Scope

There are many areas in the health care system and along the cancer care continuum where an intervention could improve participation in cancer clinical trials. Below are a few examples of potential project areas; however, any project that has high potential for increasing inclusion and diversity, particularly for populations that are historically underrepresented in clinical trials, is eligible. (Underrepresented groups may be characterized by such factors as race/ethnicity, age, primary language, income, rurality, insurance status, gender, sexual orientation, etc.) 

• Health services research to improve screening, diagnosing, and enrolling patients in cancer clinical trials 

• Improve understanding of health-related social needs and how addressing these needs might lessen the burden for patients and increase participation in cancer clinical trials. Health-related social needs may include but are not limited to language services, financial support and services, transportation, housing, etc.  

• Improve cancer clinical trials staff capacity and infrastructure aimed to increase participation and diversity of patients, particularly among underrepresented groups 

• Contribute to the understanding of how promoting the value and importance of cancer clinical trials impacts participation and diversity of patients 

• Translate current knowledge into innovative interventions to increase inclusion and diversity of cancer clinical trials participants 

• Develop infrastructure and resources aimed to support investigators planning and conducting cancer clinical trials that are inclusive and diverse, representative of the cancer of interest  

• Expand the network of cancer clinical trials health care sites, including mobile sites, to increase participation and diversity of clinical trials participants, through improved screening, diagnosis, enrollment, and access to clinical trial treatment.  

Accordingly, projects that address inclusion and diversity in cancer clinical trials, either through hypothesis-driven research or interventions, are eligible for consideration. Projects are encouraged to involve collaborations with the relevant stakeholders in the population groups to be impacted by the research (e.g., researchers, public health organizations, community organizations, patient advocacy groups, etc.). Additionally, as appropriate, engagement of key stakeholders in the development and implementation of the research plan is encouraged but not required.  

Application Characteristics

Eligibility

• Organizations in Washington State, including companies, universities, research institutions, local health jurisdictions, tribal governments, tribal entities, and Urban Indian Organizations are eligible to apply. Applicants must have a substantial presence in Washington, as determined by the CARE Board based on factors including, but not limited to, the following: number and type of staff in Washington; state of incorporation; location of headquarters, research, or manufacturing facilities in Washington; or any combination of such factors. 

• Organizations may submit up to five (5) applications for this funding opportunity. 

• Matching funds are not required. 

Grant Award and Use of Funds

• The project period may be up to two years (24 months); Budget expenses may be allocated over the project period as needed, commensurate with the timeline and milestones. 

• The total grant request (direct and indirect costs) over the project period may not exceed $1,000,000. 

• Grant funds may be used to enhance the capacity to conduct cancer clinical trials. Grant funds may NOT be used for the purchase of real property. 

• Projects with collaborations outside of Washington State are allowed; however, the principal investigator and the primary research activities must be located in Washington State and the majority of the CARE Fund grant award must be allocated to recipients conducting research in Washington State. 

• All grants will be made in accordance with the CARE Fund’s policies and applicable laws, including the CARE Fund statute (Chapter 43.348 Revised Code of Washington).

Timeline

Call for Proposals Announced: October 6, 2022

Letter of Intent Deadline: Thursday, October 27, 2022, 5:00 p.m. (PT)

Full Application Deadline: Thursday, January 5, 2023, 5:00 p.m. (PT)

Award Decision (anticipated): May 2023

Apply

The RFP and application materials for the grant opportunity are available below.

Organizations that intend to submit a full application must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) for each Inclusion and Diversity in Cancer Clinical Trials proposal through the CARE Fund grants management system. The Inclusion and Diversity in Cancer Clinical Trials LOI can be accessed by clicking on the Apply button below. The LOI must be submitted by Thursday, October 27, 2022, 5:00 p.m. (PT).

After the LOI is reviewed by the CARE Fund and/or contractors, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full application via the CARE Fund grants management system. The full Inclusion and Diversity in Cancer Clinical Trials grant application will be available to applicants after they are invited. Full applications must be submitted by Thursday, January 5, 2023, 5:00 p.m. (PT).

It is anticipated that award decisions for this cycle will be made in May 2023. Applicants will be notified of award decisions via email.

For questions regarding this program or application process, please contact Tasha Florez at tasha@wacarefund.org.

Inclusion and Diversity in Cancer Clinical Trials RFP
Letter of Intent Instructions with Prompts
Full Application Instructions with Prompts
Project Milestones and Timeline Guidance
Project Key Personnel Form
Project Budget Narrative Justification Guidance
RFP Questions and Answers (October 25, 2022)

UPDATE, OCTOBER 27: The Letter of Intent period for this opportunity is now closed. LOIs will be reviewed and selected applicants will be invited via email to submit a full application.