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Grants Basics

Before getting started, learn why it is important to understand the structure of NIH and how we approach grant funding, what types of organizations and people are eligible to apply, what we look for in a research project, and the types of grant programs we offer.

 


 

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Understanding NIH: Finding the Right Fit for Your Research

As you begin your journey in search of NIH grant funding, learn why understanding the structure of NIH is important to successfully navigate the grants process. Learn more.

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What Does NIH Look For?

The NIH provides financial support in the form of grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts to support the advancement of the NIH mission to enhance health, extend healthy lives, and reduce the burdens of illness and disability. We encourage submission of unique projects of high scientific caliber. Learn more about our interest in both NIH-requested research and unsolicited research projects. Learn more.

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Who is Eligible

Each type of NIH grant program has its own set of eligibility requirements. Applicants can find eligibility information in Section III of each funding opportunity.  While the principal investigator conceives and writes the application, NIH recognizes the applicant institution as the recipient for most grant types. Learn more

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Types of Grant Programs

This page will help you explore the types of grant funding NIH offers, from research grants to career development awards, research training and fellowships, center grants, and more.  NIH uses activity codes (e.g. R01, R21, etc.) to differentiate the wide variety of programs we support. NIH Institutes and Centers may vary in the way they use activity codes; not all ICs accept applications for all types of grant programs or they apply specialized eligibility criteria. Look closely at the funding opportunity to determine which Institutes and Centers participate and the specifics of eligibility. Learn more

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Types of Grant Applications

Learn about the various types of grant applications (new, renewal, revision, resubmission) as well as any specific specific submission requirements for each. Learn more