The Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation has and will continue to fund innovative research, prevention initiatives, and programs supporting patients through their treatment journey for all types of adult and pediatric cancer. Funding for pediatric programs is given through the Starr Children’s Fund of the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation, in honor of Bart and Cherry Starr’s legacy and long-time partnership with the Foundation.
In alignment with our mission to support programs working to prevent cancer, provide superior care to patients, and find a cure, all applications are divided into three categories:
Prevent: The Foundation is interested in funding programs or projects that build awareness of cancer symptoms and screening requirements, help detect cancer in its earliest stages and brings screening procedures to more people across the country.
Care: Since our founding, the Foundation has prioritized partnerships that work to provide the best care possible to neighbors, friends, and family in our home state. Funding in this category is restricted to patient support programs in Wisconsin.
Cure: The Foundation desires to partner with organizations conducting innovative scientific and clinical research working to improve therapies and find a cure for cancer.
Upon the close of the application period on July 31, all applications are reviewed by our Medical Advisory Committee, which consists of medical experts across the country who are well versed in non-profit fund distribution. Their recommendations are reviewed by the Board of Directors, who approve the final awards. In the past five years, awards have averaged $60,000 to a program, ranging from $10,000 to $160,000. Read about the 2024 awarded projects here .
ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES
In addition to aligning with the three categories outlined above, successful applicants adhere to the following guidelines. While multi-year funding will not be awarded, awardees are welcome to reapply for funding in subsequent years. If awarded, the funds may not be applied toward intangible costs, and the award dates are from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026.
The Foundation is interested in innovative research and treatment programs, and if your program falls outside these parameters but has the potential to provide transformational therapies, please contact us to see if you could be considered.
501c3 nonprofit organizations, with preference for programs based in Wisconsin
Individuals or families will not be considered.
Capital campaigns will not be considered; capital expenses, such as new equipment, are considered eligible.
Funds will not be granted to create new staff positions. Staff salaries may be part of the overall program budget but not the full amount of the request.
Previous and current grant recipients are eligible to reapply for funding.
FUNDING TIMELINE
Application open May 1 – July 31, 2025
Submissions reviewed in Fall 2025
Awards announced in November 2025
Funding period January 1 – December 31, 2026
GRANT ACCEPTANCE REQUIREMENTS
Funding recipients will be requested to submit a mid-year progress report in June 2026 and a final report in December 2026. Recognition of VLCF's support is requested in online and print publications related to the funded program. Collaboration between the funded organization and VLCF to highlight and promote the award is encouraged.