Challenge Grants
This program is currently closed. The details below reflect the previous call and are for general information purposes only.
Sponsor’s Website
Visit the Canadian Cancer Society website for more information on the Challenge Grants.
Internal Contact
Katie Harriman: katie.harriman@carleton.ca
Deadlines
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Abstract registration (mandatory) | October 8, 2025 by 5 p.m. (EST) |
| Relevance review results | October 31, 2025 |
| Internal cuResearch Approval Form | January 21, 2026 |
| Submission of application to the Canadian Cancer Society | January 28, 2026 by 5 p.m. (EST) |
Overview
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.
Value and Duration
Up to $175,000 per year for up to three years (15% equipment budget).
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.
Indirect costs are not eligible.
Special Considerations
Several special funding calls to support high-quality research are included within the broader Challenge Grant competition.
Submitting Your Application
- Submit an internal Approval Form through our central awards management database cuResearch. Consult the user’s manual for guidance.
- Submit an external application to the Canadian Cancer Society by following their submission guidelines.