Institutional Research Grants (IRG)

Institutional Research Grants (IRG)

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: American Cancer Society
Amount: Up to US $360,000
Last Updated: March 03, 2026

Summary

The Institutional Research Grants (IRG) program by the American Cancer Society provides essential seed funding for newly independent investigators to launch cancer research projects. Aimed at junior faculty, these grants offer $120,000 annually for three years, supporting the development of preliminary results necessary for competing for larger national grants. Eligible applicants must be at US academic institutions and hold the rank of Associate or Full Professor, with a proven track record in research and mentorship.

Overview

Mission Statement The mission of the American Cancer Society is to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Institutional Research Grants (IRG) The intent is to support these junior faculty in initiating cancer research projects so they can obtain preliminary results that will enable them to compete successfully for national research grants. Principal Investigator Eligibility You are eligible to submit a proposal as the IRG PI if you: Have the rank of Associate or Full Professor at an eligible institution Demonstrate a track record of extramural cancer research funding and peer-reviewed publications Demonstrate a track record of mentoring junior investigators Have significant administrative/leadership experience (i.e., deputy director/chair or director/chair of a program, center, or department) Required Institutional Infrastructure US Institutions with a track record of cancer researchPools of experienced cancer researchers and junior faculty Grant Term and Budget New IRGs will be $120k per year for 4 years (for a total of $480k). For new applications, applicants may request up to $120,000 per year for 4 years. The funds may be distributed at the discretion of the IRG review committee with respect to the number of pilot grants awarded each year – a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 pilot awards, with a minimum of $20,000 and a maximum of $60,000. The number and amounts of pilot grants do not have to remain the same year-over-year during the 4-year grant. Renewal IRGs will be $100K per year for 4 years (for a total of $400K). For renewals, supplementation by the institution of at least $80,000 over the 4-year funding period is required, but there are no restrictions related to the source of the institutional resources (e.g., philanthropy, other grants, etc.).

Eligibility

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