Best Grants for Cancer Nonprofits in Arizona

Arizona cancer researchers at academic institutions or eligible nonprofits can seek American Cancer Society Discovery Boost Grants to support high-risk, high-reward exploratory cancer research across the continuum. Focused on cancer/oncology, these awards offer up to US $297,000 for developing methods, establishing feasibility, or piloting studies that can lead to larger future funding.

Professional elderly blues musicians in Arizona facing emergency medical or basic living expenses can receive US $500 in assistance for needs like treatment, transportation, home care, utilities, or burial costs. The Pinetop Perkins Foundation pays creditors directly, and artists dealing with cancer-related or other serious health crises may be eligible if income and age requirements are met.

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. With a mission to support patient-centered research, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute provides funding for projects addressing screening barriers, treatment delivery, and survivorship needs, including work benefiting Arizona communities.

Arizona cancer and health research organizations can access funding through the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute for retrospective observational comparative effectiveness studies using existing data sources. Eligible public and private sector entities must focus on at least one approved topic, such as addressing cancer, maternal morbidity and mortality, mental and behavioral health, or rare diseases, with awards up to US $2,000,000.

Cancer research institutions and academic medical centers conducting translational oncology studies in the U.S. and territories, including Arizona, can seek funding to advance prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of organ-specific or biologically related cancers. National Institutes of Health SPORE P50 center grants support state-of-the-art, human biology–based projects that reach a translational human endpoint within the grant period.

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 reviews applications monthly for residents of Macon, Moultrie, or Piatt County with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Full-time radiation oncology faculty clinicians conducting cancer research in Arizona can seek multi-year career development support through this clinician scientist award. Focused on advancing cancer and radiation oncology research, the American Society for Radiation Oncology and American Cancer Society provide US $135,000 annually to help clinicians build independent research careers while maintaining clinical practice.

Practicing radiation oncologists conducting cancer research in the U.S., including those based in Arizona, 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 award from the American Society for Radiation Oncology supports clinician-scientists advancing oncology care.

Arizona cancer-focused medical schools, hospitals, patient advocacy groups, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through Incyte for programs that improve access to 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 healthcare and compliance guidelines.

Arizona cancer-focused medical schools, hospitals, patient advocacy groups, and eligible 501(c)(3) organizations can seek funding to support healthcare information for students, providers, patients, and caregivers. Focused on oncology and related diseases, Incyte invites healthcare-related charitable contributions, sponsorship, and membership requests that improve patient care and education for cancer communities.

Cancer research institutions and oncology-focused organizations in Arizona and beyond can seek funding for studies on combining radiation therapy with immunotherapy. With a mission to advance innovative cancer treatment, Radiation Oncology Institute provides support for projects exploring treatment optimization, toxicity reduction, education, and access to combined radiotherapy–immunotherapy, offering US $50,000 - US $100,000 over two years.

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.

The CORE Funding: AHNS Trainee Pilot Research Award supports innovative research in head and neck oncology, encouraging trainees to engage in clinical or translational studies. Since its inception, CORE has provided over $14 million in grants, facilitating significant advancements in otolaryngology. This initiative aims to enhance research efforts, reduce fragmentation, and promote collaboration among various stakeholders to improve outcomes for patients with head and neck neoplastic diseases.

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.

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.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites applications for the Toward Translation of Nanotechnology Cancer Interventions (TTNCI) program. This funding opportunity focuses on advanced pre-clinical research aimed at developing nanotechnology-based cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. TTNCI awards will support the maturation of innovative nanomedicines using nanoparticles and nano-devices, enhancing cancer treatment efficacy. Successful projects will progress towards further NCI translational programs, such as the NExT initiative.