Limited Competition: Small Grant Program for the NCATS Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)
Last verified by NonDilute: 2026-06-08. Official notice and agency instructions control.
If you're a KL2 scholar or early-stage translational scientist with a lean pilot project, this $50K grant bridges the gap to your first independent R01.
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What this is
The NCATS R03 is designed for KL2 scholars and CTSA re-entry supplement recipients who are moving toward independent research careers. It funds pilot studies, secondary data analysis, methodology development, and proof-of-concept projects in clinical and translational science—not full-scale research. This is a stepping-stone grant meant to generate preliminary data for future R01 applications, with a two-year funding window and modest resource requirements ideal for early-stage investigators testing new ideas.
Who can apply
Applicants must be KL2 scholars or recipients of CTSA re-entry supplements. Eligible organizations include universities (public and private), nonprofits, small businesses, state/local governments, and tribal organizations. No geographic restrictions. Individual researchers must be affiliated with an eligible institution.
Eligible applicant types
- County governments
- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
- State governments
- Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Independent school districts
- Special district governments
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
- Small businesses
- Private institutions of higher education
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
- Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
- City or township governments
- For profit organizations other than small businesses
Full description — from the agency
The purpose of this NOFO is to enhance the capability of NCATS CTSA Program KL2 scholars and recipients of re-entry supplements supported by the CTSA Program to conduct research as they complete the transition to fully independent academic translational scientists. These R03 grants will support different clinical and translational science research projects, including pilot and feasibility studies; secondary data analysis of existing data; small, self-contained research projects; development of research methodology; and development of new research technology. Research proposed in the R03 application may or may not include patient-oriented research. The R03 is, therefore, intended to support research projects that can be carried out in a short period of time with limited resources and that provide preliminary data to support submission of a subsequent R01, or equivalent, application.
Topics: clinical translational science · pilot feasibility study · early career researcher · ncats ctsa · preliminary data · small grant r03
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.