Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 18 018
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity titled "Stimulating Innovations in Behavioral Intervention Research for Cancer Prevention and Control (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)" (Funding Opportunity Number: PAR 18-018; CFDA: 93.399) supports early-stage, high-impact projects that aim to improve cancer-related health behaviors, with a strong emphasis on relevance to diverse racial and ethnic populations. The FOA is built around the idea that meaningful progress in cancer prevention and control depends not only on medical advances, but also on better ways to influence and sustain healthy behaviors across different communities, settings, and stages of the cancer continuum. Because this is an R21 mechanism, it is geared toward exploratory or developmental research that tests innovative ideas, generates preliminary evidence, and opens up new directions that could later be expanded through larger grants.
The program is specifically trying to stimulate innovation in four main areas. First, it encourages researchers to test new theories and conceptual frameworks that can better explain and predict cancer-related behaviors, especially in ways that account for cultural context, structural conditions, and real-world constraints. Second, it prioritizes the development and evaluation of novel intervention strategies, meaning applicants are expected to go beyond standard education-only approaches and propose creative methods that could meaningfully shift behavior. Third, it promotes multi-level and multi-behavior approaches, recognizing that cancer risk and outcomes are shaped by interconnected factors ranging from individual motivation and family dynamics to neighborhood environments, health systems, policies, and social determinants; similarly, it acknowledges that behaviors like diet, physical activity, sleep, alcohol use, and smoking often cluster together and may need coordinated intervention strategies. Fourth, it calls for innovative research designs, methodologies, and technologies, such as adaptive intervention designs, pragmatic or hybrid designs, rapid-cycle testing, innovative measurement approaches, or technology-enabled intervention delivery (for example, mobile tools, sensors, or other digital platforms), as long as the choices are well matched to the scientific question and target population.
The health behaviors of interest are clearly defined and centered on modifiable risk factors and adherence behaviors tied to cancer prevention and control. These include diet, obesity, physical activity and sedentary behavior, smoking, sleep and circadian dysfunction, alcohol use, and adherence to cancer-related medical regimens. Importantly, the FOA allows research to address any point along the cancer continuum, which can include prevention and risk reduction, screening and early detection behaviors, treatment adherence and supportive care behaviors, survivorship and long-term health maintenance, and potentially behaviors relevant to recurrence prevention or quality of life. It also allows projects across any phase of the translational spectrum, meaning studies may be more foundational and mechanistic or closer to real-world implementation, as long as the work is focused on behavioral intervention innovation and cancer relevance.
This announcement is labeled "Clinical Trial Optional," which means applicants can propose studies that do or do not meet NIH's definition of a clinical trial, depending on what is scientifically appropriate for the project. In practice, that flexibility supports a wide range of potential projects, from formative work that refines intervention components and measures, to small-scale tests of intervention strategies, to pilot randomized studies, to innovative quasi-experimental or adaptive designs, provided the proposal aligns with R21 expectations for feasibility and innovation rather than large, definitive efficacy trials.
On eligibility, the FOA is broadly open to many organization types, reflecting an intent to encourage participation from diverse institutions and community partners. Eligible applicants include state, county, and local governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public housing authorities; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; other Native American tribal organizations; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status; for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); small businesses; and other organizations. The FOA also explicitly notes additional eligible applicant categories that underscore its interest in community and minority-serving organizations, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, eligible federal agencies, tribal governments that are not federally recognized, and even non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations). This breadth supports collaborations that may be necessary to design culturally responsive interventions, recruit diverse participants, and test interventions in the settings where people actually live, work, worship, learn, and receive care.
In terms of award parameters, the opportunity is a discretionary grant under the NIH R21 framework, with an award ceiling listed as $200,000. The original closing date shown in the source information is 2019-05-07, and the record creation date is 2017-11-15. While those dates suggest this specific listing may be historical, the summary of intent and scope is still useful for understanding what NIH sought to fund under this FOA: bold, theory-informed, methodologically creative behavioral intervention research aimed at improving cancer-related behaviors, designed with attention to multi-level influences and the needs of diverse racial and ethnic populations.Apply for PAR 18 018
- The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Stimulating Innovations in Behavioral Intervention Research for Cancer Prevention and Control (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): 93.399.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2017-11-15.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2019-05-07. (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 the title of this NIH funding opportunity?
The funding opportunity is titled "Stimulating Innovations in Behavioral Intervention Research for Cancer Prevention and Control (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)."
