Scope

Proposed projects should be working toward translating research findings into a cancer-related product or technology. Potential applicants may be anywhere along this process toward development from proof-of-concept research development to product launch and commercialization. Applicants may include in their proposals administrative costs related to product development and commercialization, such as grant writing support, regulatory support, legal services, accounting, etc. 

Two application tracks, Seed grants and Catalyst grants, will be available to achieve this objective. Seed grants are intended to provide early support for proof-of-concept, validating market, start-up activities, and building teams and partnerships. Catalyst grants are intended to provide support for product validation and product launch activities. Applicants proposing a project involving a shared resource are encouraged to review the CARE Fund Shared Resources and Infrastructure Grant Cycle 1 funding opportunity. 

Application Charateristics

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 Fund 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. 

• All cancer-related sectors are eligible (e.g., prevention, diagnostics, tools, devices, therapeutics, survivor care). 

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:  

  • $300,000 for a Seed grant 

  • $2,000,000 for a Catalyst grant 

  • Grant funds may be used to directly support a project, serve as matching funds, or support costs related to product development, validation, or launch, and securing funding or support costs related to product development and commercialization including associated business support (e.g., grant writing, regulatory support, legal services, accounting, etc.) 

  • Grant funds may be used to purchase equipment, but the equipment must be essential to achieve the research or product development aims as detailed in the project research plan  

• 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: 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 Life Science Start-Up and Development proposal through the CARE Fund grants management system. The Life Science Start-Up and Development 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 Life Science Start-Up and Development 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.

Life Science Start-Up and Development 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.