Best Grants for Cancer Nonprofits in Illinois

The CDC's initiative focuses on developing clinical decision support (CDS) tools for cancer screening and management, specifically for cervical, breast, and colorectal cancers. The project aims to enhance guideline-concordant screening and improve management processes through rigorous implementation and evaluation within large health systems. By integrating these tools into electronic health records, the initiative seeks to support clinicians in making evidence-based decisions at the point of care, ultimately improving patient outcomes in cancer care.

The ASTRO-AstraZeneca SCLC Therapy Challenge RFP aims to enhance research on limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) through innovative combination therapies, particularly integrating immunotherapy with advanced radiation techniques. Proposals are encouraged to explore various aspects, including care patterns, treatment workflows, prognostic biomarkers, and toxicity management. The target budget for projects ranges from $175,000 to $375,000, with consideration given to higher requests based on scientific merit, fostering significant advancements in radiation oncology.

The RFA: Biology to Prevention Award (CRUK) aims to foster innovative translational research that enhances understanding of cancer biology, ultimately leading to effective prevention strategies. Joint applications from UK and US research teams are encouraged, with a focus on equal partnerships and complementary expertise. The funding provides up to £600,000 for UK costs and up to $946,000 for US costs, supporting projects of 1 to 5 years duration that address critical research questions in cancer prevention.

The Anna Fuller Fund Grant provides year-round support for organizations dedicated to alleviating suffering caused by cancer. Established in memory of Egbert C. Fuller’s wife, the fund prioritizes applications that focus on cancer research and education initiatives. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or equivalent charities outside the U.S. Grant funds cannot be used for direct treatment, ensuring that resources are allocated to research and public education.

The James Paul Sutton Medical Research Fund Grant supports non-profit organizations engaged in cancer and medical research, established through a trust by the Sutton family. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt. Preference is given to cancer research initiatives, while grants are not available for individuals, political groups, or for-profit entities. This fund aims to sustain medical research efforts for the long term, continuing the legacy of the Sutton family.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) plans to issue a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Paul Calabresi Career Development Award in Clinical Oncology (K12). This program aims to enhance training for clinician-scientists in cancer research, fostering their career development and collaboration with basic research scientists. It mandates diverse oncology specialties in faculty, individualized career development plans, and mentorship, supporting Scholars for up to three years to promote their research initiatives in clinical trials.

The Simeon J. Fortin Charitable Foundation, founded in 1986, champions cancer research initiatives aimed at finding a cure. It supports relevant projects and fellowships within medical and research institutions, ensuring a significant impact on health-related research. The grant review process is conducted by The Medical Foundation, in coordination with the King Trust Postdoctoral Fellowships, enhancing collaboration and funding opportunities for innovative research in oncology.

The AGD Foundation Grant Program supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and Canada that provide free oral cancer screenings and education, particularly for underserved communities. Established in 1972, the AGD Foundation aims to enhance public oral health and raise awareness about oral/oropharyngeal cancer. By promoting early detection and education, the foundation seeks to improve survival rates and empower communities. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations demonstrating a commitment to community health.

The EMF SAMFund Financial Assistance Grants support young adult cancer survivors facing financial hardships due to their diagnosis. With 80,000 young adults diagnosed with cancer each year in the U.S., these grants provide critical assistance for essential living expenses like rent, car payments, and education. By prioritizing applicants who demonstrate financial need and articulate how the grant will aid their recovery, the program aims to alleviate financial toxicity and empower survivors to move forward with their lives.

The EMF Family Building Grants, offered by the Expect Miracles Foundation, support young adult cancer survivors in their fertility treatment and family-building efforts. These grants are designed for applicants with a clear family-building plan and financial strategy, helping bridge the gap in costs associated with fertility preservation, assisted reproductive technologies, and related services. By prioritizing those actively engaged in their journey, the foundation aims to empower survivors to pursue their dreams of family.

Patients being treated for Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia in Illinois can apply for HealthWell Foundation’s Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia Fund; awards up to US $8,000 for prescription drug copays and Medicare Part B premiums. Eligible applicants must be underinsured, receiving treatment in the U.S., have qualifying insurance, and meet income guidelines tied to the Federal Poverty Level.

Cancer and oncology researchers at U.S. academic institutions or eligible nonprofits can seek American Cancer Society and Fanconi Cancer Foundation support for high-risk, high-reward translational projects. Grants from American Cancer Society help Illinois cancer organizations advance early detection, prevention, and treatment research focused on Fanconi anemia–related cancers, with awards of More than US $135,000 available.

