RTFCCR and KCA Launch Joint Call for Proposals on Early Detection of Kidney Cancer
The Rising Tide Foundation for Clinical Cancer Research (RTFCCR) and the Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) are proud to announce a new joint Request for Applications (RFA) to advance the early detection and diagnosis of kidney cancer.
This collaborative funding opportunity supports clinical validation studies and early-phase interventional trials (Phase I or II) that leverage innovative imaging technologies, biomarkers, or monitoring algorithms. The initiative targets critical unmet needs such as distinguishing benign from malignant lesions, improving risk stratification, and validating diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers.
“Early detection and diagnosis of kidney cancer is a critical unmet need for patients and families. Together with Rising Tide, we hope to encourage discoveries that can truly benefits patients much earlier in their kidney cancer journey,” comments Dr. Salvatore La Rosa, KCA’s Chief Scientific Officer. Gretchen E. Vaughan, KCA’s President and CEO, adds: “Rising Tide’s focus on patient-centered research makes them a perfect partner in our efforts to support innovative medical advances as a key path to improved clinical outcomes and better quality of life for people with kidney cancer. We’re thrilled to work together on this funding opportunity!”
Zoraide Granchi, Senior Scientific Program Manager at RTFCCR, expressed gratitude and excitement for the new collaborative funding initiative with KCA. “We believe that the future of cancer research hinges on the collaboration between talented scientists and motivated patient partners. Our foundations are joining forces to support innovative ideas with the aim of advancing the early detection and diagnosis of kidney cancer, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes worldwide.
Key Highlights:
- Funding: Up to USD 150,000 per project for up to 2 years.
- Eligibility: Projects must include preliminary data linking the proposed marker to kidney cancer and demonstrate scalability and patient partner involvement.
- Exclusions: The call does not support population-wide screening, awareness campaigns, or studies involving proprietary tools owned by private entities.
Application Timeline:
- Letter of Intent (LOI) Deadline: October 15, 2025
- Submission Platform: SmartSimple (RTFCCR portal)
Applications will be reviewed by a multidisciplinary committee including scientific experts, a biostatistician, and a patient partner.
Applications for the RTFCCR-KCA award are now open. Selected awardees will receive up to $150,000 over two years. Letters of intent are due October 15, 2025. Final funding decisions will be made by the boards of RTFCCR and KCA in May 2026. For more information please visit RTFCCR’s website (Award for Early Detection and Diagnosis of Kidney Cancer – Rising Tide Foundation).
For more information or assistance with the application process, please contact:
Zoraide Granchi
Senior Scientific Program Manager
zoraide.granchi@risingtide.ch
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Abou the Kidney Cancer Association
The Kidney Cancer Association was founded in 1990 by Eugene P. Schonfeld and a small group of patients and doctors in Chicago, Illinois and has grown into an international non-profit organization. The KCA promotes scientific advances through two annual research symposiums and a robust grant program, participates in legislative advocacy, and seeks to be a source of education and resources for patients, caregivers, and anyone impacted by kidney cancer.
About Rising Tide Foundation for Clinical Cancer Research
Rising Tide Foundation for Clinical Cancer Research is a charitable, non-profit organization established in 2010 and located in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. RTFCCR’s primary consideration in granting support is given to truly innovative, unique, patient-centered clinical research. With patients at the core of the mission, the foundation strives to support clinical trials resulting in the creation of less toxic therapeutic approaches, better disease burden management, earlier cancer detection, and innovative intervention strategies that will lead to increased survival and quality of life. You can find more information here.