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NIH Small Research Grant Program

Limited Competition: Small Grant Program for Mentored Research Career Development Award Recipients

Funds a small, short-term grant for NIAMS K01, K08, K23 or K25 recipients moving toward a first independent R01.

OpenNational Institutes of HealthUnited States

A career development award pays a scientist's salary while they build toward independence, but salary alone does not buy the research record a first major grant needs. This notice, run by NIAMS, is built to close exactly that gap.

Eligibility runs through the award a person already holds. NIAMS-supported K01, K08, K23 and K25 recipients can apply during the second to fourth year of that award, as…

A Limited Competition small grant for NIAMS K01, K08, K23 and K25 recipients, and holders of comparable federal or non-federal career development awards in NIAMS's mission areas, during the second to fourth year of that award, supporting pilot and feasibility studies, secondary analysis of existing data, small self-contained research projects, methodology development or new research technology toward a subsequent R01. Clinical trials of any phase are not supported.

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.16 Jul 2029
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: PAR-27-074Source: www.grants.gov