wear the ribbon. To pause and acknowledge a disease that quietly devastates hundreds of thousands of lives each year — yet receives far less public attention than many other cancers.

Brain Tumor Awareness Month isn’t just a campaign. It’s an urgent call. Over 700,000 Americans are living with a brain tumor right now. More than 94,000 new primary brain tumor diagnoses are expected in the U.S. in 2026 alone. And despite decades of research, survival rates for the most aggressive forms — like glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) — have remained devastatingly low.

At BeWonderNow, Inc., we believe the next breakthrough isn’t hiding in a massive clinical trial. It’s sitting in a researcher’s mind — waiting for someone to believe in it first.

“In contrast to advances made in other types of cancer, brain cancer survival rates remain little-changed despite years of research.” — Wyss Institute at Harvard University

Why Brain Cancer Is So Hard to Treat

Brain cancer presents unique and compounding challenges that make it one of the most difficult diseases in oncology. Understanding these barriers is the first step toward dismantling them.

🧠

The Blood-Brain Barrier

The brain’s natural defense blocks more than 98% of conventional drugs from entering — making effective drug delivery extraordinarily complex.

🔬

Tumor Heterogeneity

Brain tumors like GBM contain multiple genetically distinct cell populations, allowing them to rapidly adapt and resist treatment.

📍

Location & Precision

Surgery in the brain carries immense risk. Incomplete removal is common, and what’s left behind often regrows more aggressively.

💊

Lack of Approved Treatments

Of the 100+ types of brain tumors, only a handful have approved therapies — and none for the most deadly forms are considered curative.

These aren’t reasons to give up. They’re reasons to fund the kind of bold, unconventional thinking that traditional grant mechanisms often overlook. The ideas that seem too new. Too risky. Too early.

The Funding Gap No One Talks About

Here’s a truth that doesn’t get enough airtime: the most transformative scientific breakthroughs don’t begin with a $3 million NIH grant. They begin with a hypothesis. A hunch. A researcher willing to pursue an idea that doesn’t yet have the preliminary data to compete for large-scale funding.

This is called the “Valley of Death” in medical research — the gap between a promising idea and the support needed to validate it. Many potentially game-changing discoveries never make it out of this valley simply because there’s no funding mechanism designed to take that early bet.

Idea / HypothesisPilot DataPeer ReviewMajor GrantClinical Trial

⬆ Most early-stage brain cancer ideas stall here, starved of the pilot data needed to compete for larger funding.

That’s exactly the gap BeWonderNow exists to fill.

How BeWonderNow Is Changing the Equation

BeWonderNow, Inc. provides seed funding — between $25,000 and $150,000 — for innovative, early-phase brain cancer research at accredited U.S. institutions. These are pilot grants: purpose-built to fund the spark before the flame.

By empowering physician-scientists and researchers at the very beginning of discovery, BeWonderNow bridges the critical gap between an innovative idea and the large-scale institutional support that typically follows validated results. The mission is clear: transform brain cancer from a diagnosis of limited options into one of innovation, progress, and hope.

🔭 Why Pilot Grants Are the Highest-Leverage Investment in Brain Cancer Research

Think of pilot grant funding as venture capital for science. A small, strategic investment at the right moment — before anyone else will take the risk — can unlock data that opens the door to millions in follow-on funding and years of productive research.

  • Pilot data is the key that unlocks NIH, DOD, and private foundation grants
  • Early-stage funding allows researchers to challenge conventional approaches without institutional pressure
  • A single successful pilot study can redirect an entire field of inquiry
  • BWN-funded research supports bold ideas that challenge the status quo — exactly the ones most likely to break through

BeWonderNow received the Innovators in Cancer Research Award in recognition of its groundbreaking approach to funding brain cancer research grants.

What “Innovative Thinking” Actually Looks Like

BeWonderNow’s grant philosophy centers on a belief that conventional boundaries in brain cancer research must be challenged. But what does that look like in practice?

