Discovery Boost Grants

The American Cancer Society (ACS) provides an array of research grants under its Extramural Discovery Science Department, supporting the organization's mission to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support. The ACS aims to eliminate disparities in access to care and outcomes through initiatives that support diverse investigators, institutions, and populations. The grant mechanisms include Research Scholar Grants, Institutional Research Grants, Discovery Boost Grants, Mission Boost Grants, Clinician Scientist Development Grants, Postdoctoral Fellowships, and the ACS Professor Award. Grant applicants must use the ProposalCentral portal to apply, and deadlines are biannual, with electronic applications due by June 1 and December 1 each year. Applications require e-signatures and must include several components such as general audience summaries, technical abstracts, statements of cancer relevance, alignment with ACS research priorities, and full budget details. Institutions must also demonstrate commitment to supporting the PI's research program, space, and salary. Detailed letters of support from collaborators and department chairs are required. Applicants are expected to demonstrate that their proposed work will advance cancer-related science, with emphasis on projects that fill gaps in knowledge or service to underserved populations. Special attention is given to early-career researchers, including requirements that some programs support pilot projects and provide structured mentorship. Indirect costs are limited to 10% for most grants, and tuition for students is not covered. Funding amounts vary based on the grant type. For example, Research Scholar Grants offer a maximum of $946,000 over four years, with annual caps of $215,000 in direct costs plus 10% indirect costs. Discovery Boost Grants support up to $297,000 over two years, and Mission Boost Grants may offer $599,500 over 18 months for Stage II projects. Specific expectations are outlined for how these funds can be used, and institutional supplements are required for certain programs, like the Institutional Research Grants. Proposals must include complete and accurate biographical information for all key personnel, compliance assurances, and structured descriptions of institutional resources and commitments. The ACS strongly encourages applicants from historically underrepresented groups and requires institutions to report demographic data. Grants are not typically awarded if there is overlap with other funded proposals. Applicants can contact the ACS at grants@cancer.org or by phone at 1-800-227-2345. Technical issues with the ProposalCentral system should be directed to its support line at 1-800-875-2562. The open date for each grant cycle is January, with a final submission deadline of June 1 or December 1 depending on the round. If a deadline falls on a holiday or weekend, it is extended to the next business day. Notifications of funding decisions are typically made several months after submission, and award start dates are April 1 or October 1 following each cycle.