The Cancer Center at Illinois Bridge Grant Program provides assistance to cancer-focused research grant proposals that are at the R01 or multi-project level mechanisms. The short-term planning grant is designed to allow PIs to address specific weaknesses identified in a National Institutes of Health (NIH) peer review that are critical to advancing the application to funding. This program only accepts proposals that will be revised and resubmitted to the NIH.
This one-time support provides up to $25,000 in funding to CCIL members. Proposals must have received an impact score of 30 or less or have scored better than the 25th percentile. Project costs may include UIUC supplies, staff time, and research facility use fees. Funds sent external from the university to other institutions must receive prior approval from the CCIL. Funds cannot be used for any part of tenure track faculty salaries.
Important Dates and Deadlines
- Proposal Due Date — Rolling, submit any time
- Award Notification — Most decisions will be made 48 hours after submission of application
- Funding Release Date — Within one week of award
Proposal Preparation
Cover Letter: A cover letter (not exceeding 1-page) requesting funds with a:
- Concise and clear statement of how your project aligns with the scientific directions outlined in the CCIL Strategic Plan
- Date of anticipated resubmission
Summary Statement: The NIH summary statement in its entirety, with review comments proposed to be addressed by the requested funds to be highlighted.
Budget and Budget Justification: Short (up to 1 page) budget and budget justification outlining the use of funds as specifically referring to the review comments.
Correspondence Summary: Summary of any correspondence with the program officer, indicating their support and guidance for this proposal, received after the NIH summary statement was received.
Award Expectations and Reporting
Awardees are expected to provide an annual 1-page report regarding the outcomes of their project highlighting external funding received, patents, awards, and publications accepted.
Review Criteria
- Only projects aligning with the CCIL Strategic Plan will be funded.
- Significant priority will be given to proposals submitted to the NCI.
- Priority will be given to collaborative projects between current CCIL members, translational research between CCIL members and physicians from our clinical partner organizations, or research that utilizes CCIL Shared Resources extensively.