The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Small Grants Program for Cancer Research (R03), under funding opportunity number PAR-25-078, provides support for small-scale cancer research projects that can be completed within a short timeframe and with limited resources. Using the R03 mechanism, the program funds projects that involve exploratory research, pilot and feasibility studies, secondary data analysis, and development of research methodologies or new technologies. This opportunity allows for clinical trial inclusion but does not require it. The funding mechanism is reissued from PAR-23-058, and all projects must align with NCI’s mission and cancer research priorities, including areas such as cancer biology, control, diagnosis, disparities, prevention, and treatment.

The R03 award allows for a budget of up to $50,000 per year in direct costs, with a maximum project period of two years. The number of awards will depend on the availability of NIH funding and the submission of competitive applications. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, small and for-profit businesses, government entities, independent school districts, Native American organizations, public housing authorities, faith-based organizations, and foreign entities. Foreign components of U.S.-based organizations are permitted, and foreign (non-U.S.) organizations may apply directly.

For the application process, organizations must complete and maintain registrations with the System for Award Management (SAM), NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) Code for foreign entities, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov. These registrations are time-sensitive, potentially taking six weeks or more, so early initiation is advised. Principal Investigators (PIs) and Program Directors (PDs) must have eRA Commons accounts, and applicants must ensure conformance to the NIH instructions. Failure to meet these requirements may lead to delayed or rejected applications.

Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time on NIH’s standard receipt dates: February 24, June 20, and October 17 each year, with the final due date of January 8, 2026. Submissions must be electronic, with applicants encouraged to apply early to resolve any technical issues. Applications will be reviewed for scientific merit by a specialized Scientific Review Group within the NCI, using criteria that assess the significance, innovation, rigor, feasibility, and investigator expertise. For clinical trials, additional review considerations will include study design, intervention justification, and recruitment feasibility.

Upon award, grantees must comply with NIH’s standard award management policies, including data sharing requirements for research generating scientific data. Recipients are expected to submit annual progress reports and final project reports. For research involving human subjects or vertebrate animals, recipients must follow NIH policies to ensure participant safety and ethical research practices, with IRB or ethics committee approval required as applicable.

Contacts for questions include NCI’s scientific staff for guidance on research aims and NCI’s grants management contacts for financial and administrative issues. Additionally, technical assistance for electronic submissions is available through the eRA Service Desk and Grants.gov.