Ten oncology funding opportunities this cycle prioritize projects that translate strong ideas into measurable outcomes. The programs emphasize early‑stage studies, clinician‑scientist and early‑career development, implementation in real clinical settings, precision diagnostics, computational oncology, immunotherapy and platform development, and improvements in radiation, surgical and multimodal care. Several calls also target pediatric oncology, survivorship and palliative services, and capacity building in resource‑limited settings. Most funders favor focused proposals with realistic plans, the right collaborators, and budgets proportional to the work.
1. American Brain Tumor Association Medical Student Summer Fellowships
Short‑term stipends for medical students conducting primary brain tumor research under an experienced mentor. Projects may be basic, translational, or clinical but must focus on primary brain tumors. Eligible applicants are enrolled medical students (generally first–third year) with institutional approvals and an ABTA‑eligible mentor. The award supports 8–12 weeks of full‑time summer research; funds are paid per ABTA policy. Application deadline: January 14, 2026; fellowship term: Summer 2026. More information: funder program page.
2. Sontag Foundation Distinguished Scientist Award — Brain Cancer
Major career‑development award for early‑career faculty in the U.S. and Canada pursuing ambitious, high‑impact brain cancer research (mechanistic, translational, or platform work). Applicants should have first independent faculty appointments in the eligible window and a strong track record in brain tumor research. Award: USD 750,000 over five years (USD 150,000 per year), inclusive of allowable indirect costs. Application deadline: March 18, 2026 (11:59 pm ET); awards announced fall 2026. More information: funder program page.
3. Leukemia Research Foundation New Investigator Grant Program
Seed funding to accelerate early independent investigators studying leukemia or myelodysplastic syndromes. Eligible applicants are within seven years of their first faculty appointment (adjustments for career interruptions possible), must hold independent faculty positions at non‑profit institutions, and may not have active major grants ≥ $175,000/year. The award provides up to USD 150,000 over two years for direct research expenses (no indirect costs). LOI deadline: February 6, 2026 (noon CT). Project term: July 1, 2026–June 30, 2028. More information: funder program page.
4. AACR‑EMD Serono “I’M IN” Oncodisparity Fellowship for Bladder Cancer
One‑year postdoctoral fellowship supporting research on disparities in bladder cancer care. Open to postdocs and clinical research fellows within five years of their doctoral degree; applicants must have a confirmed position and mentor by July 2026. Award: USD 65,000 for salary and benefits (with limited support for supplies and travel); no indirect costs. Full application deadline: February 24, 2026 (1:00 pm ET); fellowship term: July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027. More information: funder program page.
5. American Cancer Society Catalyst Award
One‑year bridge funding for early‑career independent investigators whose ACS Research Scholar Grant or NCI R01 proposals scored well but were not funded, to enable data collection for resubmission. Applicants must meet ACS RSG eligibility and hold a full‑time independent faculty position at a U.S. institution. Award: USD 150,000 in direct costs for one year (no indirect costs). Full application deadline: January 5, 2026 via ProposalCentral; award notifications expected by March 2026; term begins May 1, 2026. More information: funder program page.
6. Lustgarten Foundation Innovation & Collaboration Program
Multi‑year collaborative grants for high‑impact pancreatic cancer research focused on biology, early detection, prevention, or therapy. Independent investigators at non‑profit institutions worldwide may apply; multidisciplinary, multi‑PI, and multi‑institution projects are encouraged. Typical funding is multi‑year with budgets in the low six‑figure range per year (see current RFA for caps and allowable costs). Full proposal deadline: January 5, 2026; award start mid‑2026. More information: funder program page.
7. NCCN Foundation Young Investigator Award Program
Two‑year awards for early‑career clinicians and scientists at NCCN Member Institutions to support independent cancer research and transition to research independence. Applicants must be nominated by their NCCN center, hold first full‑time faculty appointments at an NCCN member institution, and have institutional support and a committed mentor. Award: USD 150,000 over two years; indirect costs allowed up to 8%. Final application deadline to NCCN: January 21, 2026 (5:00 pm ET); award term typically mid‑2026 to mid‑2028. More information: funder program page.
8. American Heart Association Data Grant on CKM Syndrome in Cancer Patients and Survivors
Cardio‑oncology data grants supporting analyses of real‑world datasets to study cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic (CKM) disease in people with current or prior cancer. Independent investigators with access to suitable datasets are eligible; multidisciplinary teams are encouraged. Budgets and duration follow AHA RFP limits; indirect costs capped per AHA policy. LOI deadline: January 19, 2026; full application (by invitation) deadline: March 23, 2026; earliest start date: August 1, 2026. More information: funder program page.
9. UC Cancer Research Coordinating Committee Faculty Seed Grants
One‑year internal seed grants for University of California faculty to pursue new cancer research across the continuum, intended to generate preliminary data for larger external awards. Eligible applicants are Academic Senate faculty at UC campuses; categories include New Assistant Professor and Regular faculty. Awards are modest six‑figure seed grants with specific caps and indirect cost policies in the annual RFP. LOI deadline: January 22, 2026 (12:00 noon Pacific); full proposal (by invitation) deadline: April 2, 2026 (12:00 noon Pacific); award start early 2027. More information: funder program page.
10. AACR‑Mark Foundation Chemistry in Cancer Research Grants
Three‑year grants to support chemistry‑driven cancer research, including medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, molecular imaging and diagnostics. Applicants must hold independent research positions (assistant professor or higher) and be able to lead the project. AACR membership required by the LOI deadline. Award: USD 435,000 over 36 months (approx. USD 145,000 per year) with up to 10% indirect costs allowed. LOI deadline: December 16, 2025 (1:00 pm ET); LOI decisions March 2026; invited full proposals due in spring 2026; award start September 1, 2026. More information: funder program page.
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