DoW Breast Cancer, Era of Hope Scholar Award
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers pursuing breast cancer research within the U.S. Military Health System or serving military beneficiaries. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with appropriate academic credentials. The program supports early-career investigators through mid-career researchers. Research can occur at any U.S. institution, but must benefit the military health system or military populations. Both nonprofit organizations and academic institutions may apply through their official channels.
Program description
Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) Era of Hope Scholar Award supports individuals who are early in their careers with significant potential to effect meaningful change in breast cancer. As the Intent of the FY26 BCRP Era of Hope Scholar Award is to recognize creative and innovative individuals rather than projects, the award’s central features include the Principal Investigator’s (PI’s) demonstrated ability to go beyond conventional thinking in their field and the innovative and meaningful contributions that they can make toward ending breast cancer. The Era of Hope Scholar Award requires exceptionally talented scientists that are among “the best and the brightest” in their field(s), with demonstrated experience forming effective partnerships and collaborations and strong potential for future leadership in breast cancer research. All applications must address at least one of the FY26 BCRP overarching challenges or provide adequate justification for exception.
Distinctive Features:
· The PI must commit a minimum of 25% level of time and effort during the period of performance to conduct breast cancer research under this award.
· The research team must include two or more breast cancer consumer advocates.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 and SF-424(R&R)
- Project Narrative
- Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (NIH format)
- References and Support Documents
- Military Relevance Statement
- Institutional Certification
Program contact
- 👤 Jamie Shortall Grant Officer
- 📧 help@eBRAP.org
- 📞 301-619-2393
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 12.420 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$2,265,729,366
-
$800,631,761
-
$74,531,880
-
$67,205,571
-
$53,718,832
-
$34,191,124
-
$24,907,742
-
$21,394,379
-
$19,100,256
-
$19,002,641
Top States by Funding
- MD 10 awards $3,150.1M
- NC 11 awards $132.3M
- FL 8 awards $99.8M
- CA 11 awards $99.3M
- MA 7 awards $75.2M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 12.420). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,483,968,520 | |
| 2025 | $1,201,153,417 |
FAQ
Who can apply for the Era of Hope Scholar Award?
Early and mid-career researchers with U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. Your institution must submit on your behalf.
What types of breast cancer research are eligible?
Research addressing breast cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and survivorship. Work must have clear relevance to military or military beneficiary populations.
What is the typical application timeline?
Applications open May 4, 2026 and close July 8, 2026. This allows roughly 2 months for preparation and submission.
How competitive is this award?
DoD AMRAA awards are highly competitive, typically with success rates under 15%. Strong preliminary data and clear military relevance are essential.
What funding levels should I expect?
DoD breast cancer awards typically provide $150,000-$500,000 over 2-3 years. Exact amounts vary by specific solicitation.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Establish clear military relevance early. Explain how your research benefits service members, veterans, or military beneficiaries.
- Include strong preliminary data showing feasibility. DoD reviewers expect evidence your approach will work.
- Build your team strategically. Include collaborators with military health system expertise if possible.
- Follow the SAMHSA format precisely. Deviation from page limits, fonts, or section requirements causes desk rejections.
- Submit at least one week early. DoD systems have strict deadlines with no exceptions for technical delays.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications lack clear military health relevance. Vague connections to military populations get rejected regardless of research quality.
Preliminary data is insufficient or missing. Reviewers need proof of concept before funding developmental research.
Budgets exceed allowed amounts or lack appropriate justification. Every line item must align with stated research aims.
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