Cancer Immunoprevention Network (CIP-Net) ?Research Projects (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trials Not Allowed) | RFA CA 23 029

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA CA 23 029

The Cancer Immunoprevention Network (CIP-Net) Research Projects funding opportunity (RFA-CA-23-029) is a National Institutes of Health cooperative agreement designed to grow and strengthen the field of cancer immunoprevention. Its core aim is to push forward a deeper, more mechanistic understanding of how the immune system can be leveraged to prevent cancer before it starts, while also accelerating the discovery of new immunopreventive strategies and helping build a connected community of researchers working in this space. The scientific focus is early-stage and discovery-oriented: projects are expected to uncover new immune pathways, clarify mechanisms that enable immunoprevention, or identify and investigate promising vaccine targets, immunomodulatory targets, or candidate agents relevant to preventing cancer. Clinical trials are not allowed under this announcement, which signals that the intended work is preclinical, translational, or mechanistic rather than human interventional testing.

This FOA uses a two-phase UG3/UH3 structure that is milestone-driven. Applicants must submit a single, combined application that includes both phases. The UG3 phase functions as an initial, time-limited period where teams generate key data, establish feasibility, and meet clearly defined go/no-go milestones. Transition to the UH3 phase is not automatic; it depends on successful completion of the UG3 milestones and an administrative review by NIH. If the milestones are met, the project can move into the UH3 phase, which supports the next stage of the research plan, typically involving more expansive validation, development, and deeper mechanistic investigation based on what was proven in UG3. Because this is a cooperative agreement, awardees should also expect substantial NIH involvement in the project’s stewardship compared with a standard research grant mechanism, including ongoing programmatic oversight tied to the milestone framework.

In terms of who can apply, eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S.-based organizations and governmental entities. Eligible applicants span state, county, city/township, and special district governments; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); and small businesses. The FOA also explicitly highlights additional eligible applicant categories 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 or community-based organizations, regional organizations, eligible federal agencies, and U.S. territories or possessions. Foreign institutions (non-U.S. entities) are not eligible to apply, and non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are also not eligible; however, foreign components as defined by the NIH Grants Policy Statement are permitted, which generally means certain discrete international collaborations may be allowed when justified and compliant with NIH policy.

Administrative details in the posting indicate this is a discretionary funding opportunity under NIH, with activity areas in education and health and CFDA numbers 93.393 and 93.396. The original closing date listed is July 3, 2024, and the posted award ceiling is $500,000. Overall, the opportunity is geared toward teams that can propose rigorous, milestone-based discovery and mechanistic research that lays the groundwork for immune-based cancer prevention approaches, while operating within a structured UG3-to-UH3 progression that rewards demonstrated feasibility and clear advancement toward immunoprevention impact.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Cancer Immunoprevention Network (CIP-Net) ?Research Projects (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trials Not Allowed)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.393, 93.396.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2023-04-20.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-07-03. (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 $500,000.00 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 CA 23 029

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