The National Institutes of Health (NIH), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is forecasting a grant opportunity titled “Discovery of the Genetic Basis of Childhood Cancers and of Congenital Anomalies: Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program.” This opportunity, listed under opportunity number PAR-26-107, supports the broader Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program (Kids First Program), which is dedicated to understanding the genetic causes of childhood cancers and structural birth defects. The overarching aim is to improve scientific knowledge and facilitate discoveries that can ultimately inform diagnoses, prevention, and therapeutic strategies in pediatric populations.
This grant invites eligible organizations to propose the sequencing of samples from pediatric cohorts. Specifically, the NIH encourages applicants to use existing datasets and cohorts to conduct whole genome sequencing at a designated Kids First Program-supported sequencing center. The focus may include studying somatic and/or germline genetic contributions to childhood cancers, exploring the genetic etiology of congenital anomalies, analyzing the molecular basis of the associations between congenital anomalies and increased cancer risk, or expanding the catalog of pediatric diseases represented in the Kids First Data Resource.
Applicants may propose a wide range of sequencing and molecular assay types including, but not limited to, whole genome, exome, transcriptome, long-read sequencing, proteomics, and epigenomic assays. These investigations must target tumors or other affected tissues and be appropriately justified. Importantly, all data generated—including genomic, clinical, and phenotypic data—will be incorporated into the Kids First Data Resource Center, thereby becoming available to the broader research community in alignment with NIH’s data sharing policies.
The program does not permit clinical trials and does not require cost sharing or matching funds. A diverse array of organizations are eligible to apply, including public and private higher education institutions, tribal governments, school districts, state and local governments, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, for-profit organizations including small businesses, housing authorities, and more. Foreign institutions and regional or faith-based organizations may also be eligible as specified under “Additional Information on Eligibility.”
Although this is a forecasted opportunity, the estimated key dates are as follows: the opportunity is expected to be posted on May 19, 2026, with applications due by July 19, 2026. Awards are anticipated by August 15, 2026, which will also mark the project start date. No pre-application materials such as letters of intent are currently specified as required, and all applicants must submit full proposals. All inquiries about this funding opportunity should be directed via email to [email protected], the official inbox for the Gabriella Miller Kids First Program.
As a forecasted opportunity, applicants are encouraged to monitor the official posting date and review the final NOFO when available for any changes to the requirements or deadlines. The program is supported under Assistance Listing Number 93.310 – Trans-NIH Research Support.
