Cancer Prevention and Control Clinical Trials Planning Grant Program (U34 Clinical Trials Optional)
About
The purpose of this NOFO is to facilitate well planned clinical trials across the cancer prevention and control spectrum aimed at improving prevention/ interception, cancer-related health behaviors, screening, early detection, healthcare delivery, management of treatment-related symptoms, supportive care, and the long-term outcomes of cancer survivors. Although the scientific literature or preliminary data may provide the rationale for conducting a clinical trial, investigators often lack critical information about the study population, accrual challenges, intervention, outcome/ endpoints, data/statistical challenges or operational risks necessary to finalize the trial protocol completely. These information gaps can result in multiple protocol changes before and after trial start-up, leading to the need for additional time and expenses that may prevent study completion. Further, the suitability and feasibility of new trial designs, which minimize infrastructure and reduce costs may need to be tested in the context of a particular intervention, at-risk group, symptom or venue. Preparatory studies may fill information gaps and address unknowns, improving trial design and knowledge of trial feasibility and thus saving NCI time and money.
The Cancer Prevention and Control Clinical Trials Planning Grant Program (U34 Clinical Trials Optional) is a federal funding opportunity designed to support researchers and organizations in developing well-planned clinical trials across the cancer prevention and control spectrum. This grant program is ideal for investigators who have strong scientific rationale for conducting a clinical trial but need support to address critical information gaps before full trial implementation. The program funds preparatory studies that help researchers better understand their study population, overcome accrual challenges, refine interventions, identify appropriate outcomes and endpoints, address data and statistical considerations, and assess operational feasibility. By filling these gaps during the planning phase, researchers can improve trial design, reduce protocol changes, minimize costs, and increase the likelihood of successful study completion. The program supports trials aimed at improving cancer prevention and interception, health behaviors related to cancer, screening and early detection, healthcare delivery, treatment-related symptom management, supportive care, and long-term outcomes for cancer survivors. Eligible applicants include HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian serving institutions, AANAPISIs, faith-based and community-based organizations, and other entities. This is an excellent opportunity for researchers seeking to strengthen their clinical trial methodology and feasibility before launching full-scale studies.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
October 25, 2027
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Funding Range
Varies by cycle - consult official NOFO
Deadline
2027-10-25
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual cycle with October 25, 2027 deadline
Best For
Researchers and institutions planning cancer prevention and control clinical trials; minority-serving institutions; community-based organizations; faith-based organizations
Eligibility
Other Eligible Applicants include the following: Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs); Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government; Faith-based or Community-based Organizations; Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Indian/Native American Tribal Govern
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Cancer Prevention and Control Clinical Trials Planning Grant Program (U34 Clinical Trials Optional)?
Eligible applicants include Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian serving institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, eligible federal government agencies, and other qualified research institutions. For a complete and current list of eligible entity types, please visit the official NIH/NCI NOFO website.
How much funding does Cancer Prevention and Control Clinical Trials Planning Grant Program (U34 Clinical Trials Optional) provide?
Specific funding amounts vary and are not listed in the current program information. Please consult the official NIH/NCI Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for current funding ranges and budget details for this grant cycle.
How do I apply for Cancer Prevention and Control Clinical Trials Planning Grant Program (U34 Clinical Trials Optional)?
Applications are typically submitted through Grants.gov or the NIH eRA Commons system. The application deadline for this cycle is October 25, 2027. Applicants should prepare a comprehensive proposal that addresses information gaps in their proposed clinical trial, includes preliminary data or scientific rationale, and demonstrates feasibility. Visit the official NCI website and the specific NOFO for detailed submission requirements, required forms, and application instructions.
What can Cancer Prevention and Control Clinical Trials Planning Grant Program (U34 Clinical Trials Optional) funding be used for?
Funding supports preparatory planning studies and pilot work to address critical information gaps before launching full clinical trials. This includes assessments of study population characteristics, accrual feasibility, intervention refinement, outcome and endpoint validation, data collection and statistical planning, and operational risk assessment. The grant may also support testing of new, cost-effective trial designs. Funds can support trials focused on cancer prevention, interception, health behaviors, screening, early detection, healthcare delivery, symptom management, supportive care, and long-term survivor outcomes.
Last updated: July 5, 2026