Scope

Proposed research projects should aim to: 

• Improve health outcomes and cancer care, including equitable access to the standard of care, for populations in Washington State, especially among populations for which cancer disparities are most prevalent and/or persistent; 

• Contribute to the understanding of how biological, behavioral, environmental, social, and structural factors affect cancer-related health, especially among populations for which cancer disparities are most prevalent and/or persistent; 

• Contribute to the understanding of how addressing social determinants of health (or health-related social needs) impact cancer care and outcomes; or 

• Translate results or current knowledge into innovative interventions to improve the health of populations and eliminate cancer disparities;   

All cancer-related research types are allowable and encouraged (e.g., prevention, health services, etc.). 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. Potential research projects should include an element to address cancer risk or resilience related to persistent cancer disparities. Projects should not merely document existing disparities but should aim to develop or implement interventions to address these disparities. 

A hypothesis must be proposed and explored by specific research aims; proposals that solely aim to collect data to document health and cancer disparities in populations or only provide or expand services are NOT eligible. 

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 (inclusive of direct and indirect costs) may not exceed $500,000. 

• 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 proposal through the CARE Fund grants management system. The Population Health LOI form 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 Population Health 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.

Population Health 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.