Limited Competition: Small Grant Program for the NCATS Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program (Clinical Trial Optional)
Forecast
National Institutes of Health plans to offer grants to nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments, tribes, small businesses and businesses. It is a forecast: the notice is expected around August 17, 2026, with applications due around October 17, 2026.
From the official notice on Grants.gov, last changed February 18, 2026. Checked October 31, 2026.
- Award ceilingnot stated
- Award floornot stated
- Expected awardsnot stated
- Total fundingnot stated
- Cost sharingNot required
- Funding typeGrant
Key dates
| Forecast posted | February 18, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Expected posting | August 17, 2026 |
| Expected deadline | October 17, 2026 |
| Expected award date | July 15, 2027 |
Add the deadline to your calendar
Who can apply
This opportunity is open to nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments, tribes, small businesses and businesses.
- State governments
- County governments
- City or township governments
- Special district governments
- Independent school districts
- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
- Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
- Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- For profit organizations other than small businesses
- Small businesses
- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
Eligibility is limited to NCATS CTSA Program supported scholars who received direct NCATS funding from the NCATS CTSA Program Institutional Career Development Core/Program (KL2/K12) and completed the KL2/K12 training program. The date of submission deadline must be within two years of completion of their NIH appointment. Eligibility for resubmissions will be extended for 12 months past the first submission. Other Eligible ApplicantsIndian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized);Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government;U.S. Territory or Possession;Faith-based or Community-based Organizations;Regional Organizations
Is this a realistic fit?
- No cost sharing or match is required.
What the grant funds
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.
How to apply
- Read the full notice and attachments on Grants.gov. The notice is the official source for deadlines and requirements.
- Make sure your organization has an active SAM.gov registration and Unique Entity ID; registration can take several weeks.
- Register on Grants.gov and submit through Workspace before the deadline and time given in the notice. Our application guide walks through each step.
Questions go to NCATS CTSA Program Branch, CTSA_R03_NOFO_Questions@nih.gov, Please contact via e-mail.
Questions people ask
Who can apply for Limited Competition: Small Grant Program for the NCATS Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program (Clinical Trial Optional)?
National Institutes of Health accepts applications from nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments, tribes, small businesses and businesses. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.
What is the deadline for Limited Competition: Small Grant Program for the NCATS Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program (Clinical Trial Optional)?
Expected deadline October 17, 2026. Confirm the date and time in the official notice on Grants.gov.
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