The R03 grant mechanism will support small research projects that can be carried out in a short period of time with limited resources. The NIH has standardized the Small Grant (R03) application characteristics, requirements, preparation, and review procedures in order to accommodate investigator-initiated (unsolicited) applications.

The R03 Parent Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for investigator-initiated R03 applications can be found at PA-11-262 and articulates the policies and procedures that apply to this grant mechanism.

• You may request a project period of up to two years and a budget for direct costs of up to two $25,000 modules or $50,000 per year.
• The R03 cannot be renewed
• One resubmission (A1) is allowed
• Introduction required for a resubmission is limited to one page.
• No preliminary data are required but may be included if available.
• The Research Strategy may not exceed 6 pages.
• A doctoral student may not apply for an R03 grant to support thesis or dissertation research. An R03 award may be used to assist students who are pursuing dissertation studies when the work is within the scope of the R03 award.

The common characteristic of the small grant is the provision of limited funding for a short period of time. Examples of the types of projects that ICs support with the R03 include the following:

• Pilot or feasibility studies
• Secondary analysis of existing data
• Small, self-contained research projects
• Development of research methodology
• Development of new research technology

All investigators should consult the list of participating ICs (shown below) as well as the IC staff listed as contacts to determine if an R03 application is appropriate. Investigators are strongly encouraged to consult with the appropriate NIH program administrator about their proposed research project during the concept development stage of the application.

All R03 grant applications will be assigned to the ICs according to standard PHS referral guidelines and specific program interests. Applications that are assigned to an IC that does not participate in this program may be returned without review.

• NIH Institutes and Centers that accept investigator-initiated R03 applications in response to the Parent R03 Announcement - (PA-11-262): NHGRI, NIA, NIAAA, NIAID, NIBIB, NICHD, NIDA, NIEHS, NIMH, NINDS, NINR

• NIH Institutes and Centers that DO NOT ACCEPT R03 applications in response to the Parent R03 Announcement but ONLY accept R03 applications in response to their specific funding opportunity announcements:  FIC, NCATS, NCCAM, NCI, NEI, NHLBI, NIAMS, NIDCD, NIDCR, NIDDK, NIGMS, NLM, ORIP.
• NIH Institutes and Centers that DO NOT use the R03 mechanism: NIMHD.

Please email R031@mail.nih.gov