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FOA number)?
The Funding Opportunity Number is PAR 18-018.
What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?
The CFDA number listed is 93.399.
What is the main purpose of this FOA?
This FOA supports early-stage, high-impact projects intended to improve cancer-related health behaviors. It emphasizes that progress in cancer prevention and control depends not only on medical advances, but also on better ways to influence and sustain healthy behaviors across communities, settings, and stages of the cancer continuum.
What grant mechanism does this opportunity use?
This opportunity uses the NIH R21 mechanism, which is geared toward exploratory or developmental research that tests innovative ideas, generates preliminary evidence, and opens new directions for future, larger studies.
What kind of projects is NIH trying to stimulate under this FOA?
The FOA aims to stimulate innovation in behavioral intervention research for cancer prevention and control, particularly projects that are bold, theory-informed, methodologically creative, and relevant to cancer-related behaviors.
Is there a stated emphasis on specific populations?
Yes. The FOA places a strong emphasis on relevance to diverse racial and ethnic populations, and encourages attention to cultural context and structural conditions that affect behavior.
What are the four main innovation areas highlighted in the FOA?
The FOA highlights innovation in: (1) new theories and conceptual frameworks for cancer-related behaviors, (2) novel intervention strategies beyond standard education-only approaches, (3) multi-level and multi-behavior approaches, and (4) innovative research designs, methodologies, and technologies.
What does the FOA mean by developing or testing new theories and conceptual frameworks?
It encourages researchers to propose and test theories or frameworks that better explain and predict cancer-related behaviors, including approaches that account for cultural context, structural conditions, and real-world constraints.
What does the FOA mean by "novel intervention strategies"?
Applicants are encouraged to move beyond standard education-only approaches and propose creative intervention methods that could meaningfully shift behavior.
What are "multi-level" approaches in this FOA?
Multi-level approaches recognize that cancer risk and outcomes are shaped by interconnected influences, including individual motivation, family dynamics, neighborhood environments, health systems, policies, and broader social determinants.
What are "multi-behavior" approaches in this FOA?
Multi-behavior approaches acknowledge that health behaviors (such as diet, physical activity, sleep, alcohol use, and smoking) often cluster together and may require coordinated intervention strategies rather than addressing one behavior in isolation.
What types of research designs, methods, and technologies does the FOA encourage?
The FOA encourages innovative designs and tools such as adaptive intervention designs, pragmatic or hybrid designs, rapid-cycle testing, innovative measurement approaches, and technology-enabled intervention delivery (for example, mobile tools, sensors, or other digital platforms), as long as they are well matched to the scientific question and target population.
Which health behaviors are explicitly included as areas of interest?
The FOA identifies modifiable risk factors and adherence behaviors tied to cancer prevention and control, including: diet, obesity, physical activity and sedentary behavior, smoking, sleep and circadian dysfunction, alcohol use, and adherence to cancer-related medical regimens.
Does the FOA allow projects focused on screening, treatment, or survivorship behaviors?
Yes. The FOA allows research at any point along the cancer continuum, including prevention and risk reduction, screening and early detection behaviors, treatment adherence and supportive care behaviors, and survivorship and long-term health maintenance. It also mentions that projects may include behaviors relevant to recurrence prevention or quality of life.
Does the FOA restrict projects to a particular translational stage?
No. It allows projects across any phase of the translational spectrum, from more foundational and mechanistic studies to work closer to real-world implementation, as long as the focus is on behavioral intervention innovation and cancer relevance.
What does "Clinical Trial Optional" mean in this announcement?
"Clinical Trial Optional" means applicants may propose studies that do or do not meet NIH's definition of a clinical trial, depending on what is scientifically appropriate for the project.
What kinds of studies are considered appropriate given the "Clinical Trial Optional" flexibility?
The FOA supports a wide range of projects, including formative work to refine intervention components and measures, small-scale tests of intervention strategies, pilot randomized studies, and innovative quasi-experimental or adaptive designs, as long as the proposal aligns with R21 expectations (feasibility and innovation rather than large, definitive efficacy trials).
What is the award type for this opportunity?
The opportunity is described as a discretionary grant under the NIH R21 framework.
What is the listed award ceiling?
The award ceiling listed is $200,000.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes many organization types, including: state/county/local governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public housing authorities; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; other Native American tribal organizations; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status; for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); small businesses; and other organizations.
Are minority-serving institutions and community-based organizations included as eligible applicants?
