Cancer Research Discovery Grants

The Discovery Grants for Cancer Research program is offered by the Kuni Foundation, a private philanthropic organization focused on advancing impactful health and community initiatives. The foundation emphasizes bold, collaborative, and equity-focused cancer research, recognizing that meaningful breakthroughs often require risk-taking alongside continued refinement of existing approaches. Through this program, the foundation supports both early-stage and established research efforts aimed at improving cancer detection, treatment, and patient outcomes, with a strong emphasis on addressing disparities and increasing access for underserved populations. The primary purpose of the grant is to fund innovative cancer research projects that expand understanding of cancer development and progression, support translational work approaching clinical trials, and address systemic inequities in care and research participation. The program prioritizes projects that focus on rare or under-resourced cancers, as well as those that actively work to dismantle barriers to participation among marginalized communities. Collaborative, multi-institutional efforts are strongly encouraged, particularly those that promote data sharing and cross-disciplinary approaches, though leadership must be based in Washington or Oregon. Funding can be used for a variety of research-related activities, including equipment purchases, information technology, data systems, and capacity building. However, certain costs are explicitly disallowed, including travel, meals, and conference participation unless pre-approved. The program also enforces an indirect cost cap of 10 percent. Grants may be awarded for one year or extended up to three years, with funding available up to 350000 dollars per year and a maximum of 1050000 dollars over the full grant period. Eligibility is limited to organizations that are either registered 501c3 nonprofits or public institutions with a primary focus on cancer research or a dedicated cancer research division. Applicants must be located in and directly serve residents of Washington or Oregon. While collaboration with organizations outside the region is permitted, the principal investigator must be based within the eligible geographic area. The foundation explicitly excludes funding for individuals, fundraising events, capital campaigns, debt reduction, tuition assistance, and organizations that engage in discriminatory practices. The application process follows a structured, multi փուլ format beginning with a required project brief submission. Applicants must submit a concise project abstract of up to two pages detailing objectives, methodology, leadership roles, collaboration, evaluation plans, and funding request. Selected applicants are then invited to submit a full proposal. The application includes detailed organizational, financial, and programmatic questions covering project goals, budget, leadership, implementation strategy, outcomes, and evaluation metrics. The timeline for the program begins with the application opening on July 8, 2026, followed by a project brief deadline on August 10, 2026. Invitations for full proposals are issued on September 3, 2026, with full proposals due by October 16, 2026. Final funding decisions are communicated on December 1, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to contact the foundation directly with questions via the provided email address. The program appears to follow an annual cycle based on the structured schedule and typical grant cadence.

Emphasize collaborative multi institutional research; demonstrate equity focus and impact on underserved populations; highlight innovation and readiness for next stage research; clearly define measurable outcomes and evaluation methods