Cancer Prevention and Control Clinical Trials Planning Grant Program (R34 Clinical Trials Optional)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers and institutions planning cancer prevention and control clinical trials. Eligible applicants include universities, medical schools, teaching hospitals, and other research institutions with NIH-recognized research programs. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents, or hold an approved visa status. The R34 mechanism supports planning activities only—not full trial execution.
Funding is available nationwide for applicants with research capacity and institutional infrastructure. Applications should propose planning activities that will lead to a larger R01 clinical trial application. Examples include protocol development, feasibility assessment, and team coordination.
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Program description
The purpose of this FOA is to facilitate well planned clinical trials across the cancer prevention and control spectrum aimed at improving prevention/ interception, cancer-related health behaviors, screening, early detection, healthcare delivery, management of treatment-related symptoms, supportive care, and the long-term outcomes of cancer survivors. Although the scientific literature or preliminary data may provide the rationale for conducting a clinical trial, investigators often lack critical information about the study population, accrual challenges, intervention, outcome/ endpoints, data/statistical challenges or operational risks necessary to finalize the trial protocol completely. These information gaps can result in multiple protocol changes before and after trial start-up, leading to the need for additional time and expenses that may prevent study completion. Further, the suitability and feasibility of new trial designs, which minimize infrastructure and reduce costs may need to be tested in the context of a particular intervention, at-risk group, symptom or venue. Preparatory studies may fill information gaps and address unknowns, improving trial design and knowledge of trial feasibility and thus saving NCI time and money.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 Application Form
- Project Narrative (Research Plan)
- Detailed Budget and Budget Justification
- Biosketch (NIH Format) for all key personnel
- Institutional Support Letter
- Facilities and Equipment Description
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 grantsinfo@nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.399 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$22,629,848
-
$20,187,190
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$19,625,661
-
$19,227,026
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$18,138,327
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$17,827,646
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$17,614,587
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$16,535,118
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$16,126,587
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$14,347,054
Top States by Funding
- NY 7 awards $57.6M
- SC 3 awards $46.6M
- DE 3 awards $43.2M
- IL 3 awards $38.4M
- WI 3 awards $37.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who can apply for an R34 Clinical Trials grant?
Universities, research hospitals, medical centers, and nonprofits with established research infrastructure. PIs must be U.S. citizens, nationals, permanent residents, or hold valid visa status.
What is this grant designed to fund?
Planning activities for future clinical trials. Eligible work includes protocol development, feasibility studies, and stakeholder engagement. It does not fund trial execution itself.
What is the typical funding amount?
R34s typically range from $200,000 to $500,000 total costs over 2-3 years. Exact amounts vary by application scope and reviewer feedback.
How competitive is this grant?
Very competitive. NIH success rates for R34s typically range from 15-25%. Strong preliminary data and detailed planning are essential.
When is the deadline?
Fixed deadline October 25, 2027. Applications open November 5, 2024. Allow 4-6 months for preparation.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Demonstrate clear feasibility. Show you have institutional support, preliminary data, and access to participant populations.
- Build a strong team. Include biostatisticians, trial managers, and domain experts in cancer prevention and control.
- Be specific about planning activities. State what you will accomplish in years 1-2 that prepares you for an R01.
- Address scientific rigor early. Discuss randomization, blinding, and outcome measures in your planning timeline.
- Connect to NIH priorities. Align your trial with NCI strategic directions and current cancer prevention evidence gaps.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Vague planning activities. Reviewers reject applications that don't specify concrete outputs like protocols or feasibility reports. Weak preliminary data. Show pilot results supporting your trial's scientific rationale. Unrealistic scope. Planning budgets are modest; don't overreach into trial execution costs.
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