It might be a researcher developing a sticky hydrogel that surgeons can spray directly into the brain post-surgery to deliver chemotherapy locally — bypassing the blood-brain barrier entirely. It might be a team investigating how tumor cells hijack healthy neural stem cells through extracellular vesicles. It might be a novel immunotherapy approach, an AI-assisted diagnostic model, or an entirely new class of molecule.

What these ideas share isn’t a known outcome. It’s a rigorous, curious, creative mind willing to ask a question nobody has asked before — and the conviction to pursue it. BeWonderNow funds that person, at that moment.

Wear Gray Day — May 27: A Simple Act with Meaning

📅 National Wear Gray Day · May 27, 2026

Go Gray This May 🩶

Gray is the color of gray matter — the nerve cell tissue at the heart of the brain. Wearing gray during Brain Tumor Awareness Month is a simple, visible act of solidarity with the 700,000+ Americans living with brain tumors, and a signal to the world that this community deserves more attention, more funding, and more hope.

On May 27th — National Wear Gray Day — we invite you to wear gray, post it with #GrayMay and #BeWonderNow, and help amplify the message that early-stage research funding can change what brain cancer means for the next generation.

5 Things You Can Do This Brain Tumor Awareness Month

  1. Wear gray on May 27th and post with #GrayMay #BeWonderNow — every post reaches someone who may not know what’s at stake.
  2. Share this article. Knowledge is the first form of advocacy. Help others understand why early-stage research funding is so critical.
  3. Follow BeWonderNow on LinkedIn and social media to stay updated on our grant programs, funded research updates, and the researchers pushing the field forward.
  4. Talk to researchers you know. If you’re in academic medicine, neuroscience, or oncology — our Spring 2026 Pilot Grant Program is actively seeking Letters of Intent. Awards range from $25,000 to $150,000.
  5. Support the mission. Every dollar BeWonderNow receives goes toward funding the science that could change everything. Want to contribute to this work? Contact us to learn how to support BeWonderNow’s grant funding.

The Urgency Is Now

Brain Tumor Awareness Month exists because this disease doesn’t take a month off. Researchers are working late in labs right now on ideas that could, with the right support at the right moment, rewrite the prognosis for thousands of patients.

We don’t know yet which idea will be the one that changes everything. But we know this: it will need someone to believe in it first.

That’s what BeWonderNow does. And in #GrayMay, we ask you to believe in it too.

Ready to Support Early-Stage Brain Cancer Research?

Whether you’re a researcher, a donor, a patient advocate, or simply someone who cares — there’s a place for you in the BeWonderNow mission.

Contact Us to Donate
#GrayMay #BrainTumorAwarenessMonth #BeWonderNow #WearGrayDay #BrainCancerResearch #PilotGrants #EarlyStageResearch #BrainCancer #GBM #CancerInnovation

BeWonderNow, Inc. Opens Spring 2026 Pilot Grant Applications for Brain Cancer Research

BeWonderNow Inc. Spring Pilot Grant Cycle Open

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@1246750.us16.myftpupload.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.

Shine a Light Gala: Fundraiser for Brain Cancer Research

help, kid, charity, voluntary, children, help, charity, charity, charity, charity, charity

Hope shines brightest when a community comes together. That’s why Be Wonder Now is proud to announce the upcoming Shine a Light Gala, a special fundraiser dedicated to supporting groundbreaking brain cancer research.

Event Details

📅 Date: [Insert Date Here]
📍 Location: [Insert Venue Here]
⏰ Time: [Insert Time Here]

An Evening to Remember

The Shine a Light Gala will feature live music, a chef-curated dinner, and a silent auction filled with unique items and experiences from across Minnesota. Guests will also hear powerful stories from families, survivors, and researchers who have been directly impacted by Be Wonder Now’s grant program.

Why “Shine a Light”?

