Investment thesis
KWF's core philosophy centers on the belief that scientific cancer research is the most effective means to advance cancer control. They provide grants for projects focused on deepening the understanding of cancer, developing prevention strategies, enabling earlier detection, improving treatment efficacy, and enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients.
Ticket size
Project grants vary: Research projects average €500,000; Unique High Risk Projects average €150,000; Young Investigator Grants average €500,000; Research Consortia often exceed €1,000,000. Institutional grants, such as an annual €16.8 million to the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI), are also provided.
Sweet spot
High-quality, impactful cancer research projects led by knowledge institutes, with a focus on potential translation to clinical practice and direct patient benefit.
What they add
Funding for scientific research across all phases, support for knowledge institutes and collaborations, acceleration of research translation to clinical practice, individual researcher grants (e.g., Young Investigator Grants), strategic institutional partnerships, advocacy on legislative and policy issues
Stages
Exploration · Development · Implementation (fundamental · translational · clinical research)
Geographic focus
Netherlands