Limited Competition: Small Grant Program for the NCATS Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Sep 12, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for scholars transitioning to independent academic translational scientists. Eligible applicants include NCATS CTSA KL2 scholars and re-entry supplement recipients. U.S. institutions and eligible organizations—including HBCUs, minority-serving institutions, tribal colleges, and faith-based organizations—may apply. Foreign organizations cannot apply, but U.S. organizations with foreign components may participate.
The program supports pilot studies, secondary data analysis, methodology development, and technology development. Projects must be completable in a short timeframe with limited resources and should generate preliminary data for future R01 applications.
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Program description
The purpose of this NOFO is to enhance the capability of NCATS CTSA Program KL2 scholars and recipients of re-entry supplements supported by the CTSA Program to conduct research as they complete the transition to fully independent academic translational scientists. These R03 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 R03 application may or may not include patient-oriented research. The R03 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 R01, or equivalent, application.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- HBCU
- Nonprofits
- Postdoctoral Researcher
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Researcher (independent)
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&D)
- Project Narrative (including specific aims, background, research design, feasibility)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketch (NIH format)
- Current and Pending Support form
- Letters of Support (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 grantsinfo@nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
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
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$139,753,636
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$118,592,298
-
$118,098,707
-
$112,138,469
-
$102,903,347
-
$102,422,256
-
$100,095,982
-
$99,978,264
-
$98,955,036
-
$97,784,066
Top States by Funding
- CA 13 awards $662.0M
- NY 11 awards $515.8M
- NC 6 awards $333.5M
- MA 6 awards $321.4M
- OH 6 awards $198.9M
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 is eligible to apply for this R03 grant?
NCATS CTSA KL2 scholars and recipients of CTSA re-entry supplements. U.S. institutions, HBCUs, minority-serving institutions, and tribal organizations are eligible.
What research does this grant support?
Pilot and feasibility studies, secondary data analysis, small self-contained projects, methodology development, and technology development for translational science.
What is the application deadline?
October 19, 2026 (fixed deadline).
What is the award amount?
Approximately $50,000 per grant.
Can foreign organizations apply?
No, non-U.S. entities cannot apply. U.S. organizations may include foreign components within their projects.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly demonstrate how you fit the CTSA scholar or re-entry supplement criteria before writing the proposal.
- Emphasize feasibility and preliminary data generation within the 2-3 year timeframe and modest budget.
- Design projects as steppingstones to future R01 or equivalent applications with clear next steps.
- Connect your research to clinical and translational science priorities aligned with NCATS mission.
- Request only the budget necessary for your proposed scope; reviewers scrutinize inflated costs for R03 grants.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Overscoping projects that cannot realistically be completed within R03 timeline and budget constraints. Failing to articulate how preliminary data will support a future larger grant application. Applying without confirmed CTSA scholar or re-entry supplement status.
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