BCAN launches $1 million grant for bladder cancer research impacted by federal funding cuts

The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) has announced the launch of a $1 million Continuity Grant Initiative to provide support for bladder cancer research projects that have been impacted by terminations in federal funding.¹

The application deadline is August 18, 2025 at 5pm EST.

“We have seen incredible momentum in bladder cancer research, and it’s important to continue to make progress,” said Meri-Margaret Deoudes, CEO of BCAN, in a news release from the company.¹ “Every day, researchers are making discoveries that bring us closer to earlier detection, more effective treatments, and longer lives—and sustained support is essential to keep that momentum going.”

The Continuity Grant will specifically support projects in the United States that were previously scientifically reviewed, approved, and funded, “but have since had their funding rescinded due to federal administrative actions since January 20th, 2025,” BCAN explained.² These projects must cover topics in bladder cancer and/or upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

According to BCAN, “The projects may be basic, translational, clinical, or epidemiological in nature, or for patient-oriented clinical bladder cancer research projects (e.g. studies of shared decision making, access to care, quality of care, quality of life, health disparities, comparative effectiveness research, patient-centered outcomes research, and survivorship).”

The grant may only be used to support aspects of the project that were previously covered under the federal grant, which can include salary support, supplies, and data collection and analysis. Individual awards will be limited to a maximum of $200,000 in direct costs only.

Applicants are eligible for the grant if they are an independent investigator affiliated with a non-profit medical or research institution within the US. Each applicant may only submit 1 proposal. There is no limit on the number of applicants per institution.

Each application will be evaluated by a Scientific Review Group (SRG), which will be comprised of medical and scientific experts in cancer research. BCAN noted that the SRG will evaluate applications based on 2 criteria: consequences of non-funding (the potential risks and setbacks to the project if not funded) and alignment with BCAN’s mission and strategic priorities.

Those interested in applying for the Continuity Grant should submit their application by August 18, 2025 at 5pm EST. Final award decisions will be announced in September 2025. Funding support will be provided over a 12-month period, beginning in October 2025.

Deoudes concluded in the news release,¹ “For 20 years, BCAN has been dedicated to creating better todays and more tomorrows for bladder cancer patients and families, and this continuity grant builds on that longstanding commitment.”

More information regarding the grant and application format can be found here.

REFERENCES

1. BCAN launches $1 million Continuity Grant to sustain bladder cancer research. News release. The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network. July 8, 2025. Accessed July 16, 2025. https://bcan.org/bladder-cancer-research-continuity-grant/

2. Research Continuity Grants. BCAN. Accessed July 16, 2025. https://bcan.org/research-continuity-grants/