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Learn how to be sure you are using the right application forms.
We have begun posting forms to NOFOs and will be continuing to do that throughout November. The preview of the application guide is available now and the final version will be posted in late November. FORMS-I training tables that can be used for submission are available now.
Background
When substantial changes are made in NIH applications, we update the form version and require all applicants to use the updated forms and instructions (referred to as an application package) to ensure a fair review.
We indicate the form version (e.g., FORMS-H, FORMS-I) in the Competition ID field of the application package.
The Competition Title, which often accompanies the Competition ID, provides guidance to help you choose the appropriate application package (e.g., Use for due dates on or after January 25, 2025).
To learn more about identifying the form version of an application package see Do I Have the Right Form Version For My Application?
Application Packages
FORMS-I application packages are now available on active opportunities with due dates on or after January 25, 2025.
For a transition period, both FORMS-H and FORMS-I application packages will be active simultaneously to support various due dates.
- In some cases, a single funding opportunity will support due dates before and after the form transition and include both FORMS-H and FORMS-I packages.
- Many funding opportunities, including those impacted by the simplified review framework for most research project grants, the revisions to the NIH fellowship application and review process, and updates to training grant initiatives, will be reissued for due dates on or after January 25, 2025. Funding opportunities reissued for these initiatives will only include due dates on or after January 25, 2025, and will only include FORMS-I application packages. While their predecessors will only support earlier due dates and FORMS-H application packages.
You must choose the correct funding opportunity and/or application package for your target due date. Applications submitted using a funding opportunity that is no longer available for a specific due date or submitted using the incorrect form version will be withdrawn and removed from funding consideration.
| If your intended due date is... | You must use... |
|---|---|
On or before January 24, 2025, including:
|
FORMS-H application package |
On or after January 25, 2025, including:
|
FORMS-I application package |
Funding opportunities where all due dates fall on or after January 25, 2025, may initially be posted without an application package. A FORMS-I application package will be added to those funding opportunities at least 30 days and, frequently 60 days or more, prior to the first due date. Until the FORMS-I application packages are available, you will see the following temporary message between Key Dates and the Table of Contents where the standard submission options and links are typically found (e.g., PAR-24-166)
IMPORTANT
Per NOT-OD-24-086 updated application forms (FORMS-I) will be used for this opportunity. The updated forms are not yet available and will be posted 30 calendar days or more prior to the first application due date. Once posted, you will be able to access the forms using one of the following submission options:
- NIH ASSIST
- An institutional system-to-system (S2S) solution
- Grants.gov Workspace
Tip
Application Guide
A preview copy of the General FORMS-I instructions in PDF format is now posted on the How to Apply - Application Guide page. The HTML version and filtered views of the general instructions will be posted soon. In the meantime, the information needed for all application types can be found in the preview version.
Learn More
- April 4, 2024 - New NIH "FORMS-I" Grant Application Forms and Instructions Coming for Due Dates on or after January 25, 2025. See Notice NOT-OD-24-086.