Cancer Center Support Grants (CCSGs) for NCI-designated Cancer Centers (P30 Clinical Trial Optional)

The Cancer Center Support Grants (CCSGs) for NCI-designated Cancer Centers, announced under opportunity number PAR-26-149, are administered by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. As a forecasted opportunity, this funding initiative reflects NCI’s ongoing mission to support institutional infrastructure that enables high-impact cancer research across the United States. The program provides grant funding under the P30 mechanism, which is designed to support the shared resources and administrative infrastructure required to facilitate multidisciplinary, collaborative cancer research at NCI-designated Cancer Centers. This NOFO supports three distinct types of NCI-Designated Cancer Centers: Comprehensive Cancer Centers, Clinical Cancer Centers, and Basic Cancer Centers. Comprehensive Cancer Centers are expected to demonstrate significant research strength across three primary areas: basic laboratory research, clinical research, and population-based research including prevention and control. Clinical Cancer Centers should show depth in one or more of these domains, with emphasis on translational research. Basic Cancer Centers are primarily engaged in foundational laboratory science related to cancer. Each Center type must demonstrate integration across disciplines and leverage institutional strengths to support a unified cancer research enterprise. The goal of this funding opportunity is to promote the integration of meritorious cancer research, encourage coordination with other NCI-funded initiatives, and disseminate research findings to broader communities. Centers funded under this mechanism are expected to act as engines of discovery in cancer biology, diagnostics, therapeutics, and prevention. They must contribute to the national cancer research agenda by developing shared research resources, facilitating scientific collaboration, and accelerating progress from laboratory discoveries to clinical application. Importantly, while this opportunity does not require cost sharing or matching contributions from applicants, it does emphasize collaboration and the establishment of shared infrastructure. The grant supports administrative, organizational, and core facilities needed to promote interdisciplinary cancer research programs. Specific allowable costs are not detailed in the forecast, but prior CCSG programs have typically supported core services, programmatic integration, pilot projects, and community outreach capabilities. Eligible applicants for this opportunity include a wide range of public and private institutions such as universities, nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, tribal organizations, and for-profit entities including small businesses. There are no geographical restrictions listed, indicating national eligibility. Applicants must submit complete applications by January 25, 2027, with awards expected by December 1, 2027, and the project period beginning on the same date. As a forecasted opportunity, the estimated posting date is November 1, 2026, and the program is anticipated to recur annually thereafter. Submissions will be made through Grants.gov, following standard NIH application procedures. While no pre-application requirements are listed in this forecast, applicants should expect to include standard P30 components such as evidence of transdisciplinary research integration, description of shared resources, and strategies for collaboration with other NCI-funded entities. The program contact is the Office of Cancer Centers at the NCI, reachable by phone at 240-276-5600 or via email at [email protected]. Applicants are encouraged to monitor Grants.gov for updates as the opportunity approaches its estimated release date.