The QuickStart Program

QuickStart is a free technical support program that helps community groups and academics work together on new ideas to improve breast cancer prevention, care, and support. 

Over the course of the program, teams learn how to build strong partnerships, shape a research project, and prepare a draft collaborative research proposal. Along the way, participants get guidance from experts, including people who fund breast cancer research.

By the end of the program, each team will have a draft collaborative research proposal and feedback from a review committee, giving them a head start when applying for research funding.

The QuickStart program is offered by the California Breast Cancer Research Program, the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA), and the Women of Color Breast Cancer Survivors' Support Project .

What You’ll Gain from QuickStart

Participants will gain:

• Hands-on experience working with a research partner (community or academic)
• A written partnership agreement to strengthen future proposals
• A draft collaborative research proposal ready for feedback
• Feedback through a mock proposal review

This preparation gives teams a strong foundation to apply for future collaborative research funding, including through CBCRP's Community Research Collaboration (CRC) program.

Benefits of Participating

• For academics: stronger proposals, better community connections, and greater potential for your work to influence real-world policies and practices.
• For community members: new skills, organizational capacity, credibility, and data to help advocate for change.
• For everyone: a deeper understanding of how breast cancer is connected to environmental exposures and health disparities.

QUICKSTART 2027

The next QuickStart program runs from April 2027 to January 2028. It includes:

• Online and in-person workshops
• Guidance calls with experts
• Support for drafting a proposal
• A practice review with feedback

We welcome both new and experienced teams.

• Individuals: Applications will be available in the fall for those who would like help finding a partner.
• Teams: Applications will be available in the fall for existing community–academic partnerships.

At any point, you can send questions to us at QuickStartTP@gmail.com.

What is the cost?

QuickStart is offered at no cost. It covers:

• Tuition and materials
• Meals and lodging for out-of-town participants (if sessions are in person)
• Travel within California

Priority is given to applicants based in California, but others may be considered if space allows.

How to Apply

Applications for QuickStart 2027 will open this fall. Individuals and established community-academic teams are encouraged to apply. 

Questions? Email us at QuickStartTP@gmail.com.

Learn More

Interested in QuickStart 2027? Join one of our free informational webinars to learn about QuickStart, the Community Research Collaboration (CRC) Planning Grant, the application process, and how these opportunities can help your team develop a competitive collaborative research proposal. You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions.

Register for an upcoming informational webinar.

Beginning in 2027, teams funded through the Community Research Collaboration (CRC) Planning Grant will participate in QuickStart as part of the planning grant program.

Video thumbnail: Learn about the QuickStart Program, Research Grants Program Office (RGPO)

Who Can Apply?

We’re looking for teams that are:

• Interested in breast cancer research (including disparities, environmental causes, or prevention)
• Able to attend all in-person and online sessions
• Comfortable using a computer throughout the program
• Willing to draft and share research ideas, plans, and proposals with the QuickStart team and fellow participants
• Committed to preparing a draft collaborative research proposal and observing the mock review process

Time Commitment

• In-person workshops: Two multi-day sessions in April and June 2027 (~46–50 hours total)
• Online learning: Weekly assignments and webinars (~10 hours plus written work)
• Technical support: Up to four one-on-one calls with experts (~4 hours)

Example 2026 Program Schedule

Questions? Email QuickStartTP@gmail.com.