The NIH's Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health (R03 Small Grant Program) invites applications that focus on strategies for effectively implementing and disseminating evidence-based health interventions. Sponsored by multiple NIH institutes, including the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Institute on Aging (NIA), this grant aims to support research that addresses barriers to the adoption, adaptation, integration, scale-up, and sustainability of effective health practices and policies. The FOA is particularly interested in projects that advance equitable access to these interventions among underrepresented communities and that may include strategies to phase out ineffective or harmful practices. The funding also encourages innovation in dissemination and implementation research methods, emphasizing projects that have a broad and significant public health impact.

Eligible applicants for this R03 grant include a wide range of organizations, including U.S.-based higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, local governments, and tribal governments, among others. Foreign institutions may also apply. The program provides up to $50,000 per year for a maximum project period of two years, with funds covering direct costs related to research. Cost-sharing is not required. Proposals should aim to align with the missions of one or more participating NIH institutes and should advance specific dissemination and implementation science in clinical, public health, or community settings.

The application process is rigorous and requires adherence to NIH SF424 (R&R) Application Guide instructions. Proposals should include a project narrative detailing the significance, approach, and innovative aspects of the research, and an emphasis on transdisciplinary collaboration. Applicants are required to submit a letter of intent at least 30 days before the application due date and to utilize either the NIH ASSIST system, Grants.gov Workspace, or an institutional system-to-system for application submission. Key proposal elements include a data management and sharing plan, as well as detailed plans for dissemination and implementation strategy assessments.

Evaluation criteria will focus on significance, investigator qualifications, innovation, approach, and the scientific environment, with an overall impact score assessing the project's potential to advance dissemination and implementation science significantly. Reviewers will also assess budget justification and compliance with NIH policy requirements. Additional review considerations include protections for human subjects, inclusion of underrepresented populations, and ethical research practices. NIH requires quarterly and final reporting for awarded projects, covering both financial and performance metrics.

Key deadlines include a recurring schedule of application due dates, with the next submission due on February 16, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals early to allow time for correction of submission errors. After submission, proposals undergo a multi-level peer review process, with an anticipated project start date set for July 2025, contingent upon fund availability and successful proposal review.