The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering the Rare Cancers Research Program (RCRP) Idea Development Award (IDA) for fiscal year 2025. This grant supports innovative research projects in their early stages, aiming to generate significant data and explore new research directions in rare cancers. The program encourages exploratory aims to facilitate discovery-driven research and requires preliminary data with disease-specific rationale.

Key Dates and Funding Information

The application deadline for this opportunity is October 06, 2025. Make sure to submit all required documents before this date. The estimated total program funding is $6,860,000, intended to support approximately 14 awards.

Funding is provided as a grant, and there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement. The funding limits are listed as total cost limits, covering both direct and indirect costs. Applicants should prepare their budgets accordingly, ensuring all costs are well-justified and aligned with the project's objectives.

It's important to note that the funding limits are comprehensive, encompassing all direct and indirect expenses associated with the proposed research. Applicants should meticulously plan their budgets to align with the project's scope and objectives, ensuring efficient resource allocation.

Eligibility Criteria

This funding opportunity is unrestricted, meaning it is open to any type of entity. This includes academic institutions, non-profit organizations, and private sector companies. All applicants must meet the general eligibility requirements outlined in the grant guidelines.

While the opportunity is broadly accessible, applicants should carefully review the full announcement for any specific eligibility clarifications. Ensure that your organization meets all the necessary criteria before submitting an application. Meeting all eligibility requirements is crucial for the application to be considered.

• Academic Institutions
• Non-profit Organizations
• Private Sector Companies

Research Focus and Objectives

The primary focus of the RCRP IDA is to promote new ideas in rare cancer research. Applications should demonstrate the potential to yield impactful data and new avenues of investigation. The research should have a high potential impact on rare cancers and the patient community.

Applications are encouraged to include an exploratory aim or sub-aim to support any necessary discovery-driven research. Preliminary data with disease-specific rationale are required, but these data do not necessarily need to be derived from studies of the proposed rare cancer type(s)/subtype(s) under study. Research proposals should clearly articulate the potential impact on rare cancer treatment and patient outcomes.

The program emphasizes innovative approaches and novel methodologies that can advance the understanding and treatment of rare cancers. Proposals should highlight the potential for translation into clinical applications and improved patient care.

Application Requirements and Submission

Applicants must submit their applications electronically through Grants.gov. Ensure that all required forms and documents are completed accurately and submitted by the October 06, 2025 deadline. Late submissions will not be considered.

The application should include a detailed research plan, budget justification, and biographical sketches of key personnel. It is crucial to address all the review criteria outlined in the funding opportunity announcement. A well-structured and compelling application is essential for securing funding.

Carefully review the application guidelines and instructions provided in the full announcement. Pay close attention to formatting requirements and page limits. A thorough and well-prepared application will increase your chances of success.

Suggested Research Topics

Here are some potential research topics relevant to this funding opportunity:

• Genomics and personalized medicine approaches for rare cancers
• Immunotherapy strategies tailored to rare cancer subtypes
• Development of novel drug targets and therapies for rare cancers
• Advanced imaging techniques for early detection and diagnosis of rare cancers
• Studies on the tumor microenvironment and its role in rare cancer progression