Apply to be a Catalyst State

The 2026-2027 application process for the Catalyst State-by-State Advocacy Program has closed. The next application cycle will open in summer 2026.

Program Overview

The Catalyst Program supports grassroots activities and coalition-building at the state level for legislative and policy changes to increase access to colorectal cancer screening. We aim to foster a community of colorectal cancer champions across states and territories to troubleshoot challenges, grow coalitions, and share best practices.

Program Goals

The Catalyst Program supports policy efforts to increase access to colorectal cancer screening at the state level. Previous Catalyst Grant awardees have utilized their grants to advance legislation ensuring no-cost coverage for follow-up colonoscopy after an abnormal non-invasive screening test; harmonize screening modality and age recommendations with nationally recognized standards; and secure funding for colorectal cancer screening in their state budgets.

The Catalyst grants support:

Legislation codifying no-cost access to colorectal cancer screening including follow-up colonoscopy after an abnormal non-invasive test.

Creating a Colorectal Cancer Screening Advisory Council in your state.

Increasing access to colorectal cancer screening for the uninsured or underinsured.

Securing state funding in annual budgets for colorectal cancer screening.

Directing the legislature to complete a study on colorectal cancer screening access in your state.

Get creative! Additional “big P” or “small p” policies to increase access to colorectal cancer screening may be considered.

Eligibility Requirements

Applications will be accepted from non-profit organizations (501(c)(3), 501(c)(4)), universities, coalitions, and state governments. Applicants not able to directly lobby within a state must identify a partner that is able to lobby. For-profit entities may be involved in the project but will not be eligible for grant funding.

Eligible

  • Development of state-specific resources

  • Public relations and social media outreach
  • State lobbyist retention
  • State policy analysis
  • State lobby day, briefings, coalition meetings
  • Organizing visits with key lawmakers or regulators (e.g. State Insurance Commissioners or Secretary of Health)
  • Dedicated staff time necessary for program implementation and, reporting

Not eligible

  • Direct screening or patient services
  • Navigation programs
  • Capital or endowment campaigns
  • Individual scholarships
  • Pay indirect or overhead costs (i.e. office space, administrative fees, IT and/or EMR-related expenses, institution overhead, etc.)

Grant Benefits

In addition to grant funding, grant recipients will receive the following at no cost to the grant recipient:

  • Assistance with action planning from a nationally-recognized facilitator at a kick-off meeting to produce a required Action Plan.
  • Technical support and materials throughout the two-year grant period. This will include but is not limited to:
    • Resources for adaptation, action alerts, communications and social media support
    • Regular calls to discuss efforts, share successes and address issues
  • Access to additional expert advice and coaching on issues identified in their state

Additional Grant Requirements

If selected, grantees will be required to do the following as part of the grant process:

  • Host a virtual or in-person action planning meeting (facilitator to be provided by Fight CRC)
  • Participate in regular check-ins for troubleshooting and cross-state learning
  • Complete annual evaluations to track and report progress, challenges and outcomes

Have a question?

Reach out to our team at advocacy@fightcrc.org