Best Grants for Cancer Nonprofits in Tennessee

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.

Individuals being treated for Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia in Tennessee can apply for Healthwell Foundation’s assistance; awards up to US $8,000 for prescription drug copays and Medicare Part B premiums. Eligible patients must be underinsured, receiving treatment in the U.S., have insurance covering their medication, and meet income guidelines tied to the Federal Poverty Level.

Cancer researchers at U.S. academic institutions or eligible nonprofits, including those in Tennessee, can seek more than US $135,000 for high-risk, high-reward translational projects on Fanconi anemia–related cancers. Grants from American Cancer Society and Fanconi Cancer Foundation support innovative work in early detection, prevention, tailored therapies, and FA-specific cancer vulnerabilities.

Individuals being treated for mantle cell lymphoma in Tennessee and across the U.S. can receive up to US $8,500 to offset prescription drug copays and Medicare Part B insurance premiums. Grants from Healthwell Foundation help underinsured cancer patients afford covered medications and treatment, based on medical, insurance, and income eligibility.

Underinsured individuals being treated for chronic lymphocytic leukemia in the U.S., including Tennessee, can receive up to US $8,000 to cover prescription drug copays and Medicare Part B premiums. With a mission to reduce financial barriers to care, HealthWell Foundation bases eligibility on diagnosis, insurance coverage, and household income guidelines.

Individuals in the U.S. being treated for cancer-related behavioral health conditions can receive up to US $2,000 in copay assistance for prescriptions, counseling, psychotherapy, and transportation costs. Healthwell Foundation bases eligibility on diagnosis, insurance coverage, and income, so Tennessee cancer nonprofits may refer underinsured patients who meet these criteria.

Underinsured individuals being treated for amyloidosis in Tennessee can receive up to US $8,000 to cover prescription drug copays and Medicare Part B premiums. HealthWell Foundation provides this U.S.-wide assistance to patients whose insurance covers part of their treatment and whose income falls within its federal poverty level guidelines, which may benefit cancer-related nonprofits’ patients.

Elderly professional blues musicians in Tennessee facing emergency medical or basic living expenses can receive US $500 in direct assistance, paid to creditors. Pinetop Perkins Foundation, through its Pinetop Assistance League, supports needs like cancer treatment transportation, doctor visits, utilities, home care, and burial costs for qualifying low-income artists aged 50 and older.

Nonprofit and other eligible U.S. organizations conducting cancer/oncology comparative effectiveness research can apply for up to US $13,000,000 to improve care across the cancer continuum. With a mission to improve patient-centered outcomes, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute provides funding for projects on screening barriers, evidence-based treatment, and survivorship that benefit U.S. patients, including those in Tennessee.

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

Cancer research institutions and academic medical centers conducting translational oncology projects can seek funding to advance prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of human cancers in Tennessee and other U.S. jurisdictions. National Institutes of Health SPORE P50 center grants offer US $25,000,000 for state-of-the-art, organ-specific or mechanism-based cancer research with clear human translational endpoints.

Graduating high school seniors and healthcare professionals pursuing oncology or hematology education in Central or Southern Illinois may be eligible for tuition or professional development support, including certifications and conferences. The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation scholarship may benefit cancer-focused students and practitioners beyond Tennessee who meet the Illinois residency and GPA requirements.

Full-time radiation oncology faculty at U.S. academic institutions or eligible nonprofits conducting cancer research can apply for the ASTRO-ACS Clinician Scientist Development Grant, which provides US $135,000 annually for 3–5 years. Focused on cancer and oncology, American Society for Radiation Oncology invites Tennessee clinician scientists to develop independent research careers while maintaining clinical practice.

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

Tennessee cancer and healthcare-focused nonprofits, hospitals, medical schools, and patient advocacy groups can access funding through Incyte for programs that provide healthcare information and support patients with cancer and other diseases. Eligible projects include medical education, professional training, and patient care initiatives that align with Incyte’s commitment to improving patient lives and regulatory guidelines.

Cancer-focused medical schools, hospitals, patient advocacy groups, and other eligible nonprofits in Tennessee can seek funding for healthcare information, education, and patient support programs. Focused on cancer and other diseases, Incyte supports healthcare-related charitable contributions, sponsorships, and memberships for organizations improving access to information for patients, caregivers, students, and healthcare providers.

The National Cancer Institute's STRIPE program aims to advance cancer therapy by investigating the effects of radionuclide-emitted radiation. This initiative encourages multidisciplinary research to understand how radiation impacts normal tissues and tumor cells, ultimately improving therapeutic outcomes. By consolidating various funding mechanisms, STRIPE seeks to lower entry barriers for researchers, enhance the scientific foundation of radiopharmaceutical therapy, and foster innovative treatment strategies. Projects can be exploratory or research-focused, with flexible timelines for completion.

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.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Alex Cooper Memorial Scholarship

The Alex Cooper Memorial Scholarship Fund was created in 2017 by Jonathan Culler, his high school classmate and teammate, Andrea Ault, his devoted mother who never left his side, and the River Valley Class of 2017, after he lost a 3-year battle to childhood cancer, osteosarcoma.     

The Cooper Fund supports seniors and graduates from the River Valley Local Schools district. Alex’s scholarship gives special consideration to students active in River Valley athletics, especially football or baseball, and/or music. To honor Alex’s untimely passing, the Cooper Fund seeks to assist students who have been diagnosed with cancer personally, those with an immediate family member with the disease, and those who demonstrate financial need resulting from cancer treatment.

Rapid Cancer Grants

Fast Funding for Home Cancer Care Research

We fund healthcare researchers to rapidly explore the feasibility of home infusion as a solution to the ongoing challenges of capacity shortage, site of care management, and financial toxicity in cancer care.

Traditional funding pathways for new care models are too slow to impact patients, so we’ve streamlined the process. By providing funding approvals within 14 days, we enable healthcare teams to quickly launch and evaluate home-based cancer care programs that improve access and affordability.  

What can a Rapid Cancer Grant be used for?

Projects must comprise of research investigating the feasibility, safety, or economic benefit of cancer care at home and must include delivering care to patients via an IRB approved study. IRB approval may be obtained after grant approval. Projects may include assessing suitability of home infusion, enabling access to lab draws at home, or remote care co-ordination to reduce time toxicity for patients.

If you’re a healthcare worker at an oncology practice, hospital or academic institution in the United States and are interested in continuing or launching a new home cancer care initiative, we invite you to apply for a Rapid Cancer Grant.