CCS 2026 Challenge Grants

For full details and to apply visit https://cancer.ca/en/research/for-researchers/funding-opportunities/2026-challenge-grants

The Challenge Grants program will support cancer research projects across the cancer continuum and across disciplines, with an ultimate goal of solving a problem (i.e., a ‘challenge’) in cancer that is meaningful to people affected by or at risk of cancer. Challenges should align with priorities identified under the CCS Research Goals and applicants must clearly articulate the relevance to people affected by or at risk of cancer.

Key Dates

Submission open (EGrAMS): August 8, 2025
Abstract registration due: October 8, 2025 (5:00PM EST)
Relevance review results: October 31, 2025
Full applications due: January 28, 2026 (5:00 PM EST)
Funding results*: Mid-June, 2026
Funding start date (retro-active): June 1, 2026

Term/Budget

Grants can be up to 3 years in duration with a maximum budget of $175,000 per year.

Funding will be provided to support the direct costs of research, including supplies, eligible salaries, and equipment associated with the proposed work. Equipment requests cannot exceed 15% of the requested budget. Indirect costs are not eligible.

Please consult CCS grant expense policies when creating your budget.