How to Apply
Download the Instructions for CRC Concept Papers
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Develop Your Partnership
Any community organization (established or ad hoc) planning to collaborate with an experienced scientific researcher (working in any research discipline or setting) may apply. The collaboration must consist of at least one member representing a community interest (for example, a community-based organization) and at least one member who is an experience scientific researcher. This partnership must work together in all phases of a collaborative research program, including identifying the problem, formulating the research questions, writing and submitting the grant proposal, designing and carrying out the research, and disseminating the results. (For help in finding a partner please read "Finding a Partner", below.)
You Must Submit a Concept Paper
Once you have found the right partner to collaborate with, the next step is to review the two types of grant awards (Pilot and Full) and decide where you fit. While applicants can apply directly for a Full Research Award without having gone through a Pilot study first, the ability of the team to collaborate in research and the presence of pilot data will both be considered when you apply for a Full Research Award. Preference will not be given to those who have completed a Pilot Award, but completing a Pilot Award may be one way to demonstrate successful performance as a team. Once you decide which award to apply for, you need to submit a Concept Paper. All applicants who submit Concept Papers will receive written evaluations and critical feedback and will be eligible to submit an application for a Pilot or Full Award. Concept papers are usually due annually in the Fall. For help with the concept paper, please see "Submitting a Concept Paper" and "Samples of Concept Papers" in the CRC Call for Applications in the Apply section of this Web site.
Finding a Partner
If you are a community member or represent a community-based organization:
- Meet with other members of your community to generate questions you have about breast cancer. These may be about whether a program you run is really effective, what risk factors might be prevalent in your community, or how you can reduce barriers to care. What is of interest to you? What have you wondered about? Write all these questions down.
- Then begin interviewing experienced scientific researchers to work with. Look for someone who is interested in, and perhaps already has experience with working collaboratively with communities. The CBCRP CRC Awards are not like some so-called "community-based" research, where the researcher does all the research work and simply includes the community when it's time to recruit research subjects. You want to find someone who understands that community collaborations take time, sharing of power, and willingness to compromise. It is also important that the researcher you choose has experience researching the question you are interested in; proposals go through a rigorous scientific review process. How do you find someone? Ask everyone you know for a referral. Talk to as many researchers as you can, interview them and ask them for referrals. Call the CBCRP office and ask us for referrals. Most community groups find researchers by engaging in a lot of leg work!
If you are a researcher:
- Consider breast cancer organizations or individuals with whom you have worked and approach them first. You can also contact breast cancer organizations in your area and ask for referrals to groups or individuals who might be interested in research topics in your area of expertise.
- Be prepared to spend a lot of time communicating with the community groups. Many organizations are leery of researchers who simply want access to clients. The CBCRP's CRC Award is designed to develop true partnerships between researchers and community groups. True partnerships take time and require working together from conceptualization all the way to research dissemination.
"I was the one who took it upon myself to find an epidemiologist. I made many, many phone calls. It was no small task. Lots of dead ends. Then I spoke with a doctor who thought he knew someone who would work with us. She was a former student of his."
— Community Research Grant Recipient
Submitting a Funding Request
Research teams who plan to apply for a Pilot or Full CRC Award must first submit a Concept Paper. All Concept Paper applicants will be eligible to apply for a CRC Award. Concept Papers must be written jointly by the community and experienced scientific research collaborators.
The Level of Detail Needed in Your Concept Paper
We will evaluate your concept paper based on the clarity and adequacy of the information you present. You need to clearly present your knowledge of the background of research on the disease, as well as your plan for the methodology, analysis, and implementation of the research project. Be concrete and specific. Statements such as "appropriate analysis will be used" or "a community-advisory board will be appointed," for example, would not convey enough information for us to judge the intended data analysis and the involvement of the community in the research project. Since we limit the length of the applications at all levels of the application process, you need to summarize concisely, rather than leave things out.
Download the CRC Call for Concept Papers and Instructions.
“I had no experience with the community when I started this research. I think, with all modesty, I'm now well accepted by the community. I'm involved in the community besides the research. I take part in the cultural activities. I show a presence.”
— Previously Funded Academic Researcher
