Limited Competition: Small Grant Program for NIDDK K01/K08/K23/K25 Recipients (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)
About
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) announces a program that provides NIDDK-supported K01, K08, K23, and K25 recipients the opportunity to apply for Small Grant (R03) support at some point during the latter years of their award period of their K award. Through the use of this mechanism, the NIDDK is seeking to enhance the capability of its K01, K08, K23, and K25 award recipients to conduct research as they complete their transition to fully independent investigator status. The R03 grant mechanism supports different types of projects, including pilot and feasibility studies; secondary analysis of existing data; small, self-contained research projects; development of research methodology; and development of new research technology. The R03 is, therefore, intended to support research projects that can be carried out in a short period of time with limited resources and that may provide preliminary data to support a subsequent R01, or equivalent, application.
The Limited Competition: Small Grant Program for NIDDK K01/K08/K23/K25 Recipients (R03 Clinical Trial Optional) is a federal funding opportunity designed specifically for early-career researchers who are currently supported by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) K-series awards. This program enables K01, K08, K23, and K25 awardees to apply for Small Grant (R03) support during the latter years of their K award period, facilitating their transition to independent investigator status. The R03 mechanism supports diverse research activities including pilot and feasibility studies, secondary data analysis, self-contained research projects, research methodology development, and new research technology development. Researchers should apply if they are approaching the completion of their K award and need preliminary data or resources to support future R01 or equivalent applications. This grant is ideal for investigators in diabetes, digestive diseases, and kidney disease research who are positioned to conduct time-limited research projects with focused scope and resources. The program particularly welcomes applications from researchers at HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian serving institutions, and other underrepresented groups in biomedical research.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
January 7, 2028
Award Amount
Up to $75K
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Grant Amount
Up to $75K
Deadline
2028-01-07
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual - Deadline January 7, 2028
Best For
Early-career researchers transitioning to independence; current NIDDK K01/K08/K23/K25 awardees; researchers at HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, and other designated underrepresented groups
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 Limited Competition: Small Grant Program for NIDDK K01/K08/K23/K25 Recipients (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)?
This program is limited competition and restricted to current NIDDK K01, K08, K23, and K25 award recipients. Eligible applicants also include Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs), Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, eligible federal agencies, and faith-based or community-based organizations. For complete eligibility details and any recent updates, visit the official NIDDK website.
How much funding does Limited Competition: Small Grant Program for NIDDK K01/K08/K23/K25 Recipients (R03 Clinical Trial Optional) provide?
The funding range for this program is up to $75,000. The exact award amount may vary depending on the scope of the proposed research project. For current funding levels and any adjustments for the application cycle, consult the official NIDDK program announcement.
How do I apply for Limited Competition: Small Grant Program for NIDDK K01/K08/K23/K25 Recipients (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)?
Applications are submitted through the NIH grants system. The application deadline is January 7, 2028. You will need to prepare a research proposal, budget justification, and supporting documentation demonstrating your eligibility as a current K-series awardee. Visit the official NIDDK website or grants.nih.gov for detailed application instructions, required forms, and submission guidelines.
What can Limited Competition: Small Grant Program for NIDDK K01/K08/K23/K25 Recipients (R03 Clinical Trial Optional) funding be used for?
R03 funding supports pilot and feasibility studies, secondary analysis of existing data, small self-contained research projects, development of research methodology, and development of new research technology. Projects may include clinical trials at the applicant's discretion. The funding is intended for research that can be completed in a short timeframe with limited resources and that will generate preliminary data to support future R01 or equivalent applications in diabetes, digestive diseases, and kidney disease research.
Last updated: July 5, 2026