NCI Small Grants Program for Cancer Research (NCI Omnibus) (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)

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Description

This opportunity supports small, discrete, well-defined research projects in any area of cancer research using the NIH R03 small grant mechanism. The program is designed for projects that can be realistically completed within two years and require limited funding. Eligible project types include pilot or feasibility studies, secondary analysis of existing data, small self-contained research projects, development of research methodology, and development of new research technology.

Projects may involve basic, translational, clinical, or population research relevant to the mission of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Examples include studies in cancer biology, control, diagnosis, disparities, prevention, and treatment. Both clinical trial and non-clinical trial applications are accepted.

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Due Dates

• Standard (New/Renewal/Resubmission/Revision):
  • February 24, 2025
  • June 20, 2025
  • October 17, 2025
• AIDS-related applications:
  • May 7, 2025
  • September 7, 2025
  • January 7, 2026

All applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization. The opportunity expires January 8, 2026.

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Funding Amount

• Direct costs: Up to $50,000 per year
• Project period: Maximum of 2 years (total up to $100,000 direct costs)
• No cost sharing or matching required
• The number of awards depends on NIH appropriations and the number of meritorious applications.

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Eligibility

• Eligible organizations:

  • Public and private institutions of higher education
  • Nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status)
  • For-profit organizations (including small businesses)
  • State, county, city, township, and special district governments
  • Independent school districts
  • Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
  • Native American tribal governments and organizations (federally recognized and other)
  • Faith-based and community-based organizations
  • Regional organizations
  • U.S. territories and possessions
  • Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations) and foreign components of U.S. organizations

• Eligible individuals: Any individual(s) with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research as PD(s)/PI(s).

• Applicant organizations may submit more than one application, provided each is scientifically distinct.

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Application Process

• Submission platforms: NIH ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or institutional system-to-system solutions.
• Required registrations:
  • System for Award Management (SAM)
  • eRA Commons
  • Grants.gov
  • (Foreign organizations: NCAGE code)
• Application instructions: Follow the NIH How to Apply - Application Guide and the specific instructions in the NOFO.
• Page limits: As described in the NIH Table of Page Limits.
• Data Management and Sharing Plan: Required for all applications.
• Clinical trial applications: Must follow NIH clinical trial policies and reporting requirements.

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Additional Information

• Clinical trials: Optional (applications may propose or not propose clinical trials).
• Updated March 31, 2025: The NOFO was updated to align with agency priorities. Applicants should carefully review the current NOFO before submission.
• No cost sharing required.
• Foreign organizations and components are eligible.
• Multiple applications allowed if scientifically distinct.
• Review criteria: Significance, innovation, approach (rigor and feasibility), investigator(s), and environment.

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External Links

• Full NOFO and application instructions (NIH)
• Grants.gov opportunity page
• NCI extramural research funding programs
• NIH How to Apply - Application Guide
• NIH R03 Activity Code details
• NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy
• Research Methods Resources (for clinical trials)

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Contact Information

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