Implementation and Outcomes Research Grant

The Implementation and Outcomes Research Cycle 2 grant, offered through the Andy Hill Cancer Research Endowment (CARE) Fund, supports innovative cancer research initiatives in Washington State. Established by the Washington State Legislature in 2015, the CARE Fund functions as a public-private partnership focused on advancing cancer research. Its mission emphasizes leveraging state resources, attracting private investment through required matching funds, and promoting developments in the biotech, medical device, and health information technology sectors. This grant program prioritizes funding for research that has the potential to enhance health outcomes for the people of Washington and stimulate local economic growth. The primary goal of this grant opportunity is to help researchers translate promising scientific discoveries into tangible tools, devices, technologies, therapeutics, or interventions that improve cancer care and outcomes. Eligible projects should focus on areas across the cancer control continuum—ranging from prevention and early detection to treatment and survivorship. Ideal proposals will concentrate on implementation or late-stage translational research, particularly those closer to launching interventions or evaluating their efficacy through quantifiable outcomes. Applicants are strongly encouraged to involve clinical investigators in their research teams, especially if the project includes work with human subjects. Funding amounts range from $250,000 to $1,500,000 over a project period of up to two years, inclusive of direct and indirect costs. A one-to-one (1:1) match of non-state funds is required. At least 75% of both the CARE Fund grant and matching funds must be spent on research activities in Washington. Projects with collaborations outside the state are allowed, but no more than 25% of funds may be used outside Washington. Eligible expenses include capital equipment essential for research, with indirect costs capped at either the current federally negotiated rate or 30%, whichever is higher. Payments are made on a reimbursement basis, typically annually. Eligible applicants include organizations with a substantial presence in Washington such as companies, higher education institutions, research organizations, local health jurisdictions, tribal governments and entities, nonprofit institutions, and Urban Indian Organizations. Each organization may submit up to five applications per cycle, but individual principal investigators may submit only one. CARE Fund will assess eligibility based on factors including staffing, incorporation, registration, and physical presence in the state. Applications must be submitted by August 6, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time, through the CARE Fund grants management system. The grant portal opened on June 4, 2025. A Q&A period is available until July 7, 2025, with final responses posted around July 14, 2025. Awards will be announced in March 2026, followed by execution of award agreements in April and project starts in May. The full review process includes a CARE Fund administrative screening, independent scientific peer review by the American Institute of Biological Sciences (or equivalent), and final CARE Board decision-making. Proposals will be evaluated on four factors: importance of the research, rigor and feasibility, team expertise, and institutional resources. Criteria include project significance, innovation, reproducibility, appropriate inclusion plans for clinical trials, and feasibility of the proposed approach. Additional administrative requirements include intellectual property reporting, confidentiality under Washington’s Public Records Act, and public acknowledgement of the CARE Fund as a sponsor. All inquiries should be directed to grants@wacarefund.org.

Proposals should involve clinical investigators when applicable and be well-aligned with CARE Fund objectives and review criteria.