The Kuni Foundation is offering Discovery Grants for cancer research, focusing on innovative and bold approaches to cancer detection, treatment, and improved outcomes. The Foundation encourages projects that integrate collaboration, equity, and research into areas with significant potential for advancement. The Discovery Grants support both early-stage research and more established studies that are poised for clinical trials. In particular, the Foundation emphasizes research aimed at reducing health disparities and increasing diversity in clinical trial participants, particularly from underserved communities. Projects exploring rare forms of cancer or traditionally underfunded research areas are highly encouraged.

The Kuni Foundation seeks to fund projects that address key aspects of cancer development and growth, with a focus on advancing understanding and facilitating the next stage of cancer research. Additionally, efforts that seek to increase participation from marginalized populations in cancer research and clinical trials are prioritized. The Foundation encourages research that breaks down barriers in terms of access to clinical trials and improves access to cancer treatments for underserved communities. The emphasis on collaboration and data sharing between institutions is vital for applicants, although the principal investigator must be located in either Washington or Oregon.

Eligible applicants must be organizations with a primary focus on cancer research or a dedicated cancer research division. These may include nonprofit organizations, public institutions, and other entities that serve residents of Oregon and Washington. The grants are open to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or public institutions whose work aligns with the Foundation’s mission. Collaborative projects are welcomed, especially those that involve multiple institutions or disciplines. However, all projects must be led by researchers based in Oregon or Washington.

The grant provides both program and operational support, such as funding for equipment, technology, and capacity building. Grants can be used to fund a wide array of needs, including research and evaluation, system improvements, technical assistance, and capital projects like equipment purchases. The grants are available for both one-year projects and multi-year projects of up to three years.

Grant sizes are substantial, with individual awards up to $350,000 per year. The maximum funding available for multi-year projects is $1,050,000 over a three-year period. An indirect cost rate of 10% is applicable to the grants. However, the Foundation does not support requests for grants to individuals, fundraising events, tuition assistance, or capital campaigns. The Foundation is committed to funding initiatives that serve marginalized communities, and it prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, age, or other protected statuses.

The grant application process involves several key dates. The program opens on January 22, 2025. Interested applicants must submit a project brief by 5 p.m. PST on March 3, 2025. Invitations to apply will be sent out by March 7, 2025, with applications due by 5 p.m. PST on April 7, 2025. Applicants will be notified of the decision by May 7, 2025.

For questions about the grant or the application process, applicants can contact the Kuni Foundation by email at grants@kunifoundation.org. The Foundation’s office is located at 900 Washington Street, Suite 830, Vancouver, WA 98660. For further assistance, applicants can reach the Foundation at 360-663-KUNI.

Grant Data for Entry