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

August 7, 2025 (LOI opens) | September 18, 2025 (LOI due) | December 1, 2025 (Full application due)

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

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

Only one application/LOI per applicant per cycle; U.S. nonprofit employment required.

--- ## Description The American Lung Association offers this award to support highly meritorious and innovative research projects that have the potential to significantly improve and transform the diagnostic and therapeutic paradigms in lung cancer. The focus includes advancing understanding of lung cancer in never smokers, investigating EGFR-driven and other genetic forms, and developing novel screening or prevention strategies. The program encourages pioneering approaches in basic biology, genetics, screening, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, with the ultimate goal of accelerating progress in lung cancer research and improving patient care. --- ## Due Dates - **August 7, 2025**: Letter of Intent (LOI) submission opens via [proposalCENTRAL](https://proposalcentral.altum.com/) - **September 18, 2025 (11:59 PM ET)**: LOI submission deadline - **October 23, 2025**: LOI outcome notifications (by invitation only for full application) - **December 1, 2025 (11:59 PM ET)**: Full application deadline (by invitation) - **June 2026**: Outcome notifications sent to applicants - **July 1, 2026**: Research term begins --- ## Funding Amount - **Award Size**: $100,000 per year for up to two years (maximum $200,000 total) - **Duration**: 2 years (contingent on satisfactory progress and availability of funds) - **Budget Restrictions**: - No more than 75% of the requested budget may be used for the awardee’s salary and fringe benefits. - No more than 30% of the total award budget may be used for permanent equipment. - No indirect or overhead costs are permitted. - Up to $2,500 per year may be used for travel or publication costs directly related to the project. - No funds for furniture, computers, facility construction/renovation, honoraria, membership dues, tuition, or secretarial support. --- ## 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 U.S. nonprofit academic or research institution. - Must be an independent, self-directed researcher with institutional support and resources. - Must be authorized to work in the United States; employment expected to continue through the grant period. - Can only submit one LOI/application per annual cycle and may only receive this award once. - Cannot have received direct funding from the tobacco or e-cigarette industry. - **Institution Requirements**: - U.S.-based, nonprofit, and dedicated to scientific/educational purposes. - Eligible institutions include nonprofit colleges, universities, and domestic nonprofit scientific/research institutions. --- ## Application Process 1. **Letter of Intent (LOI)** (required): - 1-page summary (rationale/significance, specific aims/hypotheses, approach) - Applicant biographical sketch (NIH-format, max 5 pages) - Proposed budget - Submit via [proposalCENTRAL](https://proposalcentral.altum.com/) by September 18, 2025 2. **Full Application** (by invitation): - Detailed research plan, budget, biosketches for key personnel, department head statement, and supporting documents - Compliance with human subjects, animal use, and biohazard assurances as applicable - Institutional and applicant certifications (employment, conflict of interest, etc.) - Submission via [proposalCENTRAL](https://proposalcentral.altum.com/) 3. **Peer Review**: - External peer review considers scientific merit, innovation, feasibility, applicant qualifications, and relevance to the Lung Association’s mission. --- ## Additional Information - Only one application or LOI per applicant per cycle; applying for multiple American Lung Association grants in the same cycle results in disqualification. - Award recipients may not hold more than one American Lung Association grant at a time. - Resubmission of previously unfunded applications is allowed once. - No indirect or overhead costs allowed. - Institutional commitment and department head letter are required. - For complete guidelines, see the [2025–2026 RFP (PDF)](https://www.lung.org/getmedia/b3d26c11-5ca7-4edd-b429-fa85377e5ac5/2025_2026-Lung-Cancer-Discovery-RFP-_v1.pdf). --- ## External Links - [American Lung Association Awards & Grants Opportunities](https://www.lung.org/research/awards-and-grants-opportunities) - [2025–2026 Lung Cancer Discovery Award RFP (PDF)](https://www.lung.org/getmedia/b3d26c11-5ca7-4edd-b429-fa85377e5ac5/2025_2026-Lung-Cancer-Discovery-RFP-_v1.pdf) - [proposalCENTRAL Application Portal](https://proposalcentral.altum.com/) - [Research Awards & Grants FAQ](https://www.lung.org/research/awards-and-grants-opportunities/faq) - [Terms and Conditions (PDF)](https://www.lung.org/getmedia/9a72f10c-d8bc-4f1a-9669-3d257ee801d9/2026-2028-American-Lung-Association-Award-Terms-and-Conditions.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Details | |----------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------| | General program or eligibility questions | [research@lung.org](mailto:research@lung.org) | | Technical/application support (proposalCENTRAL) | [pcsupport@altum.com](mailto:pcsupport@altum.com) or 1-800-875-2562 | | American Lung Association main line | 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) | | Funder contact page | [ALA Contact Page](https://www.lung.org/about-us/contact-us) | ---

Lung Cancer Discovery Award

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