Opportunity Information: Apply for PA 18 903
The NIH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), through its Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, offered this R21 funding opportunity (PA-18-903) to support early-stage, pilot, and feasibility clinical and clinical-translational research projects focused on digestive diseases and nutrition. The main goal is to help investigators generate the practical evidence needed to move a concept toward a later, larger, well-powered clinical study, or to push forward exploratory clinical-translational ideas that rely on human subjects. In other words, the program is meant to de-risk promising concepts by testing whether the study can actually be carried out as planned (and to uncover what would need to be fixed before scaling up), while also encouraging novel clinical-translational directions that are not yet ready for a full-scale trial.
On the clinical side, the announcement emphasizes pilot and feasibility work that directly examines operational or protocol challenges that could prevent successful completion of a future larger clinical study. Projects are expected to focus on issues like recruitment and retention, adherence, workflow, intervention delivery, data collection procedures, site readiness, and other real-world implementation barriers that often make or break larger trials. Rather than funding a definitive efficacy study, this mechanism is geared toward improving the chances that a subsequent, larger clinical study can be completed successfully by using smaller-scale human research to refine methods, confirm logistics, and validate that the proposed approach is workable.
On the clinical-translational side, the FOA is intended to promote exploratory and novel science through the use of human subjects. The emphasis is on translational concepts that can be examined in people, consistent with the program's intent to advance human-focused discovery in digestive diseases and nutrition. A key limitation is that translational studies relying on animal models are not supported under this announcement, reinforcing that this opportunity is specifically oriented toward research conducted in humans rather than preclinical animal experimentation.
The FOA also clearly identifies areas it will not support. Any proposal that includes obesity as a component of the study is out of scope for this funding opportunity, and applicants are directed instead to search for obesity-related opportunities through the NIH Office of Extramural Research funding listings. Additionally, as noted above, translational studies using animal models are excluded, keeping the portfolio centered on human subjects research.
This is an NIH discretionary grant opportunity using the R21 mechanism and is designated "Clinical Trial Optional," meaning applicants may propose studies that include a clinical trial if appropriate, but a trial is not required. The listing associates the program with CFDA 93.847 and the broad activity areas of health and food/nutrition. The maximum award amount stated is $200,000 (award ceiling), reflecting the smaller, exploratory nature of R21 projects.
Eligibility is broad across U.S.-based organizations and government entities, including state, county, city/township, and special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled higher education institutions; private higher education institutions; federally recognized tribal governments; tribal organizations that are not federally recognized governments; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status (outside higher education); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); and small businesses. The announcement also highlights additional eligible applicant types such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions, and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), as well as faith-based/community-based organizations, regional organizations, eligible federal agencies, and U.S. territories or possessions.
Foreign participation is explicitly restricted. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations and foreign institutions) are not eligible to apply, non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible, and foreign components as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement are not allowed. Practically, that means the applicant organization and the work supported by the grant must remain within allowable domestic boundaries as described by NIH policy.
Key administrative details from the source record include an original closing date of September 7, 2020, and an initial creation date of August 14, 2018. Overall, the opportunity is best understood as a targeted R21 mechanism for human-focused digestive diseases and nutrition research, designed either to solve feasibility and operational challenges ahead of a larger clinical study or to explore new clinical-translational ideas in people, while excluding obesity-related projects and animal-model translational work.Apply for PA 18 903
- The National Institutes of Health in the food and nutrition, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Pilot and Feasibility Clinical and Translational Research Studies in Digestive Diseases and Nutrition (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.847.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2018-08-14.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2020-09-07. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $200,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is this funding opportunity?
This is an NIH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) funding opportunity offered through the Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition using the R21 grant mechanism (PA-18-903). It supports early-stage, pilot, and feasibility clinical and clinical-translational research projects focused on digestive diseases and nutrition.
What is the main purpose of this R21 program?
