FOCUS Program
Advancing health equity in colorectal cancer screening through FOCUS grants
Cancer affects many people, but it doesn’t affect them equally.1 Nearly half of premature colorectal cancer (CRC) deaths are related to racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic inequalities.2 The most vulnerable patient populations often go unscreened for CRC,1 which is one reason these communities are up to 11% more likely to be diagnosed with CRC in later stages,3 when treatment is less effective.
Exact Sciences is committed to overcoming barriers to care and ensuring access to our tests regardless of a patient’s race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, or geographic location. To support this work, Exact Sciences created the Funding Opportunities to Cultivate Universal Screening & Survivorship (FOCUS) Program which provides grant funding to community organizations, health foundations, public health organizations, and advocacy groups to expand access to colorectal cancer screening and create affordable pathways to follow-up diagnostic care.
Current Grant Application Cycle: Closed
The FOCUS grant application window is currently closed. To be notified about the next request for proposals (RFP), please fill out this form.
Impact that matters
Exact Sciences has awarded over $6.3 million to 116 organizations across the United States.
Although each organization’s project is unique, they have all found success in closing the colorectal screening gap through several key strategies:
- Reducing barriers to care
- Engaging communities and patients
- Supporting and educating providers
To explore their successes and outcomes in more detail, read the reports below:
See the list of all grantees to date here
FOCUS Spotlights
Explore stories of innovation and success from previous FOCUS grant awardees.
Let’s take on colorectal cancer, together
We invite organizations committed to advancing health equity to apply for FOCUS grant funding to support innovative colorectal cancer screening initiatives. To be notified when the next RFP opens, please fill out this form.
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I apply?
- When application window is open:
1. Read the RFP fully and determine the pathway your organization is best suited for: “Clinical Advancement” or “Community Impact”
2. Download, complete, and save the application form, which can be found within the RFP.
3. Go to the Medcompli application portal and create an account. Follow the on-screen prompts to create a request for the FOCUS program and submit your application form.
- When application window is closed: The FOCUS grant application window is currently closed. To be notified about the next request for proposal (RFP), please fill out this form.
I've submitted my application, but the status says “Pending.” What does this mean?
Your application is fully submitted and is awaiting review from the Exact Sciences team. No further action is needed on your part.
Where can I find the application portal?
The Medcompli application portal is available here.
Get in touch
For additional questions not covered on this page, contact the FOCUS team at FOCUS@exactsciences.com.
References
1. ACS. Cancer facts & figures 2024. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2024.
2. Jemal A, Siegel RL, Ma J, et al. Inequalities in premature death from colorectal cancer by state. J Clin Oncol. 2015;33(8):829-83
3. Ho C, Kornfield R, Vittinghoff E, et al. Late presentation of colorectal cancer in a vulnerable population [published correction appears in Am J Gastroenterol. 2013 Jun;108(6):1020]. Am J Gastroenterol.