NIH Small Research Grant Program (Parent R03 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Last verified by NonDilute: 2026-04-29. Official notice and agency instructions control.
Get up to $50K to validate your biomedical research idea or develop new methodology without committing to a full clinical trial.
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What this is
This NIH program supports early-stage or exploratory research that doesn't require extensive resources or long timelines. Eligible projects include pilot and feasibility studies, secondary data analysis, self-contained research projects, research methodology development, and new research technology development. The $50,000 award cap and clinical-trial exclusion make this ideal for proof-of-concept work in biomedical research, health sciences, and related fields. The program accepts a broad range of applicants from small businesses to nonprofits and academic institutions.
Who can apply
Broad eligibility including small businesses, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, public and private higher education institutions, tribal governments, and other organizational types. Solo individuals and independent researchers should verify they can apply through an eligible host organization. Clinical trial research is explicitly excluded.
Eligible applicant types
- Independent school districts
- For profit organizations other than small businesses
- State governments
- Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
- County governments
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
- Nonprofits that do not have 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)
- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
- City or township governments
- Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
- Small businesses
- Special district governments
- Private institutions of higher education
Full description — from the agency
The NIH Small Research Grant Program supports small research projects that can be carried out in a short period of time with limited resources. This program supports different types of projects including pilot and feasibility studies; secondary analysis of existing data; small, self-contained research projects; development of research methodology; and development of new research technology. This Notice of Funding Opportunity does not accept applications proposing clinical trial(s).
Topics: nih small research grant · pilot study funding · biomedical research · r03 grant · research methodology development · feasibility studies · health sciences 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.