[American Cancer Society](https://www.cancer.org)

June 2026 (projected) | December 2026 (projected)

Up to $135,000 per year for up to 2 years (max $297,000 total, including 10% indirect costs)

Supports high-risk, high-reward exploratory cancer research to generate preliminary data and launch innovative research directions.

--- ## Description Discovery Boost Grants (DBG) from the American Cancer Society are designed to support high-risk, high-reward exploratory research projects across the cancer research continuum. These grants enable investigators to develop innovative research methodologies, establish feasibility, or conduct pilot studies that can open new and highly innovative areas for further investigation. The expectation is that preliminary data generated from DBG-funded projects will position researchers to secure additional funding for subsequent research phases. --- ## Due Dates - June 2026 (anticipated/projected) - December 2026 (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Up to $135,000 per year for up to 2 years - Maximum total award: $297,000 (including 10% indirect costs) - Supports pilot or feasibility studies, methodology development, or other exploratory research --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must hold an independent faculty appointment at a U.S. academic institution or eligible non-profit. - The institution must be based in the United States. - Both new and established investigators are eligible, provided they meet the independence and institutional requirements. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted online via [ProposalCentral](https://proposalcentral.com/). - Review the [ACS Grant Policies](https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/extramural-grants-documents/all-grant-policies.pdf) and [Grant Instructions](https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/extramural-grants-documents/all-grant-instructions.pdf) before applying. - Prepare a proposal that clearly addresses the high-risk, high-reward nature of the project and the potential for generating preliminary data. - Required documents typically include a research plan, budget, biosketches, and institutional approvals. --- ## Additional Information - Projects must be exploratory and innovative, with a clear rationale for why the work is high-risk and potentially transformative. - The grant is intended to provide preliminary data for future, larger-scale funding applications. - Indirect costs are capped at 10% of the direct costs. --- ## External Links - [Discovery Boost Grants Program Page](https://www.cancer.org/research/we-fund-cancer-research/apply-research-grant/grant-types/discovery-boost-grants.html) - [ACS Grants - Grant Types Overview](https://www.cancer.org/research/we-fund-cancer-research/apply-research-grant/grant-types.html) - [Apply via ProposalCentral](https://proposalcentral.com/) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |-----------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [ACS Contact Page](https://www.cancer.org/about-us/contact-us.html) | | Phone | +1 800-227-2345 | | Grant Program Info | [Discovery Boost Grants Program Page](https://www.cancer.org/research/we-fund-cancer-research/apply-research-grant/grant-types/discovery-boost-grants.html) | ---

Discovery Boost Grants (DBG) - American Cancer Society

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