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American Association For Cancer Research Foundation

Annual Giving
$8.0M
Grant Range
$55K - $0.5M
Decision Time
2mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $8 million (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: 1-3 months after application deadline
  • Grant Range: $55,000 - $450,000
  • Geographic Focus: International (US and 50+ countries)

Contact Details

Website: www.aacr.org

Email:

Phone: 215-440-9300

Address: 615 Chestnut St., 17th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106-4404

Overview

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Foundation, founded in 1907, is the philanthropic arm of the AACR and the first and largest cancer research organization in the world. Since 1993, the AACR has awarded more than $542 million in grants to over 3,400 scientists supporting meritorious research projects across the spectrum of cancer science, including basic, translational, clinical, and population research. In 2024, the AACR Grants Program distributed more than $8 million to support 50 meritorious research projects. Under the leadership of CEO Margaret Foti, PhD, MD (hc), who has served for over 42 years, the AACR targets innovative science that has the potential to have a major impact in the fight against cancer, supporting researchers at all career levels domestically and abroad. The organization has received the 2024 Beacon Award for Women Leaders in Oncology recognizing Dr. Foti's transformative leadership.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The AACR offers multiple grant streams with varying amounts and durations:

Career Development Awards:

  • AACR Career Development Awards to Foster Diversity and Inclusion: $300,000 over 3 years
  • AACR-Think Forward Foundation Career Development Award: $300,000 over 3 years
  • Breast Cancer Research Foundation-AACR Career Development Awards: $150,000 over 2 years

Independent Research Grants:

  • Breast Cancer Research Foundation-AACR NextGen Grant for Transformative Cancer Research: $450,000 over 3 years
  • Various other grants ranging from $55,000 to $400,000 over 2-3 years

Fellowship Programs:

  • Grants for postdoctoral and clinical fellows supporting research training and career development

Applications are submitted through ProposalCentral online portal. Most opportunities become available in the Fall, though grants are offered year-round with rolling and fixed deadlines depending on the specific program.

Priority Areas

The AACR funds research across all cancer types and research domains:

  • Cancer types: Lung, breast, pancreatic, kidney, colorectal, blood cancers, and all other cancer types
  • Research types: Basic, translational, clinical, and population-based research
  • Special focus: Paradigm-shifting cancer research that may not be funded through conventional channels
  • Career stage: Supports researchers from postdoctoral/clinical trainees to independent investigators at all career levels
  • Diversity initiatives: Specific programs to foster diversity and inclusion in cancer research

Supported expenses include salary, benefits, postdoctoral fellows, research supplies, equipment, and publication charges.

What They Don't Fund

  • Tobacco industry funding: Strict policy against accepting any tobacco industry funding for research projects, personnel, equipment, travel, or operating costs
  • Duplicate funding: Projects currently supported by NIH R01 grants or equivalent will not be accepted
  • Ineligible applicants: Postdoctoral or clinical fellows working under a scientific mentor are ineligible for certain independent investigator grants
  • Conflict of interest: Members of Scientific Review Committees cannot apply for specific grant programs

Governance and Leadership

Chief Executive Officer: Margaret Foti, PhD, MD (hc) has served as CEO of the AACR for more than 42 years. Under her visionary leadership, the AACR has grown from a small organization to an international powerhouse. Dr. Foti stated: "This recognition is a testament to the relentless dedication and groundbreaking work of our members and entire team at AACR, as well as our partners in the cancer research community." Her steadfast focus on the AACR's mission continues to drive the field forward towards preventing and curing all cancers.

Scientific Review: The AACR provides fair, rigorous, and transparent peer review through 20 scientific review committees comprised of expert scientists who evaluate applications and select grant recipients.

AACR Foundation Trustees: The AACR Foundation has its own governance structure with trustees who oversee the philanthropic activities supporting the organization's grant-making mission.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

  1. AACR Membership Required: AACR membership is required for most grant opportunities. Nonmembers must submit a satisfactory membership application by the Letter of Intent (LOI) deadline. Membership applications can be submitted online at www.aacr.org.

