Program Overview
The Stanford Cancer Center Clinical Innovation Fund (CIF) seeks to drive, and fund innovative projects designed to elevate the quality of care, enhance the patient/provider experience, and expand Stanford Cancer Center outreach & growth, as aligned with Stanford Cancer Transformation.
CIF accepts proposal submissions twice a year, typically during the beginning and middle of calendar year.
The next application submission deadline is: January 31, 2021. Apply here >>
Funding
- 1-year funding period, up to $150,000
- No cost extension after 1 year available per approval
Eligibility:
- Open to the following Cancer Center personnel:
- Physicians & APPs
- Nursing staff Coordinators/Clinical
- Administrative Directors & Managers
Timeline:
- Two annual submission deadlines
- Next Proposal submission deadline: January 31, 2021
- Proposals will be reviewed by CIF Review Committee after deadline
Apply:
- Completed application form
- Budget table
- Supplemental information (optional)
Proposals should be designed to:
- Enhance the patient & provider experience
- Improve quality of care in outpatient/inpatient settings
- Promote clinical outreach and Cancer Center volume growth
- Increase value of care by reducing costs while improving patient care
- Promote physician, nursing, and APP education around cancer and overall care delivery
Previously approved proposals include:
- Driving Value Based Use of High Cost Melanoma Therapies at Stanford Cancer Center
- Audio-Visual Assisted Therapeutic Ambience for Radiotherapy (AVATAR)
- Stanford Cancer Center Smoking Cessation Program
When preparing your proposal for submission, it is important to keep the following items in mind:
- Eligibility is open to Cancer Service Line (CSL) providers (MD & APP), nursing staff (coordinators, clinical), and administrators/managers. Non-CSL affiliated personnel who are interested in submitting a CIF proposal must align their project with a CSL member or affiliate as an active PI or Co-PI for the proposal to be considered for funding.
- Total project budget for the proposal cannot exceed $150,000.
- Total project salaries for faculty physicians and benefits cannot exceed 10% of the total budget requested.
- Supplemental information is encouraged any format (.doc, .ppt, .pdf, .jpeg, .mp4, .wav, etc.). Additional supplements can be added to an application that has already been submitted, provided the materials are received before 11:59pm PT on the date of the deadline.
All proposals should be submitted on the CIF Application Form via email to Khay Asuncion. Directions on how to complete the application can be found here. After a submission cycle closes, each proposal undergoes several rounds of review to ensure Cancer Transformation goals alignment, innovative potential, and feasibility. Requestors can expect to receive a decision response approximately two months after the funding deadlines.
Forms
Download the CIF application form here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
(1) My proposed project will not be completed within one year. What should I do?
Plan to notify Khay Asuncion at least 90 days in advance of the project's original end date. A no cost extension of up to one year can be requested; written justification for the extension must be included with the request.
(2) My funding will not be exhausted within one year. What do I do?
Plan to notify Khay Asuncion at least 90 days in advance of the project's original end date. A no cost extension of up to one year can be requested; written justification for the extension must be included with the request.
(3) Can I request additional funding for my project after one year?
A resubmission of the proposal will need to be sent to Khay Asuncion by the posted funding deadlines. Please note whether (a) the proposal achieved its original intent or is (b) still in process.
(4) I am not affiliated with the Cancer Service Line/Cancer Center. Can I still apply?
Non-affiliated individuals are welcome to apply but must partner themselves with a Cancer Service Line member who is actively involved in the project.
(5) When can I expect a response on funding?
Applicants can expect a response on funding via email approximately two months after the application deadline. More complex projects may require additional time for review
(6) Is there a limit on how many applications I can submit or be involved with?
There is no limit on how many applications one can submit, however applicants should allot appropriate bandwidth to involved CIF projects on top of main work duties.
(7) My project will involve SHC staff members as part of my team for one year. Is this allowed?
Yes. However, before including SHC or SOM staff in your project, confirm that they have the bandwidth to take on additional CIF-related work. The CIF program will also independently verify this, but we recommend checking with their supervisor (Manager, Director, VP etc.) in advance.
(8) If my proposal is approved and the budget includes equipment, what is the process to purchase the equipment?
For equipment to be used for patient care, the CIF is pool of funds, and does not bypass any SHC established processes for purchasing. The requestor should work with the appropriate CCP clinic manager to determine the appropriate processes for purchasing and installing the equipment. For equipment purchased through School of Medicine departments, please follow your standard departmental purchasing processes.
(9) Do I need to present my proposals/results?
Approved proposals PI(s) are expected to present two (2) brief presentations of their proposal and deliverables. First will be at the start, shortly after approval to introduce the project. Second will be after project completion at the one-year mark. Both presentations will be held at the monthly CCP Plenary Meetings. Projects that request extensions will be expected to present upon completion of their proposed project.
(10) When are applications accepted? Are applications accepted on a rolling basis?
Applications can be submitted via email once the announcement for the funding period is released up to 11:59pm PST on the application deadline date. Applications are not accepted on a rolling basis.
(11) What is meant by 'deliverables'?
Depending on the nature of your proposal, deliverables can range from tangible items (such as hardware, databases) to intangibles (process improvements, cost reduction, etc.) as aligned with Stanford Cancer Transformation.
For answers on additional questions not covered above, please contact Khay Asuncion at MaryKhayAsuncion@stanfordhealthcare.org or (650) 250-2308.