DoW Rare Cancers Resource and Community Development Award

Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Rare Cancers Research Program (RCRP) Resource and Community Development Award (RCDA) supports the development of research resources and clinical or preclinical datasets that will advance the field of rare cancers research and ultimately improve outcomes for individuals with rare cancers. Research supporting this funding opportunity should fill one of the following major gaps:

• Lack of research and clinical resources, including patient tissues, cell and tumor models.

• Lack of communication and dissemination strategies within scientific and patient communities for sharing rare cancers research and clinical findings.

• Lack of infrastructure for sharing data and other resources.

• Lack of therapeutics and mechanistic research to inform treatment development.

Distinctive Features:

• Documentation of plans for engagement and partnerships with Patient Advocates throughout the life cycle of the research study from development of the research question through execution of the study.

• Community building and enhancement are key components.

• A description of the dissemination and sustainability of the platform for scientific and/or clinical and patient community is required.

• Preliminary data are not required but may be included to address feasibility.