From Coast to Cure: Atlantic Canada Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund

Advancing Equity and Innovation in Pancreatic Cancer Research

Overview

The Heather Cutler Foundation is proud to announce the planned launch of From Coast to Cure, an annual research grant supporting innovative pancreatic cancer research within Atlantic Canada. This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing equity in cancer care and prioritizing the inclusion of researchers from Newfoundland and Labrador.

Each year, we will award $10,000 CAD to an individual or team whose work aims to improve the understanding, detection, or treatment of pancreatic cancer. We believe that local researchers are vital to reshaping outcomes in underrepresented communities and regions.

Purpose of the Grant

The Atlantic Canada Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund was created to:

Foster research that directly benefits patients in rural and underserved communities.
Support early- to mid-career researchers working in or from Atlantic Canada.
Encourage new approaches to diagnostics, treatment, quality of life, or survivorship.
Promote collaboration across provincial and institutional boundaries.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Be affiliated with an accredited Canadian institution (university, hospital, or research centre).
Be conducting or proposing research with relevance to pancreatic cancer.
Be a resident of, or conducting work that impacts, at least one of the Atlantic provinces (NL, NS, NB, PEI).
Preference will be given to projects led by or including researchers based in Newfoundland and Labrador.

This grant is open to PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, clinical investigators, and early-career faculty.

Funding Details

Amount: $10,000 CAD
Duration: 12 months
Use of Funds: May cover personnel, supplies, travel, participant recruitment, or publication fees. Overhead costs are not eligible.

Application Process

1. Application Timeline

Opening Date: December 15, 2025
Deadline: April 15, 2026
Notification of Award: July 1, 2026
Funding Disbursed: September 1, 2026

2. Submission Requirements

Applicants must submit the following as a single PDF file:

Project summary (max. 300 words)
Research proposal (max. 3 pages)
- Background, objectives, methodology, and anticipated impact
Budget and justification (max. 1 page)
CV(s) for principal investigator(s)
Letter of institutional support (if applicable)

Submissions should be emailed to grants@heathercutler.ca with the subject:
From Coast to Cure Application – [Your Name]

Selection Criteria

Applications will be reviewed by an independent review panel based on:

Scientific merit and innovation
Feasibility and clarity of the proposal
Relevance to pancreatic cancer care in Atlantic Canada
Equity, diversity, and inclusion considerations

Reporting Requirements

Awardees will be expected to:

Submit a mid-year progress update (July)
Submit a final report outlining outcomes and expenditures (April the following year)
Participate in a brief virtual presentation for the Heather Cutler Foundation community

Recognition and Impact

Recipients will be featured on our website, newsletter, and at annual events to highlight their contributions to pancreatic cancer research in Canada. The grant is funded through donations and advocacy efforts led by families impacted by pancreatic cancer, in honour of Heather Cutler.

Learn more and apply at: https://heathercutler.ca/from-coast-to-cure

Common Questions

What does the From Coast to Cure grant fund?

The grant prioritizes pancreatic cancer research led in and for Atlantic Canada, with a focus on early detection, rural healthcare delivery, and inclusive clinical trial access.

How much is the From Coast to Cure research grant?

The grant awards $10,000 CAD annually to an individual or team.

Who is eligible for the From Coast to Cure grant?

Applicants must be affiliated with an accredited Canadian institution, conducting research relevant to pancreatic cancer, and be a resident of or conducting work that impacts at least one Atlantic province.

The Heather Cutler Foundation is Atlantic Canada's trusted voice for pancreatic cancer. Established in 2024, we are dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for Canadians diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. We support Canadians living with pancreatic cancer, caregivers, and advancing research and care.

The Foundation was established in memory of Heather Cutler to advocate for pancreatic cancer research, provide patient support, and advance clinical trial awareness.

For more information about the From Coast to Cure research campaign, visit www.heathercutler.ca or contact 1-888-854-8423.

Common Questions

When will the From Coast to Cure grant launch?

Our grant timeline is January 2027.

How can I support the From Coast to Cure research fund?

We accept contributions through our secure online donation pathway. Your donation funds our From Coast to Cure campaign, which supports pancreatic cancer research led in and for Atlantic Canada.