2026 Catalyst Grant Application

Each year, AVAHO awards one (1) Catalyst Grant to a member in good standing who demonstrates need and merit for funding to conduct a research project or innovation that holds best practice promise. Catalyst grants help improve the care of Veterans with cancer and/or expand access to cancer clinical trials.

Purpose: to support investigators who conduct studies that aim to:

1. Improve the care of Veterans with cancer, and/or
2. Expand veteran access to cancer clinical trials.

Application reviews will prioritize proposals that are:

1. Innovative
2. Relevant to Veterans and the VHA
3. Conducted by investigators who have experience with the proposed methodology
4. Collaborative with other investigators in the VA
5. Designed to support the pursuit of future funding
6. Projects for consideration do not need to be IRB approved except in situations where the investigation meets the VHA Handbook definition of “research"

Eligibility:

• Minimum 4/8 ths appointment at a VA medical center
• Masters or doctorate degree in a healthcare related area of study
• Completed terminal degree or fellowship training within past 10 years
• Minimum one full year AVAHO membership 

Please complete the following information to submit a Catalyst Grant Application to the AVAHO Foundation. You may apply for a grant up to $100,000, with most awards being in the $50,000 range.  Awards will be granted to members in good standing, with a minimum membership of one (1) full year who demonstrate a need and merit for funding to conduct a research project or innovation that holds best practice promise. 

 

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Julie Lawson, Executive Director, at julie@avaho.org.

Deadline for submission: August 30, 2026
Announcement of Winner: Annual Meeting Closing Remarks/Awards Sunday September 14, 2026