Pilot Projects Investigating Understudied Proteins Associated with Rare Diseases (R03 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | RFA TR 22 030

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA TR 22 030

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is offering a discretionary grant opportunity titled "Pilot Projects Investigating Understudied Proteins Associated with Rare Diseases (R03 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" under Funding Opportunity Number RFA-TR-22-030. This FOA supports small, early-stage pilot projects that focus on figuring out what certain "understudied" proteins do in the context of rare diseases. The core idea is to help researchers generate the kinds of preliminary data, experimental tools, and proof-of-concept results that can launch a stronger, more definitive line of investigation later on. Because it uses the NIH R03 mechanism, the intent is typically short, targeted projects rather than large multi-year programs, and the announcement explicitly states that clinical trials are not allowed, meaning the work should remain in the preclinical, mechanistic, or tool-development space rather than testing interventions in people.

The scientific purpose is straightforward: many rare diseases are linked to genes and proteins that have not been deeply characterized, leaving major gaps in understanding disease biology and slowing down progress toward diagnostics or therapies. This FOA is designed to encourage focused projects that clarify the role of an eligible understudied protein in disease pathways, cellular function, or organismal phenotypes relevant to a rare condition. In addition to generating preliminary data, applicants are encouraged to create or refine research-enabling resources around the target protein(s), which can include assays, reagents, model systems, or other tools that make it easier for the broader research community to study these proteins and their links to rare disease.

The funding instrument is a grant, and the activity category is health. The opportunity lists CFDA numbers 93.242 and 93.350. The award ceiling is $100,000, emphasizing that proposals should be scoped to deliver clear, useful outputs within a modest budget. While the record does not specify the number of expected awards, the presence of a ceiling and the R03 format signal a competitive pilot funding program where well-justified aims, feasibility, and near-term deliverables matter a lot.

A wide range of organizations are eligible to apply. Eligible applicants include state, county, city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations that are not federally recognized; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and other applicant types. The FOA also highlights additional eligible applicant categories such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, and U.S. territories or possessions. This breadth is meant to broaden participation and tap expertise wherever it exists, including organizations that serve historically underrepresented communities.

There are also clear restrictions related to foreign involvement. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and foreign institutions are not eligible to apply as the applicant organization, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply. However, foreign components are allowed as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, meaning a U.S.-based applicant may include certain types of foreign collaboration or performance sites if they meet NIH policy requirements and are justified scientifically.

Key administrative details include an original closing date of July 15, 2024, and a creation date of June 28, 2022. Overall, this FOA is best viewed as an NIH pilot funding pathway for teams who have a strong rationale connecting a poorly characterized protein to a rare disease and who can use a relatively small amount of funding to produce meaningful early evidence or practical tools that de-risk future, larger studies.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Pilot Projects Investigating Understudied Proteins Associated with Rare Diseases (R03 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.242, 93.350.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2022-06-28.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-07-15. (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 $100,000.00 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.

Apply for RFA TR 22 030

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