RFA: Cancer Health Research Centers (CHERCs)
Funds research centers developing actionable solutions to reduce cancer health disparities in US communities through science, community engagement, and a focus on equity across the cancer continuum.
Funder: American Cancer Society
Due Dates: February 9, 2027 (LOI, Summer cycle) | June 1, 2026 (Full application, Summer cycle) | December 1, 2026 (Full application, Winter cycle)
Funding Amounts: Up to $1.65M total ($1.5M direct + 10% indirect) over 4 years per Center; subsequent renewals: $500k (first), $250k (later) for Supportive Core only; subawards included in total.
Summary: Funds solution-based research centers addressing cancer health disparities in local/regional US communities, emphasizing actionable science and community engagement.
Key Information: LOI required for new submissions (Summer cycle); only renewals/resubmissions accepted in Winter cycle; Center PI and subaward PI must be different individuals.
Description
The American Cancer Society's Cancer Health Research Centers (CHERCs) program supports the creation and operation of research centers dedicated to addressing cancer health inequities in local or regional US communities. CHERCs are expected to conduct actionable, solution-focused research that advances health equity across the cancer continuum—including prevention, screening, treatment, access to care, and survivorship. Projects must demonstrate robust community engagement and focus on populations facing significant health disparities due to factors such as geography, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, language, disability, or other structural and social drivers of health.
Each CHERC is required to have a Supportive Core, managed by the Center PI, to coordinate scientific and operational activities, foster collaboration, build resources, engage the community, and disseminate findings. The program encourages applications that address ACS priority areas (e.g., rural health, early onset cancers, racial/ethnic disparities, immigrant and sexual/gender minority populations, environmental justice, age-specific needs, and disabilities), but will consider other topics with strong justification.
