DoW Rare Cancers Resource and Community Development Award
About
Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Rare Cancers Research Program (RCRP) Resource and Community Development Award (RCDA) supports the development of research resources and clinical or preclinical datasets that will advance the field of rare cancers research and ultimately improve outcomes for individuals with rare cancers. Research supporting this funding opportunity should fill one of the following major gaps: Lack of research and clinical resources, including patient tissues, cell and tumor models. Lack of communication and dissemination strategies within scientific and patient communities for sharing rare cancers research and clinical findings. Lack of infrastructure for sharing data and other resources. Lack of therapeutics and mechanistic research to inform treatment development. Distinctive Features: Documentation of plans for engagement and partnerships with Patient Advocates throughout the life cycle of the research study from development of the research question through execution of the study. Community building and enhancement are key components. A description of the dissemination and sustainability of the platform for scientific and/or clinical and patient community is required. Preliminary data are not required but may be included to address feasibility.
The DoW Rare Cancers Resource and Community Development Award (RCDA) is a federal grant opportunity designed for researchers, institutions, and organizations working to advance rare cancer research and improve outcomes for patients with rare cancers. This funding supports the development of critical research infrastructure, resources, and datasets that address major gaps in the rare cancers field. Specifically, the award funds initiatives focused on creating patient tissues, cell and tumor models, establishing communication and dissemination strategies within scientific and patient communities, building infrastructure for data and resource sharing, and supporting therapeutics and mechanistic research to inform treatment development. What makes this opportunity unique is its emphasis on community engagement and partnership with patient advocates throughout the entire research lifecycle. Researchers applying for this award must demonstrate plans for meaningful patient advocate involvement from the research question development phase through study execution. Additionally, applicants are required to describe how their platform will be disseminated and sustained for both the scientific and patient communities, making community building a central component. While preliminary data is not required, it may be included to demonstrate feasibility. This is an excellent opportunity for research institutions, academic medical centers, and organizations committed to filling critical gaps in rare cancer research while building stronger connections between researchers and patient communities.
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 program announcement
Deadline
2026-11-18
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual (FY2026 deadline: November 18, 2026)
Best For
Research institutions, academic medical centers, and organizations developing rare cancer research resources and infrastructure with strong patient community engagement components
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the DoW Rare Cancers Resource and Community Development Award?
Specific eligibility criteria are not provided in the available information. For detailed eligibility requirements, including organizational type, institutional affiliations, and researcher qualifications, please visit the official Department of War (DoW) or relevant federal agency website managing this grant program.
How much funding does the DoW Rare Cancers Resource and Community Development Award provide?
The specific funding amount for this award varies and is not specified in the current information available. For details on award amounts and funding ranges for FY2026, please consult the official grant announcement and application guidelines on the administering agency's website.
How do I apply for the DoW Rare Cancers Resource and Community Development Award?
To apply, visit the official website of the administering federal agency for complete application instructions, required documentation, submission procedures, and deadlines. The application deadline for FY2026 is November 18, 2026. Ensure you review all eligibility requirements and submission guidelines before preparing your application.
What can DoW Rare Cancers Resource and Community Development Award funding be used for?
Funding supports developing research resources and clinical or preclinical datasets that advance rare cancers research. Allowable uses include: creating patient tissues, cell and tumor models; developing communication and dissemination strategies for sharing research and clinical findings; building infrastructure for data and resource sharing; and supporting therapeutics and mechanistic research to inform treatment development. All projects must include documented plans for patient advocate engagement and demonstrate sustainability and dissemination plans for the scientific and patient communities.
Last updated: July 5, 2026