Discovery Boost Grants (DBG)
The Discovery Boost Grants fund innovative, high-risk exploratory cancer research projects that generate preliminary data to support future breakthroughs.
Funder: American Cancer Society
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 | June 2027
Funding Amounts: Up to $135,000/year for up to 2 years (max $297,000 total, including 10% indirect costs)
Summary: Supports high-risk, high-reward exploratory cancer research to generate preliminary data for future funding and innovation.
Key Information: This mechanism is paused and being restructured; next cycles are anticipated but not guaranteed.
Description
Discovery Boost Grants (DBG) are designed to enable high-risk, high-reward exploratory research across the cancer research continuum. The program specifically supports projects that aim to develop novel research methodologies, establish feasibility, or conduct pilot tests. The expectation is that preliminary data generated by DBG-funded projects will position investigators to secure further grant funding and open new, innovative avenues for cancer research. The DBG mechanism is currently being refined to better align with emerging research priorities, with future cycles projected but not yet officially confirmed.
