A practical guide to grants for cancer research, patient support, screening and prevention, and survivorship programs, including NIH NCI and major foundations.
Cancer research and patient support are funded across NIH (especially NCI), CDC, state programs, and a large foundation funder base.
TL;DR
- Who funds cancer work? NIH NCI, CDC (DCPC, prevention), state cancer programs, cancer-specific foundations.
- Who can apply? Research institutions, hospitals, FQHCs, nonprofits, advocacy organizations, patient support.
- What gets funded? Basic research, clinical trials, prevention, screening, treatment, survivorship, advocacy.
Federal Funding
NIH National Cancer Institute (NCI). The largest cancer research funder, R01s, P30, U-series, T32, K awards. See NSF and NIH grants.
CDC. National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), Colorectal Cancer Control, comprehensive cancer control programs (via state pass-through).
HRSA for cancer care in FQHCs and Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (HIV-related cancers).
State Programs
State comprehensive cancer control programs (CDC-funded) re-grant to local partners.
Foundation Funders
- American Cancer Society (research and patient programs).
- Susan G. Komen Foundation (breast cancer).
- Lustgarten Foundation (pancreatic).
- V Foundation, Stand Up to Cancer.
- Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation.
- Cancer-specific foundations (leukemia, lung, prostate, etc.).
- Community foundations.
What Gets Funded
- Basic and translational research.
- Clinical trials.
- Screening and prevention.
- Patient navigation and support services.
- Survivorship programs.
- Advocacy and policy.
- Health equity in cancer.
How Grantboost Helps
Grantboost surfaces cancer funding across NIH NCI, CDC, state, and foundation sources, with drafts in your organization’s voice (see training AI on your past proposals).
Read next:
- NSF & NIH Grants: A Guide to Federal Research Funding
- HRSA Grants: A Guide to Health Resources and Services Administration Funding
- Grants for Research Labs
Further Reading
- National Cancer Institute (NCI)
- NIH Grants & Funding
- CDC Cancer Programs
- Grants.gov (federal funding portal)
- Wikipedia: National Cancer Institute
Disclaimer: Grant programs, eligibility rules, deadlines, and policies vary by region and change frequently. The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current rules in your area. Always consult a local grant writer or qualified expert in your region for advice specific to your organization, project, and jurisdiction.