• Funding Partners

The Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute has many partner organizations that provide funding support. These partners are committed to working together to develop research capacity in Atlantic Canada, to forge broad-based research collaborations across the region, and to create a unified focus for fundraising and community engagement.

We are grateful to:

Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation — Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) has invested more than $8 million in local cancer research over the years, and works hand in hand with the Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine to provide strategic research support to trainees, investigators, facilities and new initiatives. 

JD Irving Limited — The J.D. Irving, Limited Excellence in Cancer Research Fund is proud to support the Cancer Research Training Program at BHCRI. In 2021, J.D. Irving, Limited donated $2.5million to the Canadian Cancer Society to establish the Excellence in Cancer Research Fund, affirming the company“s longstanding commitment to invest in research in Atlantic Canada. The Fund will build, strengthen and expand cancer research potential and capacity in the region, and it will ensure the highest-quality, most-promising ideas and people are supported (based on a rigourous peer review process). This enables scientists to develop and continue their critical research in Atlantic Canada and contribute to the larger national cancer research landscape.

Terry Fox Research Institute — Terry Fox Research Institute (TFRI) is the major funder for the BHCRI Cancer Research Training Program (CRTP) from donations raised by the Terry Fox Foundation. TFRI has been a partner since the establishment of BHCRI in 2009. The TFRI Atlantic Node provides travel bursaries to trainees attending national cancer meetings and is the co-sponsor of the annual Cancer Research Training Program Cancer Workshop and biennial Conference. The Atlantic Cancer Consortium (ACC) was conceptualised in 2018 as a part of Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network (MoHCCN), a pan-Canadian initiative led by the Terry Fox Foundation and the Terry Fox Research Institute (TFRI) with the support of partner institutions across the Atlantic region. Focusing on precision medicine, ACC will harness the power and productivity of our leading Atlantic cancer research community to improve cancer diagnoses, predict how different people will respond to treatments, and deliver more personalized and effective treatments for the cancer patients.

QEII Foundation — QEII Foundation facilitated the establishment of two endowed cancer research chairs and continues to actively support cancer research initiatives through BHCRI. The Foundation raises funds for technology, community-based disease prevention initiatives, professional education and medical research. 

New Brunswick Health Research Foundation — The New Brunswick Health Research Foundation (NBHRF) provides leadership and support to build health research capacity, improve the health of New Brunswickers and advance the knowledge economy. BHCRI and NBHRF partner to support New Brunswick-based cancer researchers.

Canadian Cancer Society — The Canadian Cancer Society-Nova Scotia Division (CCNS-NSD) funds research into all cancers through its national Canadian Cancer Society Research Institute. Locally, the CCS-NSD supports the annual CCS Carol Ann Cole Comfort Heart Studentship Award.   

Dalhousie University — Dalhousie  is the academic home of many of the investigators involved in the BHCRI, whether in discovery, clinical, population or behavioural research. The University supports BHCRI by providing facilities and infrastructure support to BHCRI researchers and trainees. 

Saunders-Matthey Cancer Prevention Fund  — The Saunders Matthey Fund was started in 1996 by Ray Matthey in memory of his wife and daughter. Funds provide support for trainees and senior investigators focused on cancer research, education and prevention. An emphasis is also placed on how environmental factors may be contributing to cancer. 

Charlie’s Ride for Cancer Research  — In 2016, Chris MacDougall, a local business man, cycled across Canada in memory of his son Charlie to raise funds for cancer research and to make people aware that cancer research makes a difference. In 2017, Chris continued his efforts as part of a fundraising ride around Iceland. The funds raised have started the Charlie & Dan MacDougall Fund for Cancer Research through the Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation, with annual income supporting the work of the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute. Chris is past Chair of BHCRI Management Advisory Committee. 

Craig’s Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society — Craig’s Cause provides information and support to those with pancreatic cancer and their families. They partner with BHCRI to support cancer research trainees undertaking pancreatic cancer research.

GIVETOLIVE — GIVETOLIVE has been supporting BHCRI since 2017 through their Big Ride. The Big Ride challenges participants to get out of their comfort zone and cycle a long distance in a short amount of time, all while having fun and raising funds to support cancer research. GIVETOLIVE’s mission is to inspire people to live happy and healthy lives through generosity, fitness, and achievement of the extraordinary.