Funder: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Due Dates: November 17, 2025 (Forecasted)
Funding Amounts: Estimated total program funding: $2,000,000 | ~6 awards expected | R03 small grant mechanism
Summary: Supports small pilot projects to advance or complement the Human Virome Program, focusing on characterizing the healthy human virome and its host interactions.
Key Information: This is a forecasted opportunity; applications are not yet being solicited.
Description
The NIH Office of Strategic Coordination (Common Fund), in partnership with the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), will solicit applications for small pilot projects under the Human Virome Program. The program aims to:
- Comprehensively characterize the healthy human virome,
- Develop new tools, models, and methods for virome study,
- Define interactions between the healthy human virome and its host.
Projects should advance or complement ongoing Human Virome Program efforts but must not overlap with existing program activities. This funding opportunity will use the R03 small grant activity code, which is intended for pilot or feasibility studies.
Note: This is a forecasted Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO); applications are not being accepted at this time. The notice is provided early to allow potential applicants to prepare and develop collaborations.
Due Dates
- Estimated Application Due Date: November 17, 2025
This is a forecasted date. Monitor Grants.gov and the NIH Guide for the official release and confirmation of deadlines.
Funding Amount
- Estimated Total Program Funding: $2,000,000
- Expected Number of Awards: 6
- Activity Code: R03 (NIH Small Grant Program)
- Award Size/Duration: Not specified; R03 grants typically provide up to $50,000 in direct costs per year for up to 2 years, but refer to the official NOFO for details upon release.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include:
- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- State and county governments
- Independent school districts
- Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
- Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized)
- Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excluding higher education institutions)
- Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
- For-profit organizations (including small businesses)
Individuals may not apply directly; applications must be submitted by eligible organizations.
Application Process
- Current Status: Forecasted — applications are not yet being accepted.
- Anticipated NOFO Release: Estimated September 15, 2025
- Submission Method: When released, applications will be submitted via Grants.gov using the SF424 (R&R) package and following R03-specific instructions.
- Preparation: Potential applicants are encouraged to:
- Identify relevant areas of interest,
- Develop collaborative teams,
- Review R03 grant requirements and NIH application policies,
- Monitor the NIH Guide and Grants.gov for the official announcement.
Additional Information
- Clinical Trials: Not allowed under this opportunity.
- Cost Sharing/Matching: Not required.
- Overlap: Projects must not overlap with existing Human Virome Program efforts.
- Contacting NIH: Early contact with the scientific/research contact is encouraged for questions regarding fit and eligibility.
External Links
Contact Information
| Name | Email | Phone | Affiliation |
|---|
| Amanda Melillo, PhD | amanda.melillo@nih.gov | 301-529-7217 | National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) |