Brain cancer can feel like a dark and isolating journey—but together, we can shine a light of hope. The funds raised through this event will go directly into Be Wonder Now’s research grants, empowering scientists to explore bold, innovative ideas that could lead to life-changing discoveries.

How You Can Be Involved

  • Attend the Gala – Join us for a night of inspiration and generosity.
  • Donate – Your contributions help fuel the research that matters most.
  • Sponsor – Businesses and individuals can sponsor tables or auction items, making an even greater impact.
  • Share – Help us spread the word so more people can stand with us in this fight.

Together, We Create Hope

The Shine a Light Gala isn’t just about raising funds—it’s about raising hope. By showing up, giving generously, and sharing in this mission, you’ll be helping to illuminate the path toward better treatments, earlier detection, and ultimately, a cure for brain cancer.

💜 Reserve your seat today and join us for an unforgettable evening of community, compassion, and wonder.

[Click here to RSVP or make a donation.]

Be Wonder Now Brings Hope Home: Local Fundraiser for Brain Cancer Research

volunteers, team, volunteering, help, charity, giving, helping, donating, donation, goods, distribution, box, fundraising, present

This fall, the Minnesota community came together for something bigger than themselves: a night of inspiration, generosity, and hope. Be Wonder Now, the nonprofit dedicated to fueling brain cancer research through grants, hosted its annual Community Fundraiser—and the results were nothing short of extraordinary.

A Night to Remember

Held at a local event space in the Twin Cities, the fundraiser blended heartfelt stories with community spirit. Guests enjoyed live music, local food and drink, and a silent auction filled with unique Minnesota-made items. But beyond the celebration, the evening was about rallying behind a shared cause: advancing brain cancer research.

The event raised vital funds that will go directly into Be Wonder Now’s grant program, empowering researchers to explore innovative projects with the potential to transform treatment options. For families touched by brain cancer, every dollar raised represents hope for the future.

Local Support, Global Impact

One of the most inspiring aspects of the fundraiser was the overwhelming support from the local community. Minnesota businesses, schools, and families joined forces to sponsor, donate, and participate. Together, they demonstrated the power of a community standing united against one of the most difficult diseases.

“It’s humbling to see neighbors, friends, and local businesses come together in this way,” said one of Be Wonder Now’s organizers. “The money raised here in Minnesota doesn’t just stay local—it fuels research that has the potential to help people around the world.”

Stories That Inspire Action

Throughout the evening, attendees heard from survivors, caregivers, and researchers whose lives and work have been touched by Be Wonder Now grants. Their stories highlighted both the urgency and the hope that come with brain cancer research.

A local family shared how learning about Be Wonder Now’s mission gave them strength during their own cancer journey, reminding the audience that research isn’t just about science—it’s about people.

Moving Forward With Wonder

The fundraiser was more than just an event; it was a reminder of Be Wonder Now’s philosophy: to live with curiosity, compassion, and action in the present moment. Thanks to the generosity of the Minnesota community, the foundation is one step closer to advancing the research needed to change the future of brain cancer care.

As Be Wonder Now looks ahead to its next grant cycle, the funds raised in Minnesota will directly support projects that challenge what’s possible, bringing us all closer to a world where brain cancer no longer holds so many families in its grip.

Be Wonder Now Honored for Advancing Brain Cancer Research

a gold coin sitting on top of purple glitter

In a powerful recognition of their dedication and impact, Be Wonder Now has received the Innovators in Cancer Research Award for their groundbreaking work in funding brain cancer research grants. This award shines a spotlight on the foundation’s unwavering commitment to fueling progress in one of the most difficult areas of cancer treatment.

A Recognition of Bold Vision

The Innovators in Cancer Research Award is presented annually to organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership in supporting pioneering cancer studies. Be Wonder Now stood out for their unique approach—providing grants that encourage researchers to pursue bold, high-risk projects that may hold the key to transformative breakthroughs.

Unlike many funding sources that focus on proven paths, Be Wonder Now deliberately supports new ideas that challenge the status quo. Their willingness to champion innovation has already made a measurable impact, driving forward studies on precision therapies, early tumor detection methods, and novel treatment strategies.

