Barnard, Vt. – September 13, 2026 -- MIB Agents began accepting letters of intent on September 9 for its 2027 OutSmarting Osteosarcoma research grant cycle, offering a combined $150,000 to fund translational studies on the pediatric bone cancer.
Two grants totaling $150,000 target established and emerging researchers
The 2027 cycle includes a $100,000 Hero Grant and a $50,000 Hope Young Investigator Grant. Since launching in 2017, the program has distributed more than $2.9 million across 37 investigators studying osteosarcoma, an aggressive primary bone cancer diagnosed in roughly 1,000 people annually in the United States, nearly half of them children, adolescents and young adults.
Family-led fundraising networks underwrite the grant pool
Funding originates from MIB Agents Family Funds, groups of osteosarcoma patients, families and supporters who raise money in honor of an OsteoWarrior currently battling the disease or an OsteoAngel lost to it. The organization noted grants may also draw support from partner nonprofits focused on pediatric cancer research that has cleared rigorous scientific review.
Patient stakeholders sit alongside scientists in the review process
Applications go through evaluation by the MIB Agents Scientific Review Committee, while participating Family Funds act as Stakeholder Reviewers assessing proposals for potential impact on patients and families. Kat Azima, Director of Scientific Programs at MIB Agents, said the structure combines lived patient experience with scientific expertise to accelerate discoveries that could improve treatment options and outcomes.
Submission deadlines run through May 2027
Letters of intent are due through the ProposalCentral online system by October 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Top-scoring applicants will be invited in early December to submit full proposals, due by late January 2027, with funding decisions announced in early May 2027.