SONTAG FOUNDATION
Annual Giving
$7.2M+27% YoY
Grants
35
Median Grant
$113K
Organizations Funded
47
Is this foundation right for you?
SciRise maps the network of who funds whom to surface your next funders. Enter your nonprofit to check your fit.
Foundation Overview
Mission
The Sontag Foundation is dedicated to advancing brain cancer research by investing in brilliant scientists who are committed to the pursuit of bold, innovative, and transformative ideas. The foundation funds scientists focusing on brain cancer and brain tumor research to accelerate cures and advance technology to improve outcomes.
Focus Areas
Funded Initiatives
Distinguished Scientist Award (DSA) - $750,000 career development grant awarded over a five-year period to early career scientists in the USA and Canada conducting brain cancer research. Sontag Innovation Fund established in 2021 - strategic venture philanthropy fund investing in early stage, high-risk, innovative technologies. Over $35 million invested through DSA program supporting brain cancer research at major comprehensive cancer centers. COVID-19 Patient Assistance Fund - $200,000 emergency financial aid providing $500 grants to 370 brain tumor patients experiencing financial hardships.
How to Apply
Applications accepted in response to published Request for Applications; awarded annually. Potential applicants should carefully read the information about the award and application process prior to applying. Distinguished Scientist Award applications are evaluated based on scientific merit and career development potential for early career scientists focused on brain cancer research.
Based on publicly available information from the foundation's 990 filings and website.
Giving History
$7.2M
Grants
35
Median
$113K
States
15
$5.6M
Grants
48
Median
$45K
States
14
$6.1M
Grants
28
Median
$150K
States
14
Grant Size Distribution
$113K
Typical Grant (Median)
$3K
Smallest
$38K
25th Pctile
$150K
75th Pctile
$3.0M
Largest
Excludes grants ≤ $5K. Half fall between $38K and $150K.
Largest Recent Grants
$3.0M
2024
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NE FL
FL · FOR THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THIS ORGANIZATION
$363K
2024
BRIGHAM & WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
MA · FOR THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THIS ORGANIZATION
$350K
2024
THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
MI · FOR THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THIS ORGANIZATION
$300K
2024
MARK FOUNDATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH
NY · FOR THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THIS ORGANIZATION
$263K
2024
BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
MA · FOR THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THIS ORGANIZATION
Geographic Focus
Top states by total grant dollars. Based on IRS filing data.
Financial Overview
Grants paid shown as percentage of total assets
Data sourced from IRS 990 and 990-PF filings and publicly available foundation websites. Grant data, financial figures, and organizational details reflect historical filings and may not represent current operations or funding priorities. Verify directly with the foundation before applying. See an issue? Let us know.