The IronMatt Foundation is honored to award $1,150,000.00 in grant awards this year, directing critical funding toward pediatric brain tumor research at premier medical institutions across the United States.
Because federal funding for pediatric cancer research historically accounts for roughly 4% of the National Cancer Institute’s budget, private philanthropic capital remains a primary mechanism for funding early-stage, high-potential oncology studies.
The selection of these awards relies on a rigorous peer-review process conducted by IronMatt’s Medical Advisory Committee (MAC). Composed of volunteer physicians, neuropathologists, and neuro-oncologists from leading national medical institutions, the MAC evaluates the scientific merit, methodology, and translational potential of each grant application.
2026 Funding Allocations and Impact
The 2026 research grants balance immediate, exploratory studies with sustained, multi-year initiatives, targeting aggressive diagnoses such as Group 3 medulloblastoma and atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (ATRT).
The allocations are structured as follows:
- One-Year Grants ($100,000 each): Four grants have been awarded to fund rapid-yield studies investigating tumor signaling pathways, epigenetic plasticity, and novel CAR T-cell therapies at Baylor College of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Pittsburgh.
- Three-Year Initiatives, First-Year Funding ($150,000 each): Two new multi-year projects have been initiated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the University of Colorado, exploring CAR macrophage therapies and epigenetic DNA damage immune crosstalk.
- Three-Year Initiatives, Second-Year Funding ($150,000 each): Four ongoing research commitments were renewed for a second year at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Johns Hopkins University, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the University of Colorado to advance preclinical efficacy models.
Explore the 2026 Grant Recipients
View the full list of this year’s recipients — including detailed breakdowns of the lead investigators, institutional partners, and specific laboratory objectives — on our dedicated Research Grants page.
This year’s allocations add to a deep legacy of research funding. Since we began in 2007, IronMatt has surpassed $8.5 million in total research grants awarded, funding more than 100 crucial projects across the United States and Canada.
As a 100% model charity, every dollar donated goes directly to our mission, ensuring your generosity fuels the most viable, sophisticated science on the front lines of pediatric oncology.
Join us in funding the front lines of pediatric brain cancer research by making a donation today.