Exploratory Grants in Cancer Control (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)
Last verified by NonDilute: 2026-04-29. Official notice and agency instructions control.
If you have an early-stage, high-impact idea in cancer prevention or control—but lack pilot data—this exploratory grant can fund your proof-of-concept.
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What this is
The R21 Exploratory Grants in Cancer Control support conceptual and early-stage research on new ideas that could significantly advance population-based cancer research—including behavioral interventions, screening methods, disease etiology studies, and prevention strategies. The program is intentionally broad, accepting applications from small businesses, nonprofits, universities, and government organizations. Award amounts are not specified in the opportunity text, but R21 grants typically fund 2-year projects with modest budgets (~$275k total). This is ideal for researchers or small teams with novel, promising cancer control concepts not yet ready for full R01 funding.
Who can apply
Broadly eligible: for-profit small businesses, nonprofits (501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3)), public and private universities, county/state/tribal governments, and other organizations. No stated geographic restrictions; applicants must be U.S.-based organizations per standard NIH policy. No upper-size limits stated for for-profits or nonprofits.
Eligible applicant types
- For profit organizations other than small businesses
- Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
- State governments
- County governments
- 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
- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
- Special district governments
- Small businesses
- Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
- Private institutions of higher education
- Independent school districts
- City or township governments
- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
Full description — from the agency
This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) encourages the submission of exploratory/developmental research grant (R21) applications that focus on different aspects of cancer control by modifying behavior, screening, and understanding etiologic factors contributing to the development of cancer, and developing ways to control cancer. The overarching goal is to provide support to promote the early and conceptual stages of research efforts on novel scientific ideas that have the potential to substantially advance population-based cancer research, such as the development of novel techniques, agents, methodologies, models, or applications that could have a major impact on a field of cancer research (epidemiologic, biomedical, behavioral, health care delivery or clinical).
Topics: cancer control research · exploratory grants · cancer prevention · behavioral intervention · cancer screening · NIH R21 funding
Public-source funding discovery only. This summary is generated from public agency data and may be incomplete or stale. NonDilute is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any government agency. Official notices and agency instructions control. NonDilute does not determine eligibility, provide grant-writing advice, or guarantee funding.