IWMF Research Grant Program

IWMF seeks applications for research and clinical studies that will deliver meaningful therapeutic benefits for Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) patients within the next 3–5 years. Grant amounts range from $250K–$1M over 2–4 years, with a separate award to support young investigators.

Please note these important changes to the 2026 RFP application process:

• Successful applications should prioritize translational impact and potential for significant clinical benefit within all Grant categories
• Introduction of a Letter of Intent (LOI) phase: Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an abbreviated LOI in advance of a full application to ensure alignment with the RFP objectives for 2026

Explore Current (2026) IWMF Grant Programs

Pilot Clinical Trial Grants

IWMF seeks to support independent investigators affiliated with academic institutions using investigator-initiated trials (IITs) to undertake clinical studies of novel agents, novel combinations, or new immunotherapies with potential for clinical breakthroughs in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) patients. These clinical studies are designed to demonstrate proof-of-concept and produce compelling results in a limited number of patients. Successful study results will provide validation to initiate larger clinical studies to achieve new therapy inclusion in NCCN Guidelines, FDA approval, or other comparable regulatory approvals in the future.

• Amount: Up to $1M USD
• Duration: Over 2 - 4 years
• LOI Due: November 28, 2025
• RFP Due: February 27, 2026

Translational Research Grants

IWMF seeks to support translational research studies with a focus on 1) uncovering new features of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) biology and cellular vulnerabilities; 2) investigating mechanisms of WM relapse and therapy resistance; and 3) identifying and advancing research on novel, therapeutically on novel, therapeutically exploitable targets that represent under-explored opportunities. Such foundational studies should be focused on translational potential and ultimately be driven by the goals of improved patient outcomes and reduction or elimination of disease. Applications for the development of preclinical models, such as organoids with TME elements are also of interest, particularly if they include goals to develop and advance new therapeutics.

• Amount: $500,000 - $750,000 USD
• Duration: Over 3-4 years
• LOI Due: November 28, 2025
• RFP Due: February 27, 2026

Correlative Companion Research Grants

IWMF seeks to support correlative companion research studies within pharmaceutical and biotechnology company-sponsored trials for Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) patients that will be instrumental in determining the optimal use of new therapeutics under study. These projects leverage biological samples collected during trials to explore and validate biomarkers, mechanisms of response or resistance, or disease biology response to therapeutic intervention that will inform future clinical studies. Projects may include identifying genetic, proteomic, or immune markers that predict activity profiles, elucidating molecular mechanisms of resistance, TME profiling, MRD assessment, among others. These proposals are intended to leverage clinical research questions not funded by the industry sponsor and deemed critical for improving patient outcomes.

• Amount: Up to $250,000 USD
  Duration: Over 2 years
• LOI Due: November 28, 2025
  RFP Due: February 27, 2026

Acceleration and Expansion Research Grants

IWMF seeks to support research studies to: 1) accelerate existing and prior IWMF Grants requiring further funding based on a novel, testable hypothesis that drives the additional funded research work toward translational and clinical applications (an Acceleration Grant); or 2) expand funding support for novel, translational mechanisms or targets, based on previous proof-of-concept work that may or may not have prior evidence of activity in B-cell malignancies (an Expansion Grant). For Expansion Grants, investigators outside the field of plasma cell malignancies are encouraged to apply. The subject work may apply new techniques such as single-cell analysis, epigenetic profiling, or state-of-the art cell-free DNA methodology, among others, to Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM).

• Amount: $250,000 USD
• Duration: Over 2 years
• LOI Due: November 28, 2025
• RFP Due: February 27, 2026

Robert A. Kyle Career Development Award Grant

IWMF acknowledges the crucial role of nurturing a new generation of researchers to study Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) and ensure continuous progress in the field. The primary objective of the Kyle Career Development Award is to inspire and provide support to talented young investigators with a background in hematology and/or oncology, encouraging them to either enter or continue WM research. A successful applicant’s academic program must have a formal teaching curriculum and mentoring from established investigators with a proven record of advancing relevant research in the B-cell malignancy or plasma cell malignancy field. Highest priority for Kyle Awards will be given to translational research proposals; however, applications addressing critical questions in basic discovery science relevant to WM biology and pathogenesis will be considered.

• Amount: $160,000 USD
• Duration: Over 2 years
• RFP Due: February 27, 2026

Please note: Full RFP is attached in the "More Information" section of this page. Faculty and researchers interested in applying for these opportunities based on technologies developed or disclosed at Vanderbilt must submit their proposals through the CTTC.