There are numerous organizations across the country and in the state of California that offer grants to college students interested in researching the disease and its potential cures as well as those suffering from the malady and looking for funds to treat it. Because the grants usually involve fairly large sums of money, there are rigorous steps to apply and be awarded these grants.
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society encourages college students and post-graduate students to pursue cancer research with a number of grants. The society awards three progressive stipends to researchers who have received a doctoral degree that begin at $44,000 a year. The society also awards master's training grants in clinical oncology social work. This grant is worth $12,000 to $10,000 for the trainee and $2,000 for faculty support. Other offered grants from the American Cancer Society include a $10,000 stipend for graduate students in pursuit of a master's degree in cancer nursing or a doctorate degree of nursing practice; a $20,000 per year grant for doctoral students at social work schools who train others to conduct research on oncology social work; and a $15,000 stipend for graduate students pursuing doctorates in cancer nursing research or as nurse scientists.
California Breast Cancer Research Program
The California Breast Cancer Research Program awards grants to students for dissertations and post-doctoral studies. The CBCRP is administered by the University of California and has awarded 894 grants worth more than $213 million.
California Health Care Foundation
The California Health Care Foundation awards grants each quarter in several categories, including chronic diseases, innovations and health reform. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis; applicants may send letters of inquiry or submit proposals to begin the process.
National Collegiate Cancer Foundation
Founded in 2005, the National Collegiate Cancer Foundation is dedicated to helping young adults who have been diagnosed with cancer. The foundation provides $1,000 awards for students who are continuing their education through or after cancer treatment. To qualify, students must be between the ages of 18-35, be a current patient or survivor and either planning to attend or currently attending an accredited college or university in pursuit of a degree.
American Society of Clinical Oncology
The American Society of Clinical Oncology promotes a grant known as the Young Investigator Award each year. The Young Investigator Award is in place to fund physicians as they move from post-doctoral fellowship programs to initial faculty jobs. The Young Investigator Award is given specifically to those investigators who are focused on clinical oncology. To apply for the grant, students must complete a biosketch, a personal statement, an institution approval facesheet and a full request for proposal.
