“Brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer death in children. Outcomes for the most devastating tumors have not improved in decades. But only a tiny fraction of federal funding supports pediatric cancer research. Additionally, even when present, awards from the government, pharmaceutical industry, and large foundations generally occur only at later junctures in a new treatment or idea, where there is already a compelling efficacy signal or track record. In many cases, either because a particular tumor is rare, or because promising research has been limited so far, there is a specific funding void for high-risk, novel, and innovative work. Pilot funding for preclinical and early phase clinical research is critical to develop and study new ideas to improve treatments. Once these ideas demonstrate proof of principle or compelling early, even anecdotal, responses in the clinic, then larger awards become more feasible and within reach. But there is a critical need for agile, flexible, and direct support for cutting edge novel research and early phase trials. Foundations and private donations, more than any other source, drive this critical, early work forward.”