The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is accepting applications for the NIH Small Research Grant Program (Parent R03 Clinical Trial Not Allowed). This funding opportunity supports small-scale, well-defined research projects that can be completed within two years and require limited resources. Projects suitable for this program include pilot or feasibility studies, secondary analysis of existing data, small self-contained research projects, development of research methodologies, and the development of new research technology. Clinical trials are not permitted under this announcement.

Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, small businesses, state and local governments, tribal organizations, and foreign institutions. Applicants must complete all required registrations, including DUNS, SAM, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov, prior to submission. Program Directors/Principal Investigators (PDs/PIs) must have an active eRA Commons account. Multiple applications from the same organization are allowed, provided they are scientifically distinct.

The funding mechanism for this opportunity is a grant with a maximum budget of $50,000 in direct costs per year, for up to two years. The total project period cannot exceed two years. The number of awards is contingent upon NIH appropriations and the number of meritorious applications received. Standard NIH policies outlined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement apply to all submitted applications and awarded grants.

Applications will be reviewed for scientific and technical merit through NIH’s peer review process. Reviewers will assess the overall impact of each project, with emphasis on its significance, investigator qualifications, innovation, approach, and research environment. Special consideration will be given to applications proposing pilot studies, feasibility research, or new methodologies with potential for future expansion. Preliminary data are not required but may be included if relevant. Applications that involve human subjects or vertebrate animals must address ethical protections and relevant justifications.

Standard due dates apply for both non-AIDS and AIDS-related applications. Submissions are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant’s organization. Applications must be submitted electronically via ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or institutional system-to-system solutions. Applicants are encouraged to submit early to allow time for corrections if needed. Notifications of award decisions will be made through the NIH eRA Commons system.

Awarded grants will adhere to NIH’s Data Management and Sharing policies and reporting requirements. Annual progress reports (RPPR), invention statements, and final financial reports will be required at the conclusion of the award period. Successful applicants will receive a Notice of Award (NoA) as the formal authorization document. All funded programs must comply with federal civil rights and non-discrimination laws. For additional information, applicants are encouraged to contact NIH representatives listed in the R03 IC-Specific Scientific Interests and Contact website. This funding opportunity expires on January 8, 2025.