Challenge Grants
The Challenge Grants 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. Applications from the four pillars of health research are welcome: (i) biomedical, (ii) clinical, (iii) health services and (iv) social, cultural, environmental and population health.
Visit the Canadian Cancer Society website for more information on the Challenge Grants.
Value and Duration
Up to $175K per year for up to three years (15% equipment budget).
Indirect costs are not eligible.
Eligibility
Challenges should align with the Society’s research goals (prevent, detect, care, champion). Applicants must clearly articulate the relevance to people affected by or at risk of cancer, as well as describe the anticipated contribution of their proposed project towards solving the identified challenge.
Research must include people affected by or at risk of cancer as an integral part of the team.
External Deadlines
- Abstract registration (mandatory): October 8, 2025 by 5 p.m. (EST)
- Relevance review results: October 31, 2025
- Full application deadline: January 28, 2026 by 5 p.m. (EST)
Special Considerations
Several special funding calls to support high-quality research are included within the broader Challenge Grant competition. Review these target research areas for alignment.
Submitting Your Application
- Submit an internal Carleton Approval Form through our central awards management database cuResearch.
- Submit an external application to the Canadian Cancer Society by following their submission guidelines.
Contact Us
Katie Harriman: katie.harriman@carleton.ca