As part of a larger $25M commitment to establish and expand five Ralph Lauren Centers, The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation and Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation are collaborating to identify the next Ralph Lauren-named cancer centers in the United States with the goal of increasing access to cancer care in underserved communities. 

The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation is the grantor and provider of funding for this program. Conquer Cancer is the scientific partner and grant administrator.  

Background

On May 11, 2022, The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation made a $25 million commitment in new grant funding to expand or establish five Ralph Lauren-named cancer centers in underserved communities across the United States. Recognized by the White House’s Cancer Moonshot initiative, the funding will benefit institutions that have a National Cancer Institute designation and are dedicated to overcoming disparities in healthcare and improving cancer outcomes in their communities. This commitment includes funding for the Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Ralph Lauren Center in New York City, Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center in Washington, DC, the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention at USC Norris in Los Angeles, and two additional cancer centers in geographical areas and/or populations of special interest to The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation to improve cancer care and achieve health equity.  

Selected programs will focus on improving cancer outcomes through early diagnosis, access to screening and treatment services, and providing patient navigation services, all of which help to break down barriers that prevent those most in need from accessing high-quality care. Hypothesis-driven research projects are not appropriate for this funding opportunity. 

The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation expects naming recognition for the Ralph Lauren Centers, including a physical facility, in a prominent and accessible location, to serve as a central location for the patient navigation and other services including screening, treatment and supportive services as appropriate. 

Regional Focus

Funding opportunities in additional regions will be announced in the future.  

Funding Available

Up to $1 million USD per year is available to fund programs at an NCI-Designated Cancer Center for a 5-year term ($5 million total). The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation does not fund indirect costs. 

The cancer center must execute a Terms and Conditions agreement with The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation to receive a grant.  

Eligibility

The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation is looking to fund NCI-designated cancer centers that support vulnerable and underserved populations and communities. 

Invited organizations will 

  • Have designation by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Basic Laboratory Cancer Centers are not eligible. 
  • Be in a region of special interest to The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation. 
  • Have a track record for clinical excellence, community engagement, a demonstrated commitment to overcoming health disparities and a comprehensive plan to improve cancer outcomes for the most vulnerable and underserved patients in their communities. 
  • Strive to make long-term impact and sustain the program beyond the 5-year grant term. 
  • Track progress, assess impact, and share results. 
  • Maintain sound financial practices and management. 
  • Have strong leadership and demonstrated proficiency in managing large, multi-component programs. 
  • Have institutional commitment and resources to ensure that the Center achieves program goals. 

Application Instructions

Through its collaboration with Conquer Cancer, cancer centers will be selected one at a time through an invitation only RFP process.  Organizations will be contacted and directed by Conquer Cancer to submit a letter of intent or full proposal. Unsolicited proposals will not be considered. 

The LOI and full application must be submitted in accordance with the requirements and instructions of the Request for Proposals by the submission deadlines. All application materials must be submitted through the Application Portal at awards.asco.org. Questions can be addressed to Andrew Smith, PhD, Scientific Review Officer, at programs@everygrant.org. 

EveryGrant®

This grant is administered under EveryGrant®, Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation’s, end-to-end, white label solution. EveryGrant®  helps organizations develop and deliver grants programs that attract the brightest researchers and make a difference for people with cancer everywhere.