Limited Competition: Small Grant Program for the NCATS Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program (Clinical Trial Optional)
Can you apply?
This grant is for KL2 scholars within NCATS CTSA Program institutions. Applicants must be currently supported by a CTSA Program KL2 award. The award supports research that transitions scholars toward independent academic careers in clinical and translational science.
Research activities include pilot and feasibility studies, secondary data analysis, small self-contained projects, methodology development, and new research technology development. Patient-oriented research is optional but not required.
Geographic scope is national. Eligible organizations are NCATS CTSA Program institutions that currently have KL2 scholars.
Key dates
- Feb 18, 2026 Applications open
- Oct 17, 2026 Application deadline in 126 days
- Jul 15, 2027 Award announced
- Jul 15, 2027 Project start
Program description
The purpose of this NOFO is to enhance the capability of NCATS CTSA Program KL2 scholars supported by the CTSA Program to conduct research as they complete the transition to fully independent academic translational scientists. These small research 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 application may or may not include patient-oriented research. This small research grant 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 research project grant, or equivalent, application.
Awards are made under the authorization of Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284) and under Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 2 CFR Part 200.
This is a Forecast for a Limited Competition that will invite application(s) from eligible organization(s) to apply. Please see Eligibility Section for additional information. In accordance with NIH standard peer-review processes, the application(s) will be peer-reviewed, and only meritorious application(s) will be considered for funding.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Application Form (SF-424)
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Justification
- NIH Biographical Sketches
- Support Letters
- Institutional Commitment Letters
Program contact
- 👤 NCATS CTSA Program Branch
- 📧 CTSA_R03_NOFO_Questions@nih.gov
- 📞 Please contact via e-mail
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.350 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$139,753,636
-
$118,592,298
-
$118,098,707
-
$112,138,469
-
$102,422,256
-
$100,095,982
-
$99,978,264
-
$98,955,036
-
$98,090,822
-
$97,784,066
Top States by Funding
- CA 13 awards $652.0M
- NY 11 awards $496.8M
- MA 6 awards $321.4M
- NC 5 awards $313.7M
- OH 5 awards $162.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.350). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $595,597,945 | |
| 2025 | $626,227,752 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Only KL2 scholars currently supported by NCATS CTSA Program awards may apply. Applications must come through eligible CTSA institutions.
What types of research projects are supported?
Pilot studies, feasibility studies, secondary data analysis, methodology development, and new research technology development. Projects should be completable with limited resources in a short timeframe.
Is cost sharing required?
No cost sharing is required for this grant.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is October 17, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling.
Can clinical trials be included?
Yes, clinical trials are optional. Research may or may not include patient-oriented research or clinical trials.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize how your research will support transition to independent translational science career. Show clear career development goals.
- Include preliminary data or proof-of-concept findings. Reviewers favor applications with existing evidence of feasibility.
- Design projects intentionally for short timelines and limited budgets. Avoid overambitious scope for a small grant.
- Position this grant as a stepping stone. Clearly explain how results will strengthen a future R01 or equivalent application.
- Align research with CTSA Program priorities in clinical and translational science. Review current CTSA focus areas.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing overly ambitious projects that cannot be completed with limited resources and short timelines. Failing to demonstrate how the research supports transition to independence or strengthens future grant applications. Submitting weak or absent preliminary data without evidence of feasibility.
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