  2. Review Program Guidelines: Prospective applicants must carefully review all eligibility criteria in the Program Guidelines for each grant before applying. Program guidelines and application instructions are available on the opening date for each funding opportunity.

  3. ProposalCentral Registration: Applications are submitted through ProposalCentral. New users must create an account and complete their Professional Profile before starting an application.

  4. Letter of Intent (Competitive Grants): Many grants require a competitive Letter of Intent submission before the full application. Applicants should carefully read the Competitive Letter of Intent Program Guidelines and Application Instructions for eligibility criteria and submission details.

  5. Full Application Submission: Only invited applicants (for competitive LOI programs) or all eligible applicants (for direct application programs) submit full proposals by the specified deadline.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines vary by program but typically range from 1-3 months after the application deadline:

  • January deadlines: Decisions in March-April (2-3 months)
  • May deadlines: Decisions in June-July (1-2 months)

Notifications are sent via email to applicants.

Success Rates

The AACR does not publicly disclose specific success rate percentages. However, the program is highly competitive, with applications received from the United States and more than 50 other countries evaluated annually. In 2024, 50 grants were awarded from an international applicant pool, demonstrating significant competitiveness. According to AACR reviewers, approximately half of applicants are accepted for workshop programs.

Reapplication Policy

Unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to reapply in subsequent funding cycles. There are no restrictions on reapplication, and the AACR specifically encourages unsuccessful applicants to try again. The organization recognizes that not all applications will be successful on the first attempt and views reapplication positively.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Mission

According to an AACR peer reviewer: "The reviewers always want to be on the side of the applicant," so applications must warrant advocacy from reviewers. Applicants who particularly emphasized how their work fit the mission of the organization received more favorable comments in the significance section. Applications proposing reasonable science that did not fit the mission were counted against applicants for lack of responsiveness to the organization's research interests.

Organization and Clarity

A well-organized proposal demonstrates professionalism and makes it easier for reviewers to assess merit. Present ideas in a coherent and persuasive manner, highlighting the significance of research and its potential impact on cancer treatment and prevention.

Clinical Translation

Applications with established connections with pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies that were based on solid science fared exceptionally well, showing a clear path to the clinic where research would impact patients.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Many successful proposals involve interdisciplinary teams bringing together diverse expertise to tackle complex research questions. Clearly outline each team member's role to demonstrate how their expertise contributes to achieving research objectives.

Guidelines Compliance

Pay close attention to AACR's guidelines and ensure proposals adhere to specific requirements, including formatting, word count, and submission deadlines.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Proposing projects that duplicate currently funded NIH R01 grants
  • Failing to demonstrate alignment with AACR's mission to conquer cancer
  • Submitting incomplete applications or missing eligibility requirements
  • Not following specific program guidelines for each grant type

Handling Rejection

If not funded on the first attempt, carefully review feedback from reviewers. Constructive criticism offers valuable insights into areas for improvement. Start preparing revised proposals well in advance to allow time for revisions and feedback from peers and mentors.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Mission alignment is critical: Explicitly demonstrate how your research fits AACR's mission to conquer cancer through basic, translational, clinical, or population research. Reviewers want to advocate for you but need clear evidence of mission fit.
  • Clinical translation matters: Projects showing clear pathways to clinical impact, especially those with pharmaceutical or biotech partnerships, are viewed favorably by reviewers.
  • AACR membership is required: Ensure membership application is submitted by the LOI deadline - don't let this administrative requirement derail your application.
  • Letter of Intent is competitive: For programs requiring LOIs, invest significant effort as only selected applicants advance to full applications.
  • Interdisciplinary teams strengthen applications: Collaborative proposals with diverse expertise are attractive to reviewers when roles are clearly defined.
  • Reapplication is encouraged: Don't be discouraged by initial rejection - AACR welcomes reapplications and views persistence positively.
  • Start early: Allow ample time for proposal development, peer feedback, and revisions before submission deadlines.

References

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