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HCN Grants Est. 2026
No. PAR-25-155 · National Institutes of Health
Open

Limited Competition: Small Grant Program for the NCATS Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)

Dealbreakers No cost share required Audit: not stated Reimbursement-only: not stated
Invitation only
“This is a limited competition.” — From the announcement

At a glance

This program supports small, self-contained translational science research projects that address roadblocks in science or operations and develop, demonstrate, or share innovative solutions. It is limited to NCATS CTSA Program KL2/K12 scholars who received direct NCATS funding and completed the training program, and applications must be submitted within 2 years of finishing the appointment. Awards provide up to $50,000 in direct costs per year for up to 2 years, and no cost sharing is required. Foreign organizations and non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are not eligible, but foreign components are allowed. Clinical trials are optional, and NCATS does not support trials beyond Phase IIB except Phase III trials for rare diseases or conditions.

AI-generated summary — verify against the announcement

What it funds

  • Health
  • Research & Discovery
  • Researchers & Scholars
  • Biomedical & Disease Research
Official description from grants.gov

The purpose of this NOFO is to enhance the capability of NCATS CTSA Program KL2 scholars and recipients of re-entry supplements supported by the CTSA Program to conduct research as they complete the transition to fully independent academic translational scientists. These R03 grants will support different clinical and translational science research projects, including pilot and feasibility studies; secondary data analysis of existing data; small, self-contained research projects; development of research methodology; and development of new research technology. Research proposed in the R03 application may or may not include patient-oriented research. The R03 is, therefore, intended to support research projects that can be carried out in a short period of time with limited resources and that provide preliminary data to support submission of a subsequent R01, or equivalent, application.

Who can apply

  • City or township governments
  • County governments
  • For-profit organizations other than small businesses
  • Independent school districts
  • Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
  • Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized)
  • Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
  • Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
  • Others
  • Private institutions of higher education
  • Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
  • Public housing authorities / Indian housing authorities
  • Small businesses
  • Special district governments
  • State governments
Geographic restriction None found in the announcement — likely nationwide