Discovery of the Genetic Basis of Childhood Cancers and of Congenital Anomalies: Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program (X01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers studying genetic causes of childhood cancers and birth defects through the NIH's Kids First initiative. Eligible applicants include academic institutions, research hospitals, nonprofits, and private research organizations with appropriate institutional capacity. Applications must focus on discovery research using pediatric data resources or biospecimens. Foreign institutions may apply if they meet NIH requirements. Clinical trials are not allowed under this mechanism.
Key dates
- Jan 20, 2026 Applications open
- Jul 19, 2026 Application deadline in 48 days
- Aug 15, 2026 Award announced
- Aug 15, 2026 Project start
This grant is for researchers studying genetic causes of childhood cancers and birth defects through the NIH's Kids First initiative. Eligible applicants include academic institutions, research hospitals, nonprofits, and private research organizations with appropriate institutional capacity. Applications must focus on discovery research using pediatric data resources or biospecimens. Foreign institutions may apply if they meet NIH requirements. Clinical trials are not allowed under this mechanism.
Program description
As part of the Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program (Kids First Program), the NIH invites applications to submit samples from pediatric cohorts for whole genome sequencing at a Kids First Program supported sequencing center. Applicants are encouraged to propose sequencing of existing cohorts of pediatric cancer or congenital anomalies to elucidate the genetic contribution (somatic and/or germline) to childhood cancers, to investigate the genetic etiology of congenital anomalies, to study the molecular basis of the associations between congenital anomalies and increased cancer risk, or to expand the range of pediatric disorders included within the Kids First Data Resource. The program will accept applications that propose whole genome, exome, and transcriptome sequencing, as well as long-read sequencing, proteomics, and epigenomic assays of tumor or affected tissue, when justified. These data, and associated clinical and phenotypic data, will become part of the Kids First Data Resource Center for sharing with the research community.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- Colleges (all higher ed)
- 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
Details
This grant is for researchers studying genetic causes of childhood cancers and birth defects through the NIH's Kids First initiative. Eligible applicants include academic institutions, research hospitals, nonprofits, and private research organizations with appropriate institutional capacity. Applications must focus on discovery research using pediatric data resources or biospecimens. Foreign institutions may apply if they meet NIH requirements. Clinical trials are not allowed under this mechanism.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) Application Form
- Project Narrative (Research Strategy)
- Specific Aims
- Literature Review and Preliminary Data
- Budget Narrative
- Institutional Biosafety Committee approval (if applicable)
- Institutional Review Board approval letter
- Data Management Plan
- Letters of institutional support and collaboration
Program contact
- 👤 Gabriella Miller Kids First Program
- 📧 kidsfirst@od.nih.gov
- 📞 Please contact via email.
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.310 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$973,507,476
-
$383,462,829
-
$190,396,050
-
$179,743,190
-
$169,422,678
-
$167,922,818
-
$143,679,156
-
$134,358,531
-
$115,739,255
-
$91,722,927
Top States by Funding
- NC 5 awards $1,419.5M
- WA 1 awards $383.5M
- MD 2 awards $303.8M
- NY 3 awards $192.1M
- NJ 1 awards $179.7M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.310). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,174,839,078 | |
| 2025 | $1,062,277,534 | |
| 2026 est. | $28,100,048 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Academic medical centers, hospitals, research nonprofits, and institutions with research infrastructure. Individuals must be affiliated with an eligible institution.
What types of research are eligible?
Discovery research on genetic basis of childhood cancers and congenital anomalies. Clinical trials are not allowed.
What funding range should I expect?
Typical NIH grants range from $50K to $500K+ annually depending on project scope and existing data resources.
Is previous NIH funding required?
No, but strong preliminary data and institutional support significantly strengthen competitiveness.
When are deadlines?
Specific deadlines vary by funding cycle. Check NIH's Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools (RePORT) for current submission windows.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Leverage existing Kids First data resources and biobanks to strengthen your research design and reduce costs.
- Clearly articulate how your discovery project will advance understanding of genetic mechanisms in pediatric conditions.
- Ensure your institution has adequate bioinformatics and genomic sequencing capacity or partnerships.
- Build strong collaborations with pediatric hospitals or disease-specific research networks.
- Align your specific aims with NIH's priority to understand genetic drivers, not treatment development.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing clinical intervention or treatment trials instead of pure discovery research. Failing to adequately justify use of pediatric samples or explaining how data will be deposited in Kids First repository. Underestimating bioinformatics and data management infrastructure needs for large genomic datasets.
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