How We Select Grants
Each year, we announce the availability of funding for different types of research, providing the opportunity for any researcher to submit a proposal describing studies and the impact of results. Through a pre-application process, initial study ideas and project requirements are reviewed for alignment with Komen’s stated research objectives and award requirements. By eliminating study ideas inconsistent with Komen objectives, researchers save valuable time preparing full applications and Komen realizes considerable cost savings by reducing review burden. Full applications are evaluated by scientific experts who serve on standing review committees. Each application is assigned to two to four scientific reviewers based on expertise and an advocate reviewer. Reviewers provide initial scores on specified review criteria and approximately 40 percent of the best scoring applications are discussed by the full review committee. Following committee scoring, application scores are normalized and an ordered list of applications is sent to Komen’s Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). The SAB allocates available funds across award types and applications within each award type are recommended for funding based on peer review score order. The SAB forwards its recommendations to Komen’s Board of Directors, which approves final funding decisions.
This review process typically involves more than 425 scientist and advocate reviewers working in 23 to 25 committees. Although the number of applications received varies from year to year, Komen typically receives between 950 and 1,050 pre-applications annually. Following responsiveness review, approximately 70 percent of initial submissions move forward to full application submission. Funding rates can vary considerably by year and award type.
How We Manage Grants
We seek to partner with our grantees to foster quality research and ensure accountability. Each funded grant is assigned to a Ph.D.-level science manager with expertise relevant to the grant. All grantees must submit annual progress and financial reports, with more frequent reporting as required. Grantee Policies and Procedures provide specific guidance about grant requirements and changes, all of which are managed through the Komen Grants Management System (KGMS) which fully automates these administrative functions. Increasingly, we are seeking unique opportunities for collaboration across grantees, to serve as a resource for information about emerging issues affecting the larger research community, and involvement of advocates in research activities, and to engage our grantees with our Affiliates and partners.
