Skip to content
HCN Grants Est. 2026
No. PA-25-302 · National Institutes of Health
Open

NIH Small Research Grant Program (Parent R03 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Dealbreakers No cost share required Audit: not stated
Not reimbursement-only
“Grant: A financial assistance mechanism providing money, property, or both to an eligible entity to carry out an approved project or activity.” — From the announcement

At a glance

This NIH program funds small, well-defined research projects that can be completed in two years, including pilot studies, secondary analysis of existing data, small self-contained projects, research methods development, and new research technology development. Eligible applicants include a wide range of organizations, including nonprofits, higher education institutions, governments, small businesses, foreign organizations, and other U.S. and non-U.S. entities; foreign components are also allowed. Application budgets are limited to $50,000 in direct costs per year, the project period may not exceed two years, and the number of awards depends on NIH appropriations and the quality of applications. Cost sharing is not required, and clinical trials are not allowed.

AI-generated summary — verify against the announcement

What it funds

  • Education
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Income Security and Social Services
  • Research & Discovery
  • Researchers & Scholars
  • Biomedical & Disease Research
Official description from grants.gov

The NIH Small Research Grant Program supports small research projects that can be carried out in a short period of time with limited resources. This program supports different types of projects including pilot and feasibility studies; secondary analysis of existing data; small, self-contained research projects; development of research methodology; and development of new research technology. This Notice of Funding Opportunity does not accept applications proposing clinical trial(s).

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