Plunge for the Cure Impact Grants

The Plunge for the Cure Foundation is a registered Canadian charity that was established to raise funds for life-saving ovarian cancer research. The Plunge for the Cure culminates in an annual plunge event on the last Sunday in May. This year through GCI’s Impact Grant competition, funds raised by the Plunge for the Cure Foundation will support one or two translational or clinical research projects focused on improving the management and treatment of ovarian cancer patients. To maximize the applicability of research findings to patients, preference will be given to projects incorporating clinical or clinical trial samples.

Examples of research projects eligible for funding in this competition include but are not limited to:

• Identification and validation of biomarkers to predict treatment response and monitor progress in ovarian cancer
• Development of new therapeutic strategies targeting key molecular mechanisms or overcoming resistance to existing treatments
• Exploration of innovative approaches to improve treatment efficacy or testing novel therapies in preclinical models
• Optimization of the design of clinical trials with biomarker-guided patient stratification to improve personalized treatment approaches

Please note that basic science studies as well as projects focusing on non-ovarian cancer types will not be considered. 

The total amount available for this funding opportunity is $175,000, with the intent to fund one or two (1-2) projects. The maximum budget request is $175,000. The grant term is up to 2 years and is not renewable.

A peer review committee will evaluate proposals based on: 1) Program Alignment and Impact, 2) Experimental Approach, 3) Feasibility, and 4) Research Team and Environment as outlined below:

Program Alignment and Impact (30 points)

The proposed study is a translational or clinical research project demonstrating clear and strong potential to improve the management and treatment for ovarian cancer patients.

*Preference will be given to projects incorporating clinical or clinical trial samples.

Experimental Approach (40 points)

The proposed study is novel and innovative. The rationale for the proposed study is clearly described and based on a logical integration of concepts.

The proposed methods and analysis are appropriate to address the research question(s).

Anticipated results and/or deliverables are clearly described and align with the stated aims.

Feasibility (15 points)

The proposed study identifies potential challenges and describes appropriate mitigation strategies.

Budget and timelines are appropriate, feasible and clearly laid out.

Research Team and Environment (15 points)

The research team demonstrates the combined expertise and experience needed to execute the project.

The relevant facilities, infrastructure, and resources are available to carry out the proposed work. 

This competition is open to OVCARE, BC Gynecologic Cancer Tumour Group (Medical oncology, Radiation oncology, Surgery, Pathology, Research, Allied health, etc), and Gynecologic Cancer Initiative members. The principle applicant or at least one of the co-investigators on the application must be a VCHRI-affiliated investigator. Affiliation can easily be achieved by any member with an appointed position. For more information, contact Vivian Lac at vlac@bccrc.ca .

Successful applicants will provide an update after 12 months of receiving the funding and at the end of the project. Funding recipients are asked to acknowledge the support provided by the Plunge for the Cure Foundation and the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation in any communication or publication related to the project. Any funds left unspent after 2 years from the start of the grant are to be returned.

The application process for this funding opportunity is comprised of two steps: Registration and Full Application. Registration is a non-competitive but mandatory step that will help identify reviewers with appropriate expertise to evaluate your application.

Step 1: Registration

Complete the registration form on the GCI/OVCARE electronic portal by 11:59pm on March 31, 2025 including the following: 

1. Principal applicant name and contact information

2. Names of all co-applicants

3. Title of project

4. A 3-5 sentence summary of proposal

5. Up to 10 keywords (optional)

Step 2: Full Application

Only those who registered are eligible to submit a full application. Full applications must be submitted as a single PDF document to the electronic portal. The deadline for full application submission is 11:59pm on May 11, 2025, and must include the following details: 

1. Title of project 
2. List of Investigators: Provide contact details (title, affiliation, email, phone) for the principal applicant and co-applicants.
3. Lay Summary: A public (non-scientific) summary which can be easily understood by individuals without biomedical research expertise. Max 250 words 
4. Impact Statement: An impact statement which clearly outlines the potential of the project to improve the management and treatment of ovarian cancer patients. Max 250 words 
5. Scientific Proposal: Describe the proposed research project in a maximum of 5 pages including data figures/tables/charts. Use Times New Roman 12-point font, single line spacing, and normal/standard character spacing. Page size no larger than 8.5 inches x 11.0 inches. Margins at least 0.5 inches in all directions. There are no restrictions on the organization of the proposal or headings used, however the following elements should be included: 
   
   –  Background
   –  Hypothesis
   –  Objectives/Specific Aims
   –  Preliminary data, if available
   –  Methods
   –  Anticipated results and outcomes
   –  Significance of the research
   –  Research team and environment
   
   
6. Supplementary Materials (Optional): Up to 3 pages of supplemental, non-data schematics/flow diagrams, surveys, or questionnaires. Additional pages may not be used to include extra data or extend the length of the proposal beyond the 5-page limit. 
7. References: References may be submitted in any format. No page limit.  
8. Budget Justification: A budget justification related to the direct cost of supplies and salary expenses associated with study. Indirect costs such as rent of office premises and other related overhead, capital expenses including computer and office equipment, and salary support for principal investigator or co-investigators (aside from trainees) are ineligible expenses. The budget requested should not overlap with any existing funding support. Max 1 page 
9. Letter(s) of support (if applicable)
10. Curriculum Vitae: CVs of principal investigators and co-investigators; any format 

Publications: Up to 2 publications from the past five years relevant to this proposal 

IMPORTANT: Please note that all applications for this competition will require a signature package to be submitted through the appropriate institutional body prior to the application deadline. Please review the FAQ section for signature package submission guidelines. 

 
For questions about this funding opportunity or the application process, contact Vivian Lac ( vlac@bccrc.ca). Applicants will receive an email confirming receipt of their application on May 12, 2025.