Exploratory Grants in Cancer Control (R21 Clinical Trial 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 conducting early-stage cancer control research projects. Eligible applicants include academic research institutions, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations with research capability. Principal investigators must have a doctoral degree (MD, PhD, or equivalent) and institutional affiliation. Projects typically focus on novel cancer prevention, detection, or control approaches not yet ready for large-scale trials. Funding supports feasibility studies and pilot research to generate preliminary data for future R01 applications.
Geographic scope includes U.S. institutions and U.S. citizens/permanent residents as principal investigators. Foreign institutions may apply if they meet NIH requirements. The R21 mechanism explicitly welcomes high-risk, high-reward exploratory concepts.
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Program description
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).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&D)
- Project Narrative (6 pages max for R21)
- Specific Aims (one page)
- Research Strategy
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (senior key personnel)
- Vertebrate Animals/Human Subjects approval (if applicable)
- Letters of Support
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
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$20,187,190
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$19,625,661
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$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 be a principal investigator on this grant?
You must hold a doctoral degree (MD, PhD, DDS, DVM, or equivalent) and have institutional affiliation. Early-career researchers are encouraged.
What project types are fundable under R21?
Exploratory and developmental research in cancer control, prevention, detection, and screening. Pilot data and feasibility studies are strong candidates.
Is this for clinical trials?
The R21 mechanism is "Clinical Trial Optional." You may include clinical trials, but they are not required. Most R21s focus on feasibility and preliminary data generation.
What is the typical funding range?
R21 awards are generally smaller than R01s, typically ranging from $150,000 to $500,000 total costs over two years.
How competitive is this grant?
R21s are competitive but designed for early-stage ideas. Reviewers expect proof-of-concept, not fully mature research programs.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Frame your project as exploratory. Emphasize novel hypotheses and high-risk concepts with potential for major impact.
- Include preliminary data to demonstrate feasibility. Even small pilot studies or proof-of-concept results strengthen competitiveness.
- Keep timelines realistic for a two-year award. Avoid over-committing; show what you can accomplish in that window.
- Address cancer control broadly. Prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship all fit the scope.
- Use the clinical trial optional language strategically. If trials are not essential, exclude them to simplify and focus on proof-of-concept.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Reviewers reject R21s for lacking preliminary data. Present evidence your approach is feasible, even if limited.
Scope creep kills early-stage grants. Propose a focused, achievable project that fits a two-year timeline.
Generic hypotheses fail to stand out. Clearly articulate the novel, high-risk aspect that justifies exploratory funding.
Similar grants
- OPEN Cancer Prevention and Control Clinical Trials Planning Grant Program (R34 Clinical Trials Optional) — National Institutes of Health
- OPEN NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Project Grant (Parent R21 Clinical Trial Required) — National Institutes of Health
- OPEN Cancer Prevention and Control Clinical Trials Grant Program (R01 Clinical Trial Required) — National Institutes of Health
- OPEN Modular R01s in Cancer Control and Population Sciences (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) — National Institutes of Health
- OPEN NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Project Grant (Parent R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) — National Institutes of Health