We’re thrilled to announce a new partnership between the Fanconi Cancer Foundation (FCF) and the American Cancer Society (ACS): the Fanconi Cancer Foundation Discovery Boost Grant. This grant program will fuel innovative research aimed at preventing, detecting, and treating cancers associated with Fanconi anemia (FA).
This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to advancing translational research that leads to real-world impact for people living with FA and related cancers. For researchers, it offers a unique opportunity to explore bold ideas in the FA/BRCA DNA repair pathway, and for our supporters, it represents a powerful way your generosity is driving progress in cancer research.
Scientific Scope
The Discovery Boost Grant supports translational research directly applicable to FA-associated cancers—particularly those influenced by defects in the FA/BRCA DNA repair pathway. Proposals should clearly state how the work will advance FA cancer research and benefit individuals with FA.
Applications are welcome from FA experts as well as researchers in related cancer biology fields who propose pivoting toward FA-relevant studies. Investigators new to the FA research field should demonstrate strong relevance and impact toward the areas of interest below.
Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Early detection technologies and biomarkers for FA-related squamous cell carcinomas
- Mechanisms or interventions to prevent FA-related tumors
- Therapeutic strategies tailored to the FA population’s sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents
- Novel models to study FA tumorigenesis and treatment response
- High-throughput or systems biology approaches to identify FA-specific cancer vulnerabilities
Preference will be given to proposals with a clear translational path for detecting, preventing, or treating cancer in people with FA, including collaborations with clinicians, diagnostic developers, or pharmaceutical partners.
Eligibility
Applicants must work at a U.S. academic institution or eligible nonprofit and be independent investigators at any career stage with a full-time faculty appointment (or equivalent). Applicants are encouraged to review the full eligibility criteria in the grant policies on the ACS website.
Term and Budget
Awards are for up to $135,000 in direct costs per year for up to two years, plus 10 percent indirect costs. The maximum allowable budget is $297,000 for a two-year project period.
The deadline to apply is December 1, 2025.
Why This Matters
This grant program reflects FCF’s focus on catalyzing new ideas, attracting talented investigators to the FA field, and forging strategic partnerships to accelerate progress. By working with ACS, we’re expanding our reach and resources to advance research with the greatest potential to improve the lives of people with FA and associated cancers.
Learn More and Apply
Applications for the Fanconi Cancer Foundation Discovery Boost Grant are now open. Learn more about the grant and access application instructions on the American Cancer Society’s website.