Yes. The FOA explicitly includes categories such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; AANAPISISs; Hispanic-serving Institutions; HBCUs; TCCUs; faith-based or community-based organizations; and regional organizations.
Are U.S. territories or possessions eligible?
Yes. U.S. territories or possessions are explicitly listed among eligible applicant categories.
Are federal agencies eligible to apply?
Yes. The FOA mentions eligible federal agencies as an eligible applicant category.
Can tribal governments that are not federally recognized apply?
Yes. Tribal governments that are not federally recognized are explicitly listed as eligible.
Are non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations) eligible to apply?
Yes. The FOA states that non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations) are eligible.
Why does the FOA emphasize broad eligibility across many organization types?
The breadth of eligibility supports collaborations that may be needed to design culturally responsive interventions, recruit diverse participants, and test interventions in real-world settings where people live, work, worship, learn, and receive care.
What was the original closing date listed for this opportunity?
The original closing date shown is 2019-05-07.
What is the record creation date for the listing?
The record creation date shown is 2017-11-15.
Does the provided information suggest this FOA listing may be historical?
Yes. The dates provided (including a 2019 closing date) suggest the specific listing may be historical, even though the scope summary describes what NIH sought to fund under this FOA.
What kinds of outcomes or deliverables fit the R21 focus described here?
Based on the description, the R21 focus is on testing innovative ideas, generating preliminary evidence, refining intervention components or measurement approaches, and establishing feasibility to support future, larger-scale research.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Education, Health
Next opportunity: Quantitative Imaging Tools and Methods for Cancer Therapy Response Assessment (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional)
Previous opportunity: FY17 Maine Conservation Corps - Trail Rehab
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 PAR 18 018
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PAR 18 018) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Pilot Health Services and Economic Research on the Treatment of Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Abuse (R34 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 068 Funding Number: PA 18 068 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $225,000 |
| Health Services and Economic Research on the Prevention and Treatment of Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Abuse (R03 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 069 Funding Number: PA 18 069 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Health Services and Economic Research on the Prevention and Treatment of Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Abuse (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 070 Funding Number: PA 18 070 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Comprehensive Partnerships to Advance Cancer Health Equity (CPACHE) (U54) Apply for PAR 18 361 Funding Number: PAR 18 361 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Imaging - Science Track Award for Research Transition (I/START) (R03 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 081 Funding Number: PAR 18 081 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Behavioral Science Track Award for Rapid Transition (B/Start)(R03 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 082 Funding Number: PAR 18 082 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Integrative Research on Polysubstance Abuse and Addiction (R21/R33 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 084 Funding Number: PAR 18 084 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| NCI Clinical and Translational Exploratory/Developmental Studies (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 020 Funding Number: PAR 18 020 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| NIDA Research Education Program for Clinical Researchers and Clinicians (R25 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 083 Funding Number: PAR 18 083 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $350,000 |
| Target Assessment, Engagement and Data Replicability to Improve Substance Use Disorders Treatment Outcomes (R33 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 085 Funding Number: PAR 18 085 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Development and Application of PET and SPECT Imaging Ligands as Biomarkers for Drug Discovery and for Pathophysiological Studies of CNS Disorders (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 227 Funding Number: PAR 18 227 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NCI Mentored Research Scientist Development Award to Promote Diversity (K01) Apply for PAR 18 365 Funding Number: PAR 18 365 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Target Assessment, Engagement and Data Replicability to Improve Substance Use Disorders Treatment Outcomes (R21/R33 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 086 Funding Number: PAR 18 086 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| NCI Mentored Research Scientist Development Award to Promote Diversity (K01) Apply for PAR 18 364 Funding Number: PAR 18 364 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NCI Transition Career Development Award to Promote Diversity (K22 - No Clinical Trials) Apply for PAR 18 366 Funding Number: PAR 18 366 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NCI Small Grants Program for Cancer Research (NCI Omnibus R03 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 021 Funding Number: PAR 18 021 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| National Cooperative Drug/Device Discovery/Development Groups (U01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 230 Funding Number: PAR 18 230 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NCI Transition Career Development Award to Promote Diversity (K22 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PAR 18 367 Funding Number: PAR 18 367 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Strategic Alliances for Medications Development to Treat Substance Use Disorders (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 218 Funding Number: PAR 18 218 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Grand Opportunity in Medications Development for Substance-Use Disorders (U01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 219 Funding Number: PAR 18 219 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
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 "PAR 18 018", 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.