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

December 2026 | June 2027

Up to $135,000/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 for future funding and innovation.

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. --- ## Due Dates - December 2026 (anticipated): Full application deadline for Discovery Boost Grants (DBG) - June 2027 (anticipated): Full application deadline for Discovery Boost Grants (DBG) *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 allowable budget: $297,000 total for a 2-year project period (includes 10% indirect costs) - Indirect costs are capped at 10% of direct costs, excluding permanent equipment --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be independent investigators at any career stage with a doctorate degree (MD, PhD, DVM, or equivalent) - Must hold a full-time faculty position or equivalent at a US academic or eligible non-profit research institution - No citizenship restrictions - Only one DBG application per cycle per applicant; cannot submit RSG, MBG, or CSDG applications in the same cycle as a DBG - Applicants may not hold an active DBG award when applying for another DBG; must wait until the prior term concludes --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted electronically via [ProposalCentral](https://proposalcentral.com/) - Application materials include: - Cover pages and required institutional information - NIH-format biosketches for PI and key personnel - Research plan (specific aims, background, innovation, methods, etc.) - Budget and justification (including indirect costs and any subcontracts) - Letters of support (if applicable) - Compliance statements for human subjects and/or vertebrate animals (if relevant) - Only one resubmission is allowed for DBG proposals - Institutional support and verification of independent research facilities are required --- ## Additional Information - The DBG mechanism is currently paused and being restructured; applicants should monitor the [program page](https://www.cancer.org/research/we-fund-cancer-research/apply-research-grant/grant-types/discovery-boost-grants.html) for updates and official announcements regarding future cycles. - No-cost extensions of up to 1 year may be requested, subject to approval and progress reporting. - Projects with scientific overlap with other funded projects are not eligible. --- ## External Links - [DBG Program Page (American Cancer Society)](https://www.cancer.org/research/we-fund-cancer-research/apply-research-grant/grant-types/discovery-boost-grants.html) - [ACS Grant Policies (PDF)](https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/extramural-grants-documents/all-grant-policies.pdf) - [ACS Grant Application Instructions (PDF)](https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/extramural-grants-documents/all-grant-instructions.pdf) - [ProposalCentral Application Portal](https://proposalcentral.com/) - [ACS Grant FAQs](https://www.cancer.org/research/we-fund-cancer-research/apply-research-grant/faqs-program-changes-and-application-submission.html) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email/Link | Phone | |-----------------------------|------------------------------------------------|-----------------| | ACS Grants Office | [grants@cancer.org](mailto:grants@cancer.org) | 1-800-227-2345 | | Program Office Contacts | [ACS Staff Contacts](https://www.cancer.org/research/we-fund-cancer-research/apply-research-grant/extramural-grants-staff-contacts.html) | | | ProposalCentral Support | [pcsupport@altum.com](mailto:pcsupport@altum.com) | 1-800-875-2562 |

Discovery Boost Grants (DBG)

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