Limited Competition: Small Grant Program for NHLBI K01/K08/K23/K25 Recipients (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)
About
This is a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for a Limited Competition that invites applications from eligible organizations to apply. Please see Section III. Eligibility for additional information. In accordance with NIH standard peer-review processes, the applications will be peer-reviewed, and only meritorious applications will be considered. The purpose of this NOFO is to solicit current or recently completed NHLBI K01, K08, K23, and K25 awardees for small grant support to expand their current research objectives or to branch out to a new study emerging from their K award research. This NOFO is intended to facilitate the transition to research independence for these NHLBI K awardees. Current NHLBI K01, K08, K23, and K25 awardees may apply for this R03 support starting in the third year of their K award Project Period. Recently completed NHLBI K01, K08, K23, and K25 award recipients are eligible to apply or resubmit A1 applications if the earliest potential R03 award start date is within two years of the end of their K award Project Period. The R03 grant mechanism supports research projects that can be completed within two years and with limited resources. These projects are expected to generate preliminary data to bolster a subsequent R01-equivalent application. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, pilot or feasibility studies; proof of concept studies; secondary analysis of existing data; small, self-contained research projects; development of new research.
The Limited Competition: Small Grant Program for NHLBI K01/K08/K23/K25 Recipients (R03 Clinical Trial Optional) is a specialized federal funding opportunity designed exclusively for researchers who have received or recently completed career development awards from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). This grant program supports the critical transition from mentored research independence to full independence by providing up to $85,000 in funding. Eligible researchers can use R03 support to expand their current research objectives emerging from their K award work or pursue new research directions. The program is ideal for early-career investigators seeking to generate preliminary data that will strengthen subsequent R01-equivalent applications. Researchers in their third year or beyond of an active K award, or those within two years of completing their K award Project Period, should consider applying. The R03 mechanism is designed for projects with limited scope and resources that can be completed within two years, including pilot studies, feasibility studies, proof-of-concept research, secondary data analysis, and development of new research methods. This opportunity directly supports the NIH's mission to foster independent, productive researchers in cardiovascular and pulmonary science.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
November 7, 2028
Award Amount
Up to $85K
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Grant Amount
Up to $85K
Deadline
2028-11-07
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Limited Competition (NOFO)
Best For
Current or recently completed NHLBI K01, K08, K23, and K25 career development awardees transitioning to research independence
Eligibility
Only the following NHLBI K01, K08, K23, and K25 awardees are eligible to apply for this funding opportunity.Refer to Section III. Eligibility Information in the NOFO for additional information on eligibility.Foreign Organizations/International Collaborations:Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) are not eligible to apply.Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations a
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Limited Competition: Small Grant Program for NHLBI K01/K08/K23/K25 Recipients (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)?
Only current or recently completed NHLBI K01, K08, K23, and K25 awardees are eligible. Current K awardees may apply starting in the third year of their K award Project Period. Recently completed K awardees are eligible if the earliest potential R03 award start date is within two years of their K award Project Period end date. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and foreign organizations are not eligible. For complete eligibility details, consult Section III of the official NOFO on the NIH website.
How much funding does Limited Competition: Small Grant Program for NHLBI K01/K08/K23/K25 Recipients (R03 Clinical Trial Optional) provide?
This program provides up to $85,000 in grant support. The R03 mechanism is designed for small, focused research projects that can be completed within a two-year timeframe and limited budget. Visit the official NIH NHLBI website for any updates on funding amounts for specific funding cycles.
How do I apply for Limited Competition: Small Grant Program for NHLBI K01/K08/K23/K25 Recipients (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)?
Applications are submitted through the standard NIH peer-review process. You must verify your NHLBI K award status and ensure you meet timing requirements before applying. Applications undergo merit-based peer review, and only competitive applications will be funded. Visit the official NIH NHLBI website for detailed application instructions, the complete NOFO, submission guidelines, and current deadlines.
What can Limited Competition: Small Grant Program for NHLBI K01/K08/K23/K25 Recipients (R03 Clinical Trial Optional) funding be used for?
R03 funding supports research projects designed to expand current K award research objectives or pursue new research directions emerging from K award work. Eligible projects include pilot and feasibility studies, proof-of-concept studies, secondary analysis of existing data, small self-contained research projects, and development of new research methods. The grant mechanism is optional for clinical trials. All projects must be completable within two years using limited resources and should generate preliminary data supporting a future R01-equivalent application.
Last updated: July 5, 2026