[American Lung Association](https://www.lung.org)

September 2026 (Letter of Intent) | December 2026 (Full application)

$100,000 per year for up to 2 years (maximum $200,000 total); no indirect costs allowed

Supports innovative research projects to advance lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and understanding.

Forecasted opportunity—dates and details may shift; check program page for updates.

--- ## Description The Lung Cancer Discovery Award from the American Lung Association funds highly innovative research projects that aim to significantly improve the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and understanding of lung cancer. This award encourages novel concepts and transformative approaches, including basic biology, host and tumor genetics, screening and prevention strategies, and clinical or translational research. The goal is to accelerate progress in lung cancer research, improve patient care, and reduce lung cancer morbidity and mortality. --- ## Due Dates - September 2026 (anticipated): Letter of Intent deadline - December 2026 (anticipated): Full application deadline *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Up to $100,000 per year for a maximum of 2 years (total up to $200,000) - No indirect costs (overhead) permitted - Maximum 75% of the requested budget may be used for the PI’s salary/fringe - Maximum 30% of the total award budget may be used for permanent equipment - Up to $2,500 per year may be used for travel or publication costs --- ## Eligibility - **Applicant requirements:** - Must hold a doctoral degree and have completed a training fellowship - Must have a full-time faculty or professional appointment at a nonprofit U.S. institution (or equivalent at a U.S.-based nonprofit research institution) - Must be an independent, self-directed researcher - Must be authorized to work in the United States for the entire grant period - May submit only one LOI and one application per cycle; may receive this award only once - Cannot have received direct or indirect funding from the tobacco or e-cigarette industry - **Institution requirements:** - Must be a nonprofit, U.S.-based college, university, or scientific/research institution --- ## Application Process 1. **Letter of Intent (LOI):** - 1-page LOI describing rationale, significance, aims, and approach - Applicant biographical sketch - Proposed budget summary 2. **Full Application (by invitation):** - Project title and summary (general and technical) - Research plan with specific aims and research strategy (max 7 pages) - Budget and justification - Department Head statement (required) - Biosketches for all key personnel - Other support information (active/pending grants) - Institutional and regulatory assurances (IRB/IACUC/IBC as applicable) - Applications and supporting documents must be submitted via [ProposalCentral](https://ProposalCentral.altum.com) 3. **Review:** - Administrative review for eligibility - External peer review based on scientific merit, innovation, investigator qualifications, and project relevance --- ## Additional Information - No indirect costs are allowed. - The PI’s salary/fringe cannot exceed 75% of the budget; equipment costs cannot exceed 30%. - Applicants must disclose all active and pending support; no budgetary overlap allowed. - Projects must comply with federal regulations regarding human subjects, animal use, and biohazards. - A Department Head statement confirming institutional support and applicant status is required. - Resubmission of previously unfunded applications is allowed only once. --- ## External Links - [Program RFP and Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.lung.org/getmedia/b3d26c11-5ca7-4edd-b429-fa85377e5ac5/2025_2026-Lung-Cancer-Discovery-RFP-_v1.pdf) - [American Lung Association Grants & Awards Page](https://www.lung.org/research/awards-and-grants-opportunities) - [ProposalCentral Application Portal](https://ProposalCentral.altum.com) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Info | |------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [info@lung.org](mailto:info@lung.org) \| +1 800-586-4872 | | Application Support | [pcsupport@altum.com](mailto:pcsupport@altum.com) | | Funder Contact Page | [ALA Contact](https://www.lung.org/about-us/contact-us) |

Lung Cancer Discovery Award - American Lung Association

Sign in to see full grant listing