The American Cancer Society Research Scholar Grant (RSG) is one of the most established and competitive funding mechanisms for independent cancer researchers in the United States. It is designed to support early-career faculty who are establishing their first independent cancer research programs, providing sustained funding to build a research team and develop a body of work that can support subsequent larger grants (such as NCI R01 applications). RSGs are available across the full cancer research continuum — from basic and preclinical science through clinical, behavioral, psychosocial, epidemiological, and health policy research. Applications become available on ProposalCentral approximately three months before the deadline, meaning the June 2026 cycle is now open for preparation and submission. ACS regularly releases special Requests for Applications (RFAs) alongside the standard RSG call.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be an independent investigator (faculty appointment; postdoctoral researchers and research scientists are not eligible)
- Must hold an appointment at a US non-profit academic institution, hospital, or research center
- US citizen or non-citizen with an appropriate visa or lawful immigration status at the time of application
- Applicants should be at an early career stage — typically within the first several years of independent faculty status — and not yet leading an extensively funded lab
- Must not have been a prior RSG recipient unless a substantial change in direction is justified
Funding Details:
- Up to $135,000 in direct costs per year for a 2-year project period
- Up to 10% in allowable indirect costs (total award therefore up to ~$297,000 over 2 years)
- Eligible costs: personnel, supplies, equipment, travel, patient costs, and publication fees
- No indirect costs for Principal Investigator salary
Deadline:
- June 1, 2026 (applications now available on ProposalCentral)
- A December 1, 2026 cycle also exists
Where to Go for Further Information:
- Grant overview and eligibility
- Eligibility questions: grant.eligibility@cancer.org
- General grants: grants@cancer.org