Implementing SimplerNOFO at NIH: A Clearer, Simpler Path for Applicants

NIH has released its first Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) SimplerNOFO initiative. This department-wide modernization effort aims to make funding opportunities more accessible, understandable, and actionable for applicants. Check out the new look and feel of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences’ Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA) for Early Stage Investigators (ESIs) NOFO (PAR-27-032).

Why HHS Is Simplifying Funding Announcements

The SimplerNOFO initiative grew out of broader federal grants modernization efforts and HHS’ goal to reduce administrative burden and improve accessibility for applicants. Research and applicant feedback showed that NOFOs were often overly complex, inconsistent in structure and requirements across agencies, and difficult to navigate, making it hard to find key information. As a result, applicants were spending excess time understanding NOFOs instead of developing strong applications. 

Objective of the SimplerNOFO Initiative 

Simplifying funding opportunities improves clarity and usability without reducing scientific rigor or programmatic expectations. Some key elements of the SimplerNOFO approach include:

• Standardized structure and formatting across HHS agencies
• Plain language and reduced jargon throughout the NOFO, including in the instructions
• Shorter, more focused application guidance
• Easier identification of key requirements 

Piloting the SimplerNOFO Approach at NIH 

The MIRA for ESIs NOFO is the first NIH funding opportunity to use the SimplerNOFO approach. 

Visually, the new MIRA for ESIs NOFO differs from what applicants are used to viewing. In addition to incorporating the principles of HHS' approach listed above, it includes:

• Clearer section organization
• Visual design elements such as headings, white space, and shorter paragraphs
• Tools like checklists and explicit guidance to help applicants understand what is required and what steps to take next. 

The redesigned SimplerNOFO emphasizes clarity, usability, and a more intuitive applicant experience. We plan to expand this approach to additional funding opportunities over time. Stay tuned!