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This page serves as a central location where you can learn more about the status of changes impacting NIH grants process and plans for implementing new initiatives and policies.
NIH Grants and Funding Information Status
NIH grants and funding policies and processes are evolving as NIH aligns with new agency priorities. Keep on top of the latest status of changes impacting NIH grants administration and funding.
Upcoming Changes
Common Forms for Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support
NIH is adopting the Biographical Sketch Common Form and the Current and Pending (Other) Support Common Form in 2025.
NIH's adoption of the Common Form for Biographical Sketch and a new Biographical Sketch Supplement originally scheduled for May 25, 2025 is postponed. Continue to use NIH-specific format pages until further notice.
Recent Changes
Implemented for Due Dates on or after January 25, 2025
These changes include updates to the peer review and submission of most research project grants, fellowships, and training grants; updated instructions for reference letters; and the transition to FORMS-I application instructions. Although each of these initiatives has specific goals, they are all meant to simplify, clarify, and/or promote greater fairness towards a level playing field for applicants throughout the application and review processes. See Overview of Grant Application and Review Changes for Due Dates on or after January 25, 2025: NOT-OD-24-084.
Simplified Review Framework for Most Research Project Grants (RPGs)
NIH implemented a simplified framework for the peer review of the majority of competing research project grant (RPG) applications.
Revisions to the NIH Fellowship Application and Review Process
NIH revised the fellowship review criteria used to evaluate fellowship applications and modified the PHS Fellowship Supplemental Form to align with the restructured review criteria.
Alert (March 2025):
- If applying to a parent Fellowship opportunity for the April 8 or May 7, 2025 standard due date, you must use FORMS-H application forms and instructions.
- If applying to a non-parent Fellowship opportunity, you must use FORMS-I application forms and instructions.
Updates to Institutional Training Grant Applications
NIH Training Program application instructions and data table forms were updated.
Alert (March 2025):
- Recruitment Plans to Enhance Diversity are no longer required and those included in applications under review will not be evaluated or considered in funding decisions.
- FORMS-I Training data tables 6a, 6b, and 7 have been revised to remove calculations for % underrepresented minorities.
- A Trainee Diversity Report for institutional training grants, career development awards, and most research education grants is no longer required in Research Performance Progress Reports (RPPRs) and should not be included.
Updates to Reference Letter Instructions for Referees
NIH updated the instructions for reference letters to provide more structure so letters will better assist reviewers in understanding the candidate’s strengths, weaknesses, and potential to pursue a productive career in biomedical science.
Updated Application Forms and Instructions (FORMS-I)
NIH updated application forms to support current NIH requirements. Updated (FORMS-I) application forms are posted with active funding opportunities, and updated instructions are available on the How to Apply - Application Guide.
The FORMS-I instructions on How to Apply – Application Guide have been updated. See Significant Changes.