Community Partnership Program

The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute’s Community Partnership Program (CPP) is offering funding through its 2025-2 Request for Proposals (RFP), released in July 2025. This initiative was created to cultivate lasting partnerships with communities across Oregon and to support projects that address cancer-related needs identified by those communities. The CPP provides funding across the entire cancer continuum, from prevention and early detection to survivorship. A strong emphasis is placed on reducing cancer-related health disparities, particularly among historically underserved populations. Applicants are encouraged to use evidence-based approaches and demonstrate commitment to equity. CPP funding is structured across three tiers: Tier 1 (Define Need) offers up to $15,000 to identify and prioritize local cancer issues through assessments and coalition-building; Tier 2 (Develop and Pilot) offers up to $30,000 for the small-scale implementation of evidence-based or newly developed interventions; and Tier 3 (Evaluate and Sustain) provides up to $60,000 to evaluate previously piloted efforts and prepare them for long-term sustainability. Each tier is designed to progressively build the capacity of community organizations and support them in advancing cancer control within their communities. Eligible applicants include individuals affiliated with community-based organizations, non-profits, schools, health systems, businesses, and government bodies. Academic institutions may apply only in partnership with a community-based organization. OHSU employees and divisions are ineligible, and proposed projects must not directly benefit OHSU or its departments. Organizations may apply for multiple grants per cycle, provided there is no overlap in project objectives. However, an individual may only hold two active CPP grants concurrently, and no more than three grants in Tiers 2 and 3 may be awarded for a single project concept. The application process consists of three main steps. Interested applicants must first submit an online Intent to Apply form by August 8, 2025, at noon. A full proposal is due by September 5, 2025, at noon. An information session will be held on July 22, 2025. All proposals must include required forms such as a budget and justification, and Tier 2 and 3 applicants must submit a project objectives and timeline template. Letters of support from collaborators are recommended for Tier 1 and required for Tiers 2 and 3. Proposals must align with the goals and scope of the program and comply with spending restrictions. Human subjects research must receive Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval before funding can be released. Funded applicants will receive notification in late November 2025. A project preparation period will begin immediately afterward, which includes a required grantee orientation and technical assistance in evaluation planning and IRB preparation. All grantees must attend the CPP Grantee Conference scheduled for October 29–30, 2025, at Sunriver Resort. Grantees will also participate in mid-year check-ins and are expected to submit a final project report within 30 days after project completion. The grant period lasts one year. For additional information, visit www.ohsuknightcancer.com/community-grants or contact KnightCancerCRO@ohsu.edu or 503-418-8077. CPP offers extensive resources including webinars, planning guides, and evaluation support to help applicants strengthen their proposals and increase their impact in local communities across Oregon.