The main purpose is to generate practical evidence that helps move a concept toward a later, larger, well-powered clinical study, or to advance exploratory clinical-translational ideas that rely on human subjects. The program is designed to de-risk promising concepts by testing whether a study can be carried out as planned and identifying what needs to be fixed before scaling up.
What kinds of projects are a good fit on the clinical (pilot/feasibility) side?
On the clinical side, the FOA emphasizes pilot and feasibility work that directly examines operational or protocol challenges that could prevent successful completion of a future larger clinical study. The intent is not to run a definitive efficacy study, but to refine and validate the practical approach needed for a later larger trial or clinical study.
What operational or real-world issues does the FOA expect clinical pilot projects to address?
The FOA expects projects to focus on practical barriers and logistics that often determine whether a larger clinical study can succeed. Examples listed include recruitment and retention, adherence, workflow, intervention delivery, data collection procedures, site readiness, and other implementation barriers that can derail larger studies.
Is this meant to fund a definitive clinical efficacy trial?
No. The R21 mechanism here is geared toward improving the chances that a subsequent larger clinical study can be completed successfully by using smaller-scale human research to refine methods, confirm logistics, and validate that the approach is workable.
What does the FOA mean by "clinical-translational" research in this context?
In this FOA, clinical-translational research refers to exploratory and novel translational concepts that can be examined in people using human subjects. The emphasis is on advancing human-focused discovery in digestive diseases and nutrition.
Are animal-model translational studies allowed?
No. Translational studies relying on animal models are not supported under this announcement. The opportunity is specifically oriented toward research conducted in humans rather than preclinical animal experimentation.
Are obesity-related projects allowed under this FOA?
No. Any proposal that includes obesity as a component of the study is out of scope for this funding opportunity. Applicants are directed to search for obesity-related opportunities through the NIH Office of Extramural Research funding listings instead.
What research topic areas are supported?
The supported topic areas are digestive diseases and nutrition, with an emphasis on human subjects clinical pilot/feasibility studies and exploratory clinical-translational research in people.
Does the FOA require a clinical trial?
No. The opportunity is designated "Clinical Trial Optional." Applicants may propose studies that include a clinical trial if appropriate, but a clinical trial is not required.
What grant mechanism is used?
This opportunity uses the NIH R21 mechanism, which is typically used for exploratory, pilot, or feasibility work.
What is the maximum award amount?
The stated award ceiling is $200,000, consistent with the smaller, exploratory nature of R21 projects.
What are the broad activity areas associated with this opportunity?
The listing associates the program with the broad activity areas of health and food/nutrition.
What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is associated with CFDA 93.847.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad across U.S.-based organizations and government entities. The eligible applicants listed include state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, independent school districts, public and state-controlled higher education institutions, private higher education institutions, federally recognized tribal governments, and tribal organizations that are not federally recognized governments.
Are nonprofits eligible?
Yes. Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (outside higher education) and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (outside higher education) are listed as eligible.
Are for-profit organizations eligible?
Yes. For-profit organizations (other than small businesses) are listed as eligible, and small businesses are also listed as eligible.
Are minority-serving institutions specifically mentioned as eligible?
Yes. The announcement highlights eligibility for institutions such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions, and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs).
Are faith-based or community-based organizations eligible?
Yes. Faith-based and community-based organizations are specifically highlighted as eligible applicant types.
Are U.S. territories eligible?
Yes. U.S. territories or possessions are included among the highlighted eligible applicant types.
Are foreign organizations eligible to apply?
No. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations and foreign institutions) are not eligible to apply.
Can a U.S. organization include a non-U.S. component?
No. Non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible, and foreign components (as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement) are not allowed. The applicant organization and the supported work must remain within allowable domestic boundaries described by NIH policy.
What is the original closing date listed for this opportunity?
The source record lists an original closing date of September 7, 2020.
What is the initial creation date listed for this opportunity?
The source record lists an initial creation date of August 14, 2018.
