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Limited Competition: Small Grant Program for Mentored Research Career Development Award Recipients (R03) (Clinical Trials Not Allowed)

National Institutes of Health · Opportunity number PAR-27-074

View the official notice on Grants.gov
1004 days left (deadline Jul 16, 2029)

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 numberPAR-27-074
AgencyNational Institutes of Health
Department of Health and Human Services
Assistance listing (ALN, formerly CFDA)93.846
PostedMay 28, 2026
DeadlineJul 16, 2029
Cost sharing or matching requiredNo
Funding typeGrant
CategoryHealth
Last updated hereOct 16, 2026

Summary from the notice

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) announces a program that provides NIAMS-supported K01, K08, K23, and K25 recipients the opportunity to apply for the Small Grant (R03) during the second to fourth year of their K award, as well as to provide support to recipients of significant career development awards from federal or non-federal organizations that are focused on the NIAMS' mission areas. Through this mechanism, which allows up to $50,000 direct costs per year for up to two years, the NIAMS is seeking to enhance the capability of scientists to conduct research as they transition to fully independent investigator. The R03 grant mechanism allows support of 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. In addition to the existing career development awards, the R03 is intended to support short term research projects to enable opportunities for a subsequent R01, or equivalent, application. Clinical trials of any phase will not be supported by this NOFO.This is a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for a Limited Competition that will invite application(s) from eligible organization(s) to apply. Please see Section III. Eligibility for additional information. In accordance with NIH standard peer-review processes, the application(s) will be peer-reviewed, and only meritorious application(s) will be considered for funding.

Who can apply

The official notice lists these applicant types as eligible:

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

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

Refer to Section III. Eligibility Information in the NOFO for additional information on eligibility.Foreign Organizations/International Collaborations:Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) are not eligible to apply.Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply.Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed.

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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