The Breast Cancer Alliance (BCA) Young Investigator Grant is one of the flagship funding programs offered by one of the oldest and most respected private breast cancer research funders in the United States, having awarded over $20 million to researchers across more than two decades of operation. The 2027 cycle Young Investigator Grant provides $125,000 over two years to early-career researchers who have completed their training within the past four years and are now conducting independent breast cancer research. The BCA’s grantmaking philosophy centers on funding exceptional science that might not yet be competitive for federal funding — backing researchers before they have an established track record, specifically those without existing R01-equivalent support.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must have completed residency, fellowship, or postdoctoral training within four years of the LOI submission date (i.e., training completed no earlier than 2022)
- Must hold an independent research position (assistant professor or equivalent) at an academic or non-profit institution
- Must not have received an R01 or equivalent peer-reviewed independent research award at any time
- Research must focus on breast cancer (any subtype, any stage of investigation)
- No citizenship or institutional residency restrictions specified; check current RFA for geographic eligibility
- Investigators may not hold more than one active BCA grant simultaneously
Funding Details:
- Award amount: $125,000 over two years (~$62,500 per year)
- Funds may support personnel, supplies, research-related expenses, and a small travel allowance
- Indirect costs policy: confirm with BCA at time of application
- Award start date: April 1, 2027
- Annual progress reports required
Deadline:
- Letter of Intent (LOI): March 31, 2026
- LOI notification (invitation to full proposal): approximately June 2026
- Full Proposal Deadline (invited only): ~July 30, 2026
- Award start: April 1, 2027
Contact / Further Information: