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Exploratory Grants in Cancer Control (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)

National Institutes of Health · Opportunity number PA-25-253

View the official notice on Grants.gov
692 days left (deadline Sep 7, 2028)

Details summarized from the official notice as of Oct 16, 2026. Always confirm eligibility, deadlines and requirements in the official notice before applying.

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Key facts

Opportunity numberPA-25-253
AgencyNational Institutes of Health
Department of Health and Human Services
Assistance listing (ALN, formerly CFDA)93.399, 93.393
PostedNov 12, 2024
DeadlineSep 7, 2028
Cost sharing or matching requiredNo
Funding typeGrant
CategoryHealth
Last updated hereOct 16, 2026

Summary from the notice

This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) encourages the submission of exploratory/developmental research grant (R21) applications that focus on different aspects of cancer control by modifying behavior, screening, and understanding etiologic factors contributing to the development of cancer, and developing ways to control cancer. The overarching goal is to provide support to promote the early and conceptual stages of research efforts on novel scientific ideas that have the potential to substantially advance population-based cancer research, such as the development of novel techniques, agents, methodologies, models, or applications that could have a major impact on a field of cancer research (epidemiologic, biomedical, behavioral, health care delivery or clinical).

Who can apply

The official notice lists these applicant types as eligible:

  • Public and Indian housing authorities
  • Federally recognized tribal governments
  • Special district governments
  • State governments
  • City or township governments
  • Others named in the notice (see the eligibility text)
  • County governments
  • Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than colleges)
  • Small businesses
  • For-profit organizations other than small businesses
  • Independent school districts
  • Other Native American tribal organizations
  • Private colleges and universities
  • Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than colleges)
  • Public and state colleges and universities

Who should take a closer look

  • Small businesses
  • Nonprofits
  • Colleges and universities
  • State governments
  • Local governments
  • Tribal governments and organizations
  • Larger for-profit companies

Not listed as eligible

  • Individuals

Unless the eligibility text in the notice names you, this opportunity is probably not for you.

Eligibility details from the notice

Other Eligible Applicants include the following: Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs); Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government; Faith-based or Community-based Organizations; Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized); Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations); Regional Organizations; Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) ; U.S. Territory or Possession.

Registrations you will likely need

Most applications submitted through Grants.gov need the following. Registration can take several weeks, so start early. The notice lists the exact requirements.

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