RFA: ACS - Fanconi Cancer Foundation Discovery Boost Grant
Overview
The American Cancer Society (ACS) and the Fanconi Cancer Foundation (FCF) have partnered to invite proposals for translational cancer research projects that address the unique challenges faced by individuals with Fanconi anemia (FA). FA is a rare inherited disorder caused by mutations in genes critical for DNA repair, including BRCA1 and BRCA2.
This award will support high-risk, high-reward projects with transformative potential—innovative ideas that push the boundaries of current understanding and hold promise for meaningful clinical application. We aim to fund bold translational research that can lead to improved detection, prevention, or treatment of cancers in individuals with FA.
Mark Your Calendar
RFA Release: Sept. 2025
Application Deadline: Dec. 1, 2025
Application Review Period: Feb. - Mar. 2026
Anticipated Notification of Award: Aug. 2026
Anticipated Grant Start Date: Oct. 1, 2026
Scientific Scope
Research must be translational in nature and directly applicable to FA-associated cancers, particularly those influenced by defects in the FA/BRCA DNA repair pathway in people with FA. The proposed project should clearly state how it will advance FA cancer research and lead to clinical benefit for individuals with FA. Applications may come from FA experts or researchers in related cancer biology fields who propose pivoting toward FA-relevant studies. Applications from investigators new to the FA research field should show strong relevance and impact toward the below areas of interest.
Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Early detection technologies and biomarkers for FA-related squamous cell carcinomas
- Mechanisms or interventions to prevent FA-related tumors
- Therapeutic strategies tailored to the FA population’s sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents
- Novel models to study FA tumorigenesis and treatment response
- High-throughput or systems biology approaches to identify FA-specific cancer vulnerabilities
Preference will be given to proposals with a clear translational path for detecting, preventing, or treating cancer in people with FA, including collaborations with clinicians, diagnostic developers, or pharmaceutical partners.
Eligibility
Typically, you are eligible to submit a proposal if you:
- Work at a US academic institution or eligible non-profit
- Are an independent investigator at any career stage with a full-time faculty appointment (or equivalent)
Applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria in the grant policies document.
Term and Budget
Awards are for up to $135,000 direct costs per year for up to 2 years, plus 10% indirect costs. The maximum allowable budget is $297,000 for a 2-year project period.
Program Contact: Doug Hurst, PhD, at doug.hurst@cancer.org
Applications must be submitted through ProposalCentral using the ACS Discovery Boost Grant mechanism. Applicants must select the ACS-Fanconi Cancer Foundation RFA in the designated RFA response space of the application. See the ACS Standard Application Instructions for guidance.
About the Fanconi Cancer Foundation
The Fanconi Cancer Foundation (FCF) is the leading global nonprofit dedicated to advancing research, advocacy, and support for people affected by Fanconi anemia (FA) and associated cancers. FCF has funded over $32 million in research worldwide, driving advances in bone marrow transplant, gene therapy, and cancer prevention. Current initiatives include a FA data commons, global research consortia, and a repository of shared research materials. FCF fosters scientific collaboration, community empowerment, and clinical innovation to improve and extend the lives of individuals with FA.
