NCI Small Grants Program for Cancer Research (NCI Omnibus) (R03 Clinical Trial Optional) | PAR 25 078

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 25 078

The National Institutes of Health, through the National Cancer Institute (NCI), is offering the NCI Small Grants Program for Cancer Research (NCI Omnibus) using the R03 grant mechanism (Funding Opportunity Number PAR-25-078). This opportunity is designed to support small, focused cancer research projects that can be completed in a relatively short timeframe and with limited resources. The overall intent is to give investigators a way to generate preliminary results, test ideas, or produce targeted deliverables that can move a line of cancer research forward without requiring the scale or budget of larger NIH awards. Clinical trials are optional under this NOFO, meaning applicants may propose a clinical trial if appropriate, but it is not required.

Projects supported under an R03 are typically compact and clearly bounded in scope. The announcement highlights several common project types that fit well within this mechanism: pilot and feasibility studies that test early-stage concepts or approaches; secondary analyses of existing datasets where new questions can be answered without collecting entirely new data; small, self-contained research projects that address a specific hypothesis or gap; and efforts focused on research methods, including the development or refinement of research methodology. It also supports development of new research technology, which can include early prototyping, optimization, or proof-of-concept work intended to enable later, more expansive studies in cancer research.

The funding instrument is a grant, and the activity category is listed under Education and Health, with CFDA number 93.393. The award ceiling is $50,000, indicating the maximum amount that can be requested/awarded under the opportunity as provided in the source data. The opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding, and it is administered by the NIH. The original closing date is January 7, 2026, and the opportunity record shows a creation date of October 18, 2024. The number of expected awards is not specified in the provided source.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of domestic U.S. organizations and governmental entities. Eligible applicants listed include state, county, and city or township governments; special district governments; and independent school districts. Higher education institutions are eligible, including public and state-controlled institutions of higher education as well as private institutions of higher education. Tribal eligibility includes Native American tribal governments that are federally recognized, as well as Native American tribal organizations that are not federally recognized. Housing-related public entities such as public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities are also eligible. Both nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (in each case, other than institutions of higher education) may apply. For-profit organizations other than small businesses, as well as small businesses themselves, are included in the eligible applicant types, along with an “Others” category that NIH sometimes uses to capture additional eligible organization types.

In addition, the NOFO explicitly notes other eligible applicant categories that reflect NIH’s interest in inclusive participation across institution types and communities. These include Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs); Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs). It also includes eligible agencies of the federal government, faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and Indian/Native American tribal governments other than federally recognized entities. The announcement further indicates that non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations) may be eligible as well, which can be important for cancer research questions requiring international populations, samples, or collaborations, depending on NIH policy and the specifics of the proposed work.

In practical terms, this NOFO is best suited for applicants who have a well-defined cancer research question and a realistic plan to complete meaningful work with a modest budget. Competitive projects under the R03 format usually emphasize clear aims, a tight and feasible project plan, and a strong rationale for why a smaller, short-duration study is the right next step, whether the goal is to establish feasibility, validate methods, generate preliminary data for a larger grant, or deliver a narrowly targeted methodological or technological advance relevant to cancer research.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "NCI Small Grants Program for Cancer Research (NCI Omnibus) (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.393.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-10-18.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-01-07. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $50,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for PAR 25 078

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