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National Institutes of Health

NIH Small Research Grant Program

Funds a small project that can be finished quickly with limited resources — a pilot, a reanalysis, a method, or a piece of new research technology.

The smallest of the standing National Institutes of Health announcements, and the one for work that does not need a team or a year.

The mechanism supports small research projects that can be carried out in a short period with limited resources. Five kinds are named: pilot and feasibility studies; secondary analysis of data that already exists; small, self-contained research projects; development

Small research projects completable in a short period with limited resources — pilot and feasibility studies, secondary analysis of existing data, small self-contained projects, development of research methodology, and development of new research technology — relating to the programmatic interests of participating National Institutes of Health institutes and centres. Clinical trials are not accepted.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Multiple per year
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.7 Jan 2028
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.26 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: PA-25-302Source: www.grants.gov