Comprehensive Partnerships to Advance Cancer Health (CPACH) (U54 Clinical Trial Optional)

The Comprehensive Partnerships to Advance Cancer Health (CPACH) program is a forecasted funding opportunity announced by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically through the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The NIH, as the primary medical research agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, supports initiatives aimed at advancing biomedical research and public health. Within NIH, NCI plays a leading role in cancer research, treatment, prevention, and outreach. Through this program, NCI continues its mission of addressing disparities in cancer research and improving cancer outcomes across diverse populations. The CPACH program is designed to establish and sustain long-term partnerships between Resource Limited Institutions (RLIs) and NCI-designated Cancer Centers (CCs). These partnerships are intended to be comprehensive, mutually beneficial, and strategically focused on strengthening the national cancer research ecosystem. The aim is not only to expand the capacity for research at RLIs but also to improve the national ability to address cancer health disparities. The program also emphasizes outreach and engagement efforts that address social, behavioral, and biological drivers of differences in cancer outcomes across populations. The scope of funding under this opportunity includes a wide range of cancer-related research activities. This includes cancer biology, detection, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control. Additionally, the program supports workforce development in cancer research and provides mechanisms for RLIs and CCs to build stronger infrastructure to conduct innovative studies. As a cooperative agreement (U54), this funding mechanism anticipates substantial involvement by NIH staff in the planning, management, and execution of funded projects. This structure ensures alignment with national priorities in cancer research and optimizes the collaborative potential between RLIs and CCs. The forecast anticipates up to twelve awards to be made under this opportunity. While the award floor has been set at $850,000 per year, the ceiling and total program funding amounts have not yet been specified and remain to be confirmed. Matching or cost-sharing requirements are not applicable, allowing applicants to focus resources on programmatic development and research activities. Eligible applicants include a broad range of organizations such as nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, public and private higher education institutions, state and local governments, small and large businesses, tribal organizations, and federal agencies. Additional eligible entities include U.S. territories, faith-based or community-based organizations, and regional organizations, reflecting the program’s inclusive reach. The forecasted timeline provides key dates for applicants to plan their submissions. The estimated posting date is November 28, 2025, with an application due date of January 16, 2026. Awards are anticipated to be announced on September 1, 2026, with funded projects beginning on the same date. At present, no pre-application or letter of intent requirements have been identified, though applicants should closely monitor for updates once the opportunity transitions from forecasted to active status. Since this is a recurring NCI partnership program, it is likely that similar opportunities may be issued in subsequent years to maintain ongoing partnerships. Applicants seeking further clarification are directed to contact the designated program officer. The point of contact is Dr. Sandra San Miguel-Majors, DrPH, MS, who can be reached via phone at 240-276-5977 or by email at ncicpachU54@mail.nih.gov. This ensures that interested institutions have direct access to NIH staff for inquiries related to eligibility, application preparation, or program goals. With its broad eligibility scope, emphasis on collaborative partnerships, and focus on reducing disparities in cancer outcomes, the CPACH program represents a significant federal investment in the future of cancer research and outreach in the United States.