DoW Breast Cancer, Breakthrough Award Levels 1 and 2
About
Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) Breakthrough Award mechanism supports promising research with high potential to lead to or make breakthroughs in breast cancer. All applications must address at least one of the FY26 BCRP overarching challenges or provide adequate justification for exception. Applications must address the challenge in a way that can lead to a breakthrough and have major impact. The FY26 Breakthrough Award mechanism contains four different funding levels designed to support major (but not all) stages of research that will lead to clinical application. Each level specifies a distinct research scope. This program announcement discusses the Breakthrough Award Levels 1 and 2. Distinctive Features: · This funding mechanism allows for applications submitted under Funding Level 1 or Funding Level 2. Funding Level 2 also includes a Population Science Studies option. With compelling justification, population science studies may request higher levels of funding and an additional year in the period of performance. · This funding mechanism allows for a single Principal Investigator (PI), or two partnering PIs referred to as the Initiating PI and the Partnering PI. For the Partnering PI Option (PPIO), only the Initiating PI will submit a pre-application, but both PIs will need to submit at the full application stage. Be advised, failure to submit all associated (Initiating and Partnering PI) applications by the deadline may result i.
The DoW Breast Cancer Breakthrough Award Levels 1 and 2 is a federal research funding program designed to support promising breast cancer research with exceptional potential to achieve breakthrough discoveries and clinical impact. This program is ideal for research teams and investigators committed to advancing breast cancer treatment, prevention, or understanding through innovative science. The Breakthrough Award mechanism provides multiple funding levels to support research at various stages of development, from early-stage concepts through translational work leading to clinical application. Applicants must address at least one of the FY26 Breast Cancer Research Program's overarching challenges or provide compelling justification for pursuing alternative directions. The program uniquely supports both single Principal Investigator and dual PI partnership models, enabling collaborative research approaches. With a submission deadline of July 8, 2026, this is an excellent opportunity for academic institutions, research centers, and qualified organizations to secure substantial federal funding for transformative breast cancer research. The program's emphasis on breakthrough potential means reviewers seek bold, innovative approaches that could significantly advance the field and ultimately improve patient outcomes. Researchers addressing critical gaps in breast cancer science should prioritize this competitive opportunity.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
July 8, 2026
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Funding Range
Varies by funding level; specific amounts not publicly detailed
Deadline
2026-07-08
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual with pre-application and full application stages
Best For
Academic institutions, research hospitals, and nonprofit organizations conducting innovative breast cancer research with breakthrough potential
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for DoW Breast Cancer, Breakthrough Award Levels 1 and 2?
Specific eligibility criteria are not detailed in the available program information. Typically, federal research grants support academic institutions, research hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and other research-performing entities. For complete eligibility requirements, including any restrictions based on institution type, researcher credentials, or citizenship status, consult the official DoW Breast Cancer Research Program announcement or contact the awarding agency directly.
How much funding does DoW Breast Cancer, Breakthrough Award Levels 1 and 2 provide?
Specific funding amounts for Levels 1 and 2 are not provided in the available information. The program offers distinct funding levels designed for different research scopes and stages. Population Science Studies applications under Level 2 may request higher funding with extended project periods. For precise funding ranges and budget limits, review the official program announcement or contact the DoW Breast Cancer Research Program.
How do I apply for DoW Breast Cancer, Breakthrough Award Levels 1 and 2?
Applications follow a two-stage process. The Initiating PI submits a pre-application first. For the Partnering PI Option, only the Initiating PI submits the pre-application, but both PIs must submit full applications by the deadline (July 8, 2026). Failure to submit all associated applications by the deadline may result in rejection. Applicants should review the official FY26 BCRP Breakthrough Award program announcement for submission instructions, formatting requirements, and component details on the official DoW website.
What can DoW Breast Cancer, Breakthrough Award Levels 1 and 2 funding be used for?
This funding supports breast cancer research demonstrating high potential for breakthrough discoveries and clinical impact. Projects must address at least one FY26 BCRP overarching challenge (with justified exceptions possible) and propose research capable of generating major scientific advances. The program funds research across multiple stages leading to clinical application, including basic science, translational research, and population science studies. Consult the official program announcement for specific allowable costs and research focus areas.
Last updated: July 5, 2026