2027 MC3 Pilot Grant — Applications Open

The Merkel Cell Carcinoma Collaborative (MC3) Institute is now accepting applications for the 2027 MC3 Pilot Grant. 

Award: One $25,000 award for the 2027 cycle. 

Purpose: The MC3 Pilot Grant supports early-career investigators launching new, innovative MCC research projects. This mechanism is intended to generate preliminary data that strengthens applications for follow-on funding. Priority is given to proposals aimed at improving outcomes for MCC patients through basic, translational, or clinical research. Funds may be used for materials and supplies, salaries, and / or conference travel. 

Eligibility: 

• Current member of the MC3 Institute (mc3institute.uw.edu/membership) 
• Early-Stage Investigator as defined by the NIH: within 10 years of completing a terminal degree (MD, PhD, or equivalent), or within 7 years of a first independent faculty appointment (excluding approved leave) 
• Conducting MCC research at an academic institution or non-profit organization 
• An individual may only submit one application, but may be co-PI on more than one application 
• A co-PI may be a postdoctoral scholars or similar. Co-PIs must be at the same institution as the PI listed on the application 
• Inclusion of trainees as key personnel is encouraged

Key Dates: 

• Applications open: August, 2026 
• Application deadline: October 16th, 2026 (late applications will not be accepted) 
• Award notification: December 18, 2026 
• Funding period: February 1, 2027 – January 31, 2028 
• Progress report: February 29, 2028 

How to Apply: 

Combine your cover page, research proposal (2-page limit, NIH format), budget and budget justification (1-page limit), letters of support (if applicable, max 2), and biosketch/CV into a single PDF and submit via the application form. Coming soon

Review criteria: 

• Does the project have scientific merit? 
• Does this project address an unmet need? 
• Is the project feasible in the proposed timeline? 
• Are there a clear “next steps” should this project be successful? 
• If successful, will this lead to new understanding or discoveries that could lead to new therapeutics or innovations for interventions? 

Terms and Conditions: 

• Funds should be spent in the in the time period identified. 
• Each publication or presentation must acknowledge the MC3 with the statement "This work was supported by the Merkel Cell Carcinoma Collaborative (MC3) Institute Pilot Grant."
• Equipment purchases are allowable provided the item is directly necessary for the proposed research. Items costing $5,000 or more per unit require prior written approval from MC3. 
• Awardees are required to submit a progress report within 60 days of the award end date. Reports should summarize progress toward aims, expenditures to date, and any publications, presentations, or abstracts resulting from the award. 
• Direct costs only; F&A are not allowable. 
• Resubmission: Unfunded applicants may resubmit in a future cycle. 
• No-cost extensions: Awardees who are unable to spend all funds within the award period may request a no-cost extension of up to 6 months by submitting a written request to mc3institute@uw.edu at least 30 days before the award end date. 

Questions can be directed to mc3institute@uw.edu. 

We look forward to your applications.