Discovery Boost Grants (DBG)
Grant Overview
Discovery Boost Grants (DBG) support high-risk, high-reward exploratory cancer research across the research continuum. Investigators may focus on developing research methodologies, establishing feasibility, or leading pilot tests.
It is expected that preliminary data generated from a completed DBG will have the potential to secure additional grant funding to further the research and open new and highly innovative areas for investigation.
Eligibility
You are eligible to submit a proposal if you:
- Work at a US academic institution or eligible non-profit
- Have an independent faculty appointment
Grant Term and Budget
Discovery Boost Grants are funded up to $135,000 per year for up to 2 years, plus 10% indirect costs. The maximum allowable budget is $297,000 for a 2-year project period.
Application Deadlines
The American Cancer Society will not offer the standard Discovery Boost Grant mechanism during the Winter 2026 grant cycle. Applications may be submitted in response to active DBG RFAs only. An application that does not align with the scientific scope of an active DBG RFA will be withdrawn. Since its launch in 2022, the program has supported 130 high risk, high reward exploratory projects totaling $38.54 million, underscoring its important role in advancing innovative cancer research. This temporary pause will allow us to refine the mechanism so it can more precisely align with emerging research priorities. We look forward to sharing updates on the next evolution of this mechanism in upcoming cycles.
