Who We Are and What We Do

About Us

The primary mission of the Research Foundation of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons is to raise and award funds to support and advance research related to colorectal disease. Over more than twenty years, the Research Foundation has awarded over $6 million to colorectal surgeons and researchers to investigate a broad spectrum of colorectal diseases and to develop novel surgical techniques pertinent to the care of colorectal patients.

Grant Cycle

Recommended by the Research Committee and approved by the Board; for 2026 we will offer the following awards: the two (2) Career Development Award, one (1) Limited Project Grant, one (1) Eugene Salvati, MD, Limited Project Grant, three (3) General Surgery Resident Research Initiation Grants, two (2) Special Emphasis Limited Project Grant: Colorectal Surgery and Health Equity and the three (3) Rising Star Award. The number of Robotic Research Grants to be awarded will continue to depend on industry funding.
 

	Summer Cycle	Spring Cycle
Online Application Submission Open	June 1	January 15
Application Deadline	August 17, 2026*, 10:59 PM CST	March 15, 10:59 PM CST
Application Review	September-October	March-April
Decisions Announced	Late October/Early November	Late May/Early June

*If the grant application deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, applications will be accepted the following business day.
Please note: The Research Foundation of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons will not accept proposals submitted after the deadline.

Spring Cycle:

• Career Development Award
• Limited Project Grant (Grant is offered in the even-numbered years - 2028, 2030 etc.)
• Robotic Research Grant (2026)
• Eugene Salvati, MD, Limited Project Grant (This grant opportunity is being offered outside the regular funding cycle - 2027, 2029, 2031)

Summer Cycle:

• General Surgery Resident Research Initiation Grant
• Rising Star Award
• Benefiting Research Innovation Development Growth and Education (BRIDGE)
• Special Emphasis Limited Project Grant: Colorectal Surgery and Health Equity

Other Cycle:

• DISCOVER Program

	DISCOVER Program
Online Application Submission Open	December 15
Application Deadline	February 1
Application Review	February
Decisions Announced	Early March

The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and the Research Foundation of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons are qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations and donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Please consult your tax advisor regarding specific questions about your deductions.