NIDCR Funding Policies and Considerations

Visit NIH Fiscal Policies for NIH-wide information on appropriations and other budgetary information (salary limits, stipends, tuition/fees) and Funding Decisions to learn about NIH's consistent and unified approach for making funding decisions. The NIDCR-specific information on this page builds on that general information.

On this page:

Fiscal Year 2026

NIDCR FY 2026 Final Funding Policy

Underlying NIDCR’s Financial Management Plan is the institute’s goal of providing stable levels of support for high-quality scientific research and research training. 

Consistent with the NIH Next Generation Researchers Initiative, NIDCR is committed to maintaining a robust workforce through additional funding consideration for supporting Early Stage Investigators and At-Risk Investigators. 

FY 2026 Competing Policy 

NIDCR will consider the scientific merit of applications from the peer review process in conjunction with institute- and NIH-wide priorities, new scientific opportunities, portfolio balance, alignment with the NIDCR Strategic Plan 2021–2026, changes in the projected number of applications, projected award costs, and other relevant factors. 

NIDCR will continue to provide individual consideration for all competing applications. For all competing modular R01 and R01-equivalent applications selected for funding, NIDCR intends to reduce applications by at least 10% below requested budget level. For all competing non-modular R01 and R01-equivalent applications selected for funding, NIDCR intends to reduce applications to at least 15% below the requested budget level. For well-funded NIDCR investigators, additional reductions may be considered. 

FY 2026 Non-competing Policy 

NIDCR will fund non-competing research grant awards at the commitment level indicated on the most recent Notice of Award. 

Policy Reminders: 

All research project grant (RPG) applications submitted on or after January 25, 2023, competing renewal (Type 2) applications are expected to be limited to no more than a 20% budget increase over the last non-competing award. Further, beginning in FY 2027, all competing renewal (Type 2) research project grant (RPG) applications will be capped at 15% above the average annual direct costs of the last competing segment. 

To optimize resources, projects with large, unobligated balances (25% or more of the total approved budget) without an approved expenditure plan may receive additional adjustments based on the justification provided.

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