Individuals in Illinois being treated for mantle cell lymphoma can receive up to US $8,500 to help with prescription drug copays and Medicare Part B premiums. Grants from HealthWell Foundation help U.S. cancer patients with insurance who meet income guidelines reduce out-of-pocket treatment costs, which may benefit those served by cancer-focused nonprofits.

Underinsured individuals being treated for chronic lymphocytic leukemia in Illinois can receive up to US $8,000 to cover prescription drug copays and Medicare Part B insurance premiums. With a mission to reduce financial barriers to care, Healthwell Foundation provides U.S. cancer patients with support for high-cost CLL medications and related out-of-pocket expenses.

Individuals in the U.S. with cancer-related behavioral health needs can receive up to US $2,000 to offset prescription copays, counseling, psychotherapy, and transportation costs. The Healthwell Foundation bases eligibility on diagnosis, insurance coverage, and income; Illinois cancer nonprofits may refer underinsured patients in their programs to this fund.

Underinsured U.S. patients being treated for amyloidosis and related cancer conditions can receive up to US $8,000 to cover prescription drug copays and Medicare Part B premiums. Healthwell Foundation provides this support nationwide, and Illinois cancer patients meeting its medical, insurance, and income guidelines may be eligible for this fund.

Elderly professional blues musicians in the U.S. facing emergency medical or living expenses can receive $500 in direct creditor payments for care, transportation, utilities, or burial costs. Pinetop Perkins Foundation provides this support nationally, and Illinois artists dealing with cancer-related treatments or other serious health issues may be eligible.

Nonprofit and other eligible U.S. organizations conducting cancer/oncology comparative clinical effectiveness research can apply for up to US $13,000,000 to improve care across the cancer continuum, including in Illinois. With a mission to improve patient-centered outcomes, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute supports projects on screening barriers, treatment delivery, and survivorship follow-up needs.

Illinois cancer and health research organizations can access funding through the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute for retrospective observational comparative effectiveness studies using existing data. Eligible public and private sector entities, including IRS-recognized U.S. organizations, may request up to US $2,000,000 to study cancer or related priority topics and inform patient-centered healthcare decisions.

Cancer research institutions and academic medical centers conducting translational oncology studies in Illinois and nationwide can seek funding to advance organ-specific or biologically related human cancer research. National Institutes of Health SPORE P50 center grants provide US $25,000,000 to support clinical trial–required projects focused on prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of human cancers.

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’s Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois Scholarship serves residents of Macon, Moultrie, or Piatt County with a minimum 3.0 GPA; applications are reviewed monthly through December 1, 2025.

Full-time radiation oncology faculty at U.S. academic institutions or eligible nonprofits conducting cancer research can seek multi-year clinician-scientist career development support through this program, including those based in Illinois. Focused on cancer and radiation oncology, American Society for Radiation Oncology and American Cancer Society provide US $135,000 annually for 3–5 years to help clinicians become independent investigators.

Practicing radiation oncologists in Illinois and across the U.S. can apply for the ACS-ASTRO Felix Feng, MD Clinician Scientist Development Award, which provides US $729,000 for cancer research. This American Society for Radiation Oncology partnership supports clinician-scientists investigating questions across the cancer continuum, which may benefit hospital- or clinic-based cancer programs and nonprofit-affiliated researchers.

Incyte Corporation, a biopharmaceutical leader, offers healthcare sponsorships to support organizations focused on improving patient care and access to healthcare information. Eligible applicants include medical schools, associations, non-profits, advocacy groups, and hospitals. Requests should align with Incyte's commitment to enhancing the lives of patients affected by cancer and other diseases, ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines. Organizations must enter a written agreement with Incyte to receive funding.

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 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research Centers are offering supplemental funding for Special Interest Projects (SIPs) aimed at enhancing public health practices. These projects will focus on innovative health promotion and disease prevention strategies to mitigate leading health risks in the U.S. The initiative supports ten specific SIPs, including studies on cancer care, alcohol use reduction, and emergency preparedness, thereby fostering research that translates into real-world health improvements.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is set to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aimed at advancing informatics technologies for cancer research. This initiative will support the development of tools that enhance data acquisition, management, and analysis throughout the cancer continuum. By focusing on technologies with proven impact, the NOFO seeks to optimize and sustain resources critical for cancer biology, diagnosis, treatment, and epidemiology.