Best Grants for Cancer Nonprofits in Hawaii

Hawaii residents who are full-time college juniors, seniors, or graduate students pursuing a science degree at an accredited four-year institution can apply for Hawai'i Community Foundation's Geoffrey Michael Chan Wing Au Scholarship Fund. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and strong academics; those involved with Hawai’i Youth Symphony or engaged in academic cancer research may receive preference.

Cancer and other medical research organizations in Hawaii can seek funding to support basic and clinical studies, including work on cancer, aging-related diseases, heart disease, immunology, genetics, diabetes, and blindness prevention. Grants from Hawai'i Community Foundation also help strengthen local research infrastructure to build long-term capacity benefiting Hawai‘i residents, with awards up to US $60,000.

The Mathers Charitable Foundation Grant focuses on advancing basic scientific research with the potential to transform human health. It supports institutions and investigators in fields such as immunology, cancer biology, and neuroscience while prioritizing impactful, foundational discoveries. The foundation empowers researchers to drive innovative solutions and foster meaningful contributions to science and society. Eligibility includes U.S.-based institutions and principal investigators with equipped labs, while ineligible entities include overseas institutions and private foundations.

Professional elderly blues musicians facing emergency medical or living expenses can receive US $500 in assistance for needs like doctor visits, transportation to treatments, home care, utilities, or burial costs. Pinetop Perkins Foundation provides this support nationwide, and Hawaii artists dealing with cancer or related health crises may be eligible if they meet income and age requirements.

Nonprofit and other eligible U.S.-recognized organizations conducting patient-centered cancer research can apply for up to US $13,000,000 to study comparative clinical effectiveness across the cancer care continuum. With a mission to improve healthcare decisions, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute supports researcher–community partnerships addressing screening barriers, treatment quality, and survivorship needs, including work benefiting Hawaii communities.

Hawaii cancer and health research organizations conducting retrospective comparative clinical effectiveness studies can access funding through the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute to improve patient-centered health decision making. Projects must leverage existing data sources and address at least one topic such as cancer, pain, maternal morbidity and mortality, mental and behavioral health, or rare diseases, with awards up to US $2,000,000.

Cancer research institutions and translational research centers in Hawaii and other U.S. jurisdictions can seek funding to advance organ-specific or biologically related cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. National Institutes of Health SPORE P50 center grants support state-of-the-art, human biology–based translational projects that aim to reach a clinical endpoint within the grant period, including cross-cutting themes like pediatric cancers or epigenetics.

Graduating high school seniors and healthcare professionals pursuing oncology or hematology education in Central or Southern Illinois can receive tuition or professional development support, including certifications and conferences. Heart of Illinois Community Foundation offers this scholarship to eligible applicants residing in Macon, Moultrie, or Piatt County, with applications reviewed monthly through December 1, 2025.

Full-time radiation oncology faculty clinicians conducting cancer research, including those based in Hawaii, can seek multi-year career development support through the ASTRO-ACS Clinician Scientist Development Grant. Focused on cancer and radiation oncology, American Society for Radiation Oncology and American Cancer Society provide US $135,000 annually to help clinician scientists become independent investigators.

Practicing radiation oncologists conducting cancer research in the U.S., including Hawaii, can apply for the ACS-ASTRO Felix Feng, MD Clinician Scientist Development Award, which provides US $729,000 over three to five years for research across the cancer continuum. This American Society for Radiation Oncology partnership supports clinician-scientists advancing oncology care and outcomes.

Hawaii cancer and healthcare organizations, including hospitals, medical schools, patient advocacy groups, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits, can seek funding for programs that provide healthcare information and education. Hawaii cancer nonprofits may be eligible for Incyte support for medical education, patient services, and related initiatives that improve the lives of patients with cancer and other diseases.

Incyte Corporation invites organizations to submit membership requests aimed at enhancing healthcare access for patients and advocates. As a biopharmaceutical leader, Incyte supports initiatives that align with its mission to improve patient lives through grants and contributions. Eligible entities include medical schools, associations, non-profits, and advocacy groups. Requests should comply with Incyte's regulatory standards and be submitted at least 60 days prior to the required decision date.

The 2026 Radiation Oncology Institute- Innovation Awards aim to advance cancer treatment by integrating radiation therapy with immunotherapy. Researchers are invited to submit proposals that explore optimal combinations of these modalities to enhance patient outcomes. Funding of up to $100,000 over two years will support projects focused on identifying effective treatment strategies, understanding mechanisms of synergy, and improving access to care. This initiative represents a significant opportunity for innovative research in oncology.

The Radiation Oncology Institute (ROI) Innovation Awards, offered by the American Society for Radiation Oncology, aim to accelerate innovative ideas in radiation therapy. Currently accepting applications for the 2026 awards, the program focuses on optimizing the combination of radiation therapy and immunotherapy to enhance cancer treatment outcomes. By supporting practical research, ROI strives to transform clinical practices and improve patient care in the fight against cancer.

Pfizer is offering a grant opportunity for independent medical education initiatives focused on Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (MIBC). This program aims to address the current knowledge gaps among healthcare professionals regarding emerging treatment data and its potential impact on clinical practices. By collaborating with Astellas, Pfizer seeks proposals that enhance awareness and understanding of the evolving MIBC landscape, ultimately improving patient outcomes in this critical area of unmet medical need.

The Joyce Bytof Memorial Cancer Survivors Scholarship, established by Joyce Bytof in collaboration with the American Cancer Society, supports childhood cancer survivors graduating from specific Wisconsin high schools. This scholarship aims to assist them in pursuing higher education despite the financial and academic challenges posed by their experiences. Joyce's legacy continues to inspire hope and resilience among young survivors as they strive for academic success and a brighter future.

