by Last verified: 18 October 2026. We checked these Career Development Program details against Blood Cancer United’s official grants page.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is now called Blood Cancer United, and its Career Development Program (CDP) opened for the 2026–2027 cycle, and the eligibility phase closed on 15 October 2026, so new applicants now need to plan for the next cycle. It funds blood cancer researchers at postdoctoral and early-faculty level with $70,000 to $125,000 (seventy thousand to one hundred and twenty-five thousand US dollars) a year. Only applicants who passed the eligibility phase by 15 October 2026 can continue to the later stages.
Career Development Program deadlines for 2026–2027
| Stage | Deadline (3:00 pm ET) |
|---|---|
| Eligibility phase | 15 October 2026 |
| Letter of intent | 1 November 2026 |
| Reference letters and full application | 15 November 2026 |
| Award start | 1 October 2027 |
The programme’s FAQ mentions a 1 July start and a January review date, which doesn’t match the main page. Confirm the start date with Blood Cancer United before you plan around it.
Career Development Program award levels
| Category | Per year (USD) | Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fellow | $70,000 | 3 years | Up to 3 years of postdoc experience; minimum stipend $65,000; childcare support up to $3,600 |
| Special Fellow | $75,000 | 2 or 3 years | 3 to 5 years of postdoc experience; minimum stipend $70,000; childcare support up to $3,600 |
| Scholar | $120,000 | 5 years | Tenure-track researchers with national agency funding |
| Scholar in Clinical Research | $125,000 | 5 years | Clinical researchers |
How to apply
- Pick the one category that matches your career stage. You can submit only one application per cycle.
- Complete the eligibility phase in Blood Cancer United’s online grants system by 15 October 2026.
- Submit your letter of intent by 1 November 2026.
- Make sure your references and full application are in by 15 November 2026.
Citizenship and institution rules for non-US applicants are set out in the programme guidelines, so read them before you start.
Worked example: which category fits?
Dr Okafor finished her PhD in Lagos and has been a postdoc in a blood cancer lab for two years. With under three years of postdoc experience, she fits the Fellow category: $70,000 a year for three years, with a minimum stipend of $65,000. If she had four years of postdoc experience, she’d apply as a Special Fellow instead.
This is research funding, not a study scholarship. If you’re looking for Masters funding, see our fully funded Masters scholarships list.
Planning for the next career development program cycle
The 2026–2027 round has moved past its eligibility stage, so most researchers reading this should plan for the 2027–2028 cycle. If Blood Cancer United keeps the same pattern, expect an eligibility check in mid-October, a letter of intent in early November and the full application in mid-November. It hasn’t confirmed those dates yet, so check its page before you plan.
- Work out your category from your career stage: years of postdoctoral training or faculty rank.
- Line up a mentor and referees early, especially for the Fellow and Special Fellow tracks.
- Check the programme guidelines on institution eligibility. The main page doesn’t say whether researchers at non-US institutions can apply.
What Fellows actually receive
For Fellows, at least $65,000 of the $70,000 a year goes to the awardee as stipend. For Special Fellows it’s at least $70,000 of $75,000. Both can also get up to $3,600 (three thousand six hundred US dollars) a year in childcare support.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Career Development Program still running?
Yes, under the new name Blood Cancer United. The 2026–2027 cycle is open.
Can I apply to more than one category?
No. You can submit one application per cycle.
Can I still apply for the 2026–2027 cycle?
Only if you passed the eligibility phase by 15 October 2026. Everyone else should prepare for the next cycle.
Official sources
Grant rules change. Always check the official guidelines before you apply.
