The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research

The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research is a non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating breakthroughs in cancer research. Its core mission is to actively partner with scientists to transform the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. Headquartered in New York, NY, the foundation supports groundbreaking science globally, carried out by individual investigators, multi-disciplinary teams, and early-stage companies.

The foundation fulfills its mission through a dual strategy of providing grants and venture investments. Its grant programs include Emerging Leader Awards, ASPIRE Awards, Drug Discovery Awards, Endeavor Awards, Fellowships, and the establishment of Mark Foundation Centers. These programs support high-impact, high-risk projects across all cancer types, focusing on early cancer detection, drug discovery, collaborative research, and early-career investigators. The Mark Foundation also provides venture capital funding to early-stage companies with transformative potential in oncology, typically investing at the Seed, Series A, and Series B stages.

Led by CEO Ryan Schoenfeld, PhD, The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research has been active in significant initiatives. In April 2026, it finalized a merger with the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, leading to the launch of the Samuel Waxman Institute for Aging & Cancer as a subsidiary. In March 2026, the foundation announced a global expansion and a $1 million funding boost for its flagship Emerging Leader Award, making it accessible to applicants worldwide. The organization consistently supports innovative research, committing $3.75 million to five early-career scientists through its 2026 Emerging Leader Awards.