DoW Rare Cancers Idea Development Award
About
Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Rare Cancers Research Program (RCRP) Idea Development Award (IDA) promotes ideas that are ready for further development and have the potential to yield high-impact findings and new avenues of investigation. Distinctive Features: The RCRP encourages applicants to include an exploratory aim or sub-aim to support any necessary discovery-driven research. Preliminary data with disease-specific rationale are required. However, these data do not necessarily need to originate from studies of the proposed rare cancer type(s)/subtype(s) under study. Research should have high potential impact on rare cancers and the patient community.
The DoW Rare Cancers Idea Development Award is designed for researchers and research institutions seeking to advance innovative ideas in rare cancer research. This grant program supports early-stage projects that demonstrate high potential for impact on rare cancer treatment, prevention, and understanding. The award is ideal for researchers who have preliminary data and a clear disease-specific rationale but need additional support to develop their concepts further. The program particularly encourages exploration of new investigative avenues through exploratory aims, allowing for discovery-driven research components. Applicants should note that while preliminary data is required, it doesn't necessarily need to come from studies of the specific rare cancer types being proposed for investigation. This flexibility makes the award accessible to researchers transitioning between cancer types or combining insights from different research areas. The program prioritizes ideas with the potential to yield high-impact findings that could significantly benefit the rare cancer patient community. Researchers with promising early-stage concepts who are ready to move toward more comprehensive investigation should consider applying. For specific eligibility requirements, funding amounts, and detailed application procedures, applicants are encouraged to consult the official Department of War program website.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
November 18, 2026
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Funding Range
Amount varies by cycle; consult official website
Deadline
2026-11-18
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual
Best For
Researchers with early-stage rare cancer research ideas, academic institutions, research organizations
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for DoW Rare Cancers Idea Development Award?
Specific eligibility criteria are not listed in the current information available. Typically, such awards support researchers at institutions conducting cancer research. For detailed eligibility requirements, institutional affiliations, citizenship status, and other specific qualifications, please visit the official Department of War Rare Cancers Research Program website or contact the program directly.
How much funding does DoW Rare Cancers Idea Development Award provide?
The specific funding amount for this award cycle has not been provided. Grant amounts may vary by fiscal year and funding availability. Visit the official program website for current FY2026 funding details and budget guidelines.
How do I apply for DoW Rare Cancers Idea Development Award?
Applications typically involve submitting a research proposal that includes preliminary data with disease-specific rationale, project objectives, and an exploratory aim or sub-aim to support discovery-driven research. Detailed application instructions, required forms, submission deadlines, and eligibility documentation requirements are available on the official Department of War Rare Cancers Research Program website. The FY2026 deadline is November 18, 2026.
What can DoW Rare Cancers Idea Development Award funding be used for?
This award supports the development and advancement of innovative ideas in rare cancer research. Funding may be used for research activities that explore new investigative approaches, support exploratory research aims, and advance projects with high potential impact on rare cancers and patient outcomes. For specific allowable uses of funds and budget categories, consult the official program guidelines.
Last updated: July 5, 2026