Small Research Grant Program (R03 Clinical Trial Required)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for small-scale research studies led by NIH-eligible institutions. Applicants typically include researchers at universities, medical schools, and research institutions. Non-profit organizations and some for-profit entities can apply if affiliated with eligible institutions. Clinical trials are required for this R03 award.
Geographic scope is national; researchers anywhere in the U.S. can apply. International collaborations are permitted but principal investigator must be U.S.-based.
Funded activities include preliminary or pilot data collection, feasibility studies, and early-stage clinical research. Projects typically test new research methods or explore initial therapeutic approaches. Maximum funding is generally $150,000-$200,000 over two years.
Early-career researchers and established investigators both may apply. Project periods are shorter than R01 grants.
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Program description
The NICHD Small Research Grant Program (Clinical Trial Required) supports clinical trials that fall within the NICHD mission.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) form
- Research plan/Project narrative
- Budget and budget justification
- Biographical sketches (principal investigator and key personnel)
- Previous research support documentation
- Institutional review board approval or plan
- Letters of support from collaborating institutions
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 grantsinfo@nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.865 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$1,073,967,938
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$719,372,575
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$276,059,721
-
$155,556,396
-
$155,482,198
-
$103,665,364
-
$74,151,078
-
$72,701,366
-
$52,238,426
-
$47,450,377
Top States by Funding
- WA 1 awards $1,074.0M
- NC 7 awards $925.9M
- MD 4 awards $501.6M
- MA 3 awards $190.0M
- PA 3 awards $145.1M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.865). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,282,226,682 | |
| 2025 | $1,333,391,690 | |
| 2026 est. | $184,920,723 |
FAQ
Who can serve as the principal investigator?
Researchers at NIH-eligible institutions, including universities and non-profits. Some experience is expected, but this grant supports early-career researchers.
Is a clinical trial required?
Yes, this R03 variant requires clinical trial involvement. Projects must include human subjects research with direct participation.
What is the typical funding amount?
Generally $150,000-$200,000 total costs over two years. Budgets must be streamlined for small pilot projects.
How competitive is this program?
Moderately competitive. Success rates typically range 20-30% for NIH small grants. Strong preliminary data significantly improves chances.
Can international collaborators be involved?
Yes, but the principal investigator and applicant institution must be U.S.-based. Foreign collaborators may participate as key personnel.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Develop strong preliminary data before applying. Reviewers expect evidence your approach is feasible.
- Keep the project scope narrow and achievable within budget and timeframe constraints.
- Clearly explain why a clinical trial is necessary and how you'll recruit and retain participants.
- Use plain language in your research narrative. Reviewers value clarity over jargon.
- Address potential risks and have contingency plans documented in your application.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Insufficient preliminary data makes applications weak. Reviewers need proof the concept is viable before funding a pilot. Overly ambitious scope for a small grant often leads to rejection. Poorly justified clinical trial design suggests the applicant hasn't thought through recruitment logistics.
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