The AACR-Torrey Coast Foundation Transpacific Gastric and Esophageal Cancer Research Partnership Grant supports innovative research on upper gastrointestinal malignancies, which are responsible for over one million deaths globally in 2023. This grant encourages collaboration between U.S. and Asian institutions, focusing on resistance, metastasis, and novel treatment strategies. Proposals should detail plans for clinical translation and are open to researchers at all career stages, especially those new to upper GI cancer research.

Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Inc supports independent medical education to enhance healthcare professional competence and improve patient health outcomes. Their mission is to be a global leader in innovative medical education, focusing on evidence-based activities that address critical gaps in knowledge. By fostering excellence in healthcare, they aim to ensure measurable improvements in performance and patient outcomes across various disease areas.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites applications for the validation of biomarkers and assays for cancer detection and treatment. This funding opportunity allows for biphasic or monophasic applications to support both analytical and clinical validation phases. Successful projects will leverage human specimens to develop assays that enhance cancer treatment and prevention, ensuring multidisciplinary collaboration among scientists and clinicians. This initiative aims to improve cancer management through reliable and clinically validated tools.

The American Heart Association is seeking proposals to study the prevalence and treatment of cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic diseases among cancer patients and survivors. Given the over 16.7 million cancer survivors in the U.S., this research aims to highlight critical health disparities, identify treatment modalities, and explore shared risk factors. Applications focusing on underrepresented populations and utilizing real-world data sources are especially encouraged, aiming to improve health outcomes in this vulnerable group.

The ASCO Clinical Oncology & Research Experience (ASCO CORE) offers medical students immersive exposure to the field of oncology through shadowing experiences in clinical and research settings. With two distinct tracks, participants can gain insights into patient care or research practices, guided by mentors. Eligible students must be enrolled in a U.S. DO or MD program and maintain a good academic record. This program aims to inspire the next generation of oncology professionals.

Grants Program for Penn Investigators - Faculty Awards

Research grant applications in basic science, prevention, disease interception, and early detection that are relevant to the study of BRCA1/2 will be considered. The Basser Cancer Interception Institute focuses on funding new endeavors in emerging, orthogonal fields beyond DNA damage (e.g. mechanisms of haploinsufficiency, cancer evolution and tissue tropism). 

Grants focused on the following are of particular interest:

• Cancer interception and the pre-cancer disease state
• Issues relevant to men (including but not limited to prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, male breast cancer)
• Potential for translation into clinical practice
• Early detection

Grants that demonstrate a potential for translation into clinical practice will be prioritized for funding.

Faculty Awards

Faculty awards are for two years with a funding level up to $200,000 per year.

Grants Program for Penn Investigators - Early career awards for Fellows, Postdocs and Instructors

Research grant applications in basic science, prevention, disease interception, and early detection that are relevant to the study of BRCA1/2 will be considered. The Basser Cancer Interception Institute focuses on funding new endeavors in emerging, orthogonal fields beyond DNA damage (e.g. mechanisms of haploinsufficiency, cancer evolution and tissue tropism). 

Grants focused on the following are of particular interest:

• Cancer interception and the pre-cancer disease state
• Issues relevant to men (including but not limited to prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, male breast cancer)
• Potential for translation into clinical practice
• Early detection

Grants that demonstrate a potential for translation into clinical practice will be prioritized for funding.

Early career awards for Fellows, Postdocs and Instructors

Early career awards for Fellows, Postdocs and Instructors up to $100,000 for one year. Grants are eligible for competitive renewal upon reapplication and are contingent on progress the first year.

The CORE Funding: AHNS Presidential Award supports innovative research that integrates emerging technologies in head and neck cancer studies. This initiative aims to address critical gaps in early detection and treatment, especially for patients with advanced disease. By leveraging tools such as AI and advanced imaging, the program seeks to enhance understanding of disease mechanisms and improve patient-centered intervention strategies, ultimately advancing the field of otolaryngology.

The CORE Funding: AHNS Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association Award aims to support vital research projects focused on thyroid cancer, encompassing prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. This initiative by the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Foundation promotes advancements in the field through funding opportunities that enhance research capabilities and foster collaboration among researchers. Through the support of this award, significant strides can be made in understanding and combating thyroid cancer.

Improving Metastatic Prostate Cancer (mPCa) Care Through Innovative Strategies

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® and Pfizer Global Medical Grants (Pfizer) are collaborating to offer a new grant opportunity seeking proposals for investigator-initiated research to improve mPCa care. Pfizer (hereafter, “Grantor”) is providing $1 Million in funding to support quality improvement studies to advance health care quality, the delivery of quality care, and improve health care provider performance in mPCa care. The Grantor will serve as the funding organization. Grants are available to all investigators from institutions within the United States. 

Aim

To promote the advancement of scientific knowledge, health care provider performance, and/or health care quality improvement focused on improving mPCa care.

A total of $1 Million is available to fund all projects. The intent is to fund 2-5 studies. There is a funding cap of $250,000 per study. Exceptional studies with budgets above this amount will be considered based on scientific merit and must contain a robust justification. All budgets must include line-item information and robust justification.

This initiative aims to support research interventions targeting disparities in liver diseases and liver cancer among underserved populations in the U.S. It encourages innovative approaches to reduce health inequities and improve health outcomes. The funding opportunity is available through various deadlines for both standard and renewal applications, promoting multi-level strategies to address these critical health issues effectively.