The National Institutes of Health (NIH) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program (Kids First). This program aims to advance the understanding of childhood cancer and congenital anomalies by discovering shared genetic pathways, understanding disease mechanisms, and developing targeted therapies.

Focus of the Grant

The Kids First program seeks to uncover new insights into the biology of childhood cancer and congenital anomalies. A key goal is the discovery of shared genetic pathways between these disorders. This research aims to understand the underlying mechanisms of disease.

The program's Genome Sequencing Center initiative will fund the addition of data to the resource. It also supports expanding data types as technologies mature and scientific rationale warrants. Expansion to include clinic-based data sources is also planned.

This NOFO will utilize the U24 activity code. Investigators with expertise in childhood cancer and/or congenital abnormalities data are encouraged to apply.

Key Dates and Funding Information

The estimated post date for this opportunity is July 30, 2025. The estimated application due date is October 30, 2025. The estimated award date is July 30, 2026, with an estimated project start date of the same day.

The fiscal year for this opportunity is 2026. The estimated total program funding is $6,600,000. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement for this grant.

The funding instrument type is a Cooperative Agreement. The assistance listings number is 93.310 -- Trans-NIH Research Support.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants include a wide range of institutions and organizations:

• Small businesses

• Independent school districts

• Private institutions of higher education

• Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

• For profit organizations other than small businesses

• State governments

• County governments

• Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities

• Public and State controlled institutions of higher education

• 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

Investigators with expertise and insights into childhood cancer and/or congenital abnormalities data are encouraged to apply.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact: Concepcion R. Nierras, Ph.D., Office of Strategic Coordination, DPCPSI, OD. You can reach Dr. Nierras at 301-435-5840 or via email at concepcion.nierras@nih.gov.