How should applicants think about the "feasibility" goal of this program?
The program is meant to test whether a proposed human study can actually be executed as planned and to surface practical problems early (for example, recruitment, retention, adherence, workflow, delivery, data procedures, or site readiness). The idea is to refine the methods and logistics so a later, larger clinical study has a better chance of completing successfully.
What types of studies are explicitly not supported?
Based on the description provided, the FOA does not support (1) proposals that include obesity as a study component and (2) translational studies relying on animal models.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Food and Nutrition, Health
Next opportunity: Improving Smoking Cessation Interventions among People Living with HIV (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
Previous opportunity: North India Small Grants Program
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for PA 18 903
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PA 18 903) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Limited Competition for the Continuation of the Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network (NASH CRN) Clinical Centers (U01 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for RFA DK 18 505 Funding Number: RFA DK 18 505 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Limited Competition for the Continuation of the Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network (NASH CRN) Data Coordinating Center (U24 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for RFA DK 18 506 Funding Number: RFA DK 18 506 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Limited Competition for the Continuation of Cure Glomerulonephropathy (CureGN) Data Coordinating Center (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DK 18 504 Funding Number: RFA DK 18 504 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Limited Competition for the Continuation of Cure Glomerulonephropathy (CureGN) Participating Clinical Centers (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DK 18 503 Funding Number: RFA DK 18 503 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Limited Competition for the Continuation of the Multidisciplinary Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain (MAPP) Research Network Discovery Sites (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DK 18 513 Funding Number: RFA DK 18 513 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Limited Competition for the Continuation of the Multidisciplinary Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain (MAPP) Research Network Data Coordinating Core (DCC) (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DK 18 514 Funding Number: RFA DK 18 514 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Limited Competition for the Continuation of the Multidisciplinary Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain (MAPP) Research Network Tissue and Technology Core (TATC) (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DK 18 515 Funding Number: RFA DK 18 515 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Limited Competition for the Continuation of the Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network (LURN) Research Sites (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DK 18 510 Funding Number: RFA DK 18 510 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $375,000 |
| Limited Competition for the Continuation of the Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network (LURN) Data Coordinating Center (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DK 18 511 Funding Number: RFA DK 18 511 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $800,000 |
| Planning Grants for Pragmatic Research in Healthcare Settings to Improve Diabetes and Obesity Prevention and Care (R34 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PAR 18 924 Funding Number: PAR 18 924 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Limited Competition for the Continuation of the Childhood Liver Disease Research Network (ChiLDReN) Scientific and Data Coordinating Center (U24 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA DK 18 502 Funding Number: RFA DK 18 502 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Limited Competition for the Continuation of the Childhood Liver Disease Research Network (ChiLDReN) Clinical Centers (U01 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for RFA DK 18 501 Funding Number: RFA DK 18 501 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Pragmatic Research in Healthcare Settings to Improve Diabetes and Obesity Prevention and Care (R18 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PAR 18 925 Funding Number: PAR 18 925 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Understanding the Glycemic Profile of Pregnancy - Clinical Centers (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DK 18 018 Funding Number: RFA DK 18 018 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Human Pancreas Analysis Program for Type-2 Diabetes (HPAP-T2D) (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DK 18 016 Funding Number: RFA DK 18 016 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Human Pancreas Analysis Program (HPAP) (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DK 18 015 Funding Number: RFA DK 18 015 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $30,000,000 |
| Understanding the Glycemic Profile of Pregnancy - Biostatistics Research Center (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DK 18 019 Funding Number: RFA DK 18 019 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Diabetes Research Centers (P30) Apply for RFA DK 18 020 Funding Number: RFA DK 18 020 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIDDK Education Program Grants (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 19 030 Funding Number: PAR 19 030 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Human Islet Research Network - Consortium on Targeting and Regeneration (HIRN-CTAR) (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DK 18 014 Funding Number: RFA DK 18 014 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $550,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "PA 18 903", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.