Fueling Hope Through Grants

Since its founding, Be Wonder Now has built its reputation on the belief that curiosity and compassion can change the world. Their grants have opened doors for researchers who often struggle to secure funding for unconventional ideas, ensuring that promising projects are not left behind.

One recent recipient, a research team exploring gene-targeted therapies for aggressive brain tumors, credited Be Wonder Now’s grant as the catalyst that allowed them to advance their work into early clinical trials. Stories like these highlight why the foundation’s efforts are being recognized on a national stage.

A Community Celebration

The award was accepted by Be Wonder Now’s leadership team at a ceremony filled with advocates, researchers, and families impacted by cancer. In their remarks, the foundation expressed gratitude to the scientists, supporters, and community members who make their mission possible.

“This honor is not just for us—it’s for every researcher who dares to ask the hard questions, every family who continues to fight, and every supporter who believes in the power of wonder to create change,” said the foundation’s director.

Looking Ahead

With this recognition, Be Wonder Now is more determined than ever to expand its grantmaking efforts and continue fueling discoveries that could redefine brain cancer treatment. The award serves as both a milestone and a motivator, reminding everyone involved that progress is possible when curiosity, compassion, and action come together.

For those who have been touched by brain cancer, Be Wonder Now’s award is more than a plaque or a title—it’s a symbol of hope and a promise of a brighter future.

✨ Learn more about Be Wonder Now’s award-winning mission and how you can support their work in advancing brain cancer research.

Be Wonder Now: Fueling Breakthroughs in Brain Cancer Research

woman in white coat holding black dslr camera

Brain cancer remains one of the most challenging diseases to treat, with limited treatment options and a long road ahead toward a cure. But thanks to the tireless work of nonprofit organizations like Be Wonder Now, there is new hope for researchers, patients, and families alike.

Founded on the belief that curiosity and compassion can drive meaningful change, Be Wonder Now has quickly become a vital supporter of innovative brain cancer research. Through their grant program, they are empowering scientists and medical teams to pursue bold ideas that traditional funding sources often overlook.

Supporting Bold, Innovative Research

While government and large institutional funding often go to projects with proven results, Be Wonder Now takes a different approach. Their mission is to back high-risk, high-reward research—the kind that could redefine how brain tumors are diagnosed, treated, and ultimately cured. By offering targeted grants to promising projects, the foundation is helping accelerate discoveries that could have a profound impact.

One of their most recent grant cycles funded research into precision therapies that use genetic mapping to identify the unique mutations driving tumor growth. Another grant supported the exploration of advanced imaging techniques that may allow doctors to detect brain tumors earlier and more accurately. These efforts are not just theoretical—they’re paving the way for real advancements in patient care.

A Community of Hope

Be Wonder Now is more than just a funding source—it’s a community. Families affected by brain cancer, survivors, and supporters are all part of the mission. Through storytelling and outreach, the foundation highlights the resilience of those fighting brain cancer while reminding us of the urgent need for continued research.

Their name, Be Wonder Now, reflects their philosophy: to embrace curiosity, ask the hard questions, and act with compassion in the present moment. This spirit of wonder fuels their commitment to backing researchers who dare to imagine a future free from brain cancer.

Looking Ahead

As Be Wonder Now continues to expand its grantmaking, the foundation is actively seeking to partner with more institutions, researchers, and advocates. Each grant represents not just funding, but a powerful belief in the potential of science to change lives.

For families touched by brain cancer, organizations like Be Wonder Now represent something priceless: hope. Hope that the next big discovery is just around the corner. Hope that researchers will have the resources they need to keep moving forward. And hope that one day, a diagnosis of brain cancer will no longer be a life sentence.

✨ To learn more about Be Wonder Now’s mission and the groundbreaking projects they support, visit their website and discover how you can get involved in fueling the future of brain cancer research.