Advancing Research on Empirically-Supported Interventions for Older Adults Living with Serious Mental Illness (SMI)

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), operating within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has forecasted a new funding opportunity titled "Advancing Research on Empirically-Supported Interventions for Older Adults Living with Serious Mental Illness (SMI)." This grant seeks to support innovative research aimed at improving the mental health care of older adults suffering from serious mental illness by promoting studies focused on optimizing, delivering, sustaining, and evaluating effective interventions. The forthcoming Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is expected to use the R01 activity code and is part of NIMH’s broader mission to foster mental health research across the lifespan. Although the application process has not yet opened, the forecast provides researchers and institutions with an early announcement so they can begin developing collaborations and preparing proposals. The anticipated post date is August 15, 2025, with an application due date of October 15, 2025. Award decisions and project starts are targeted for July 1, 2026. This opportunity encourages research that adapts existing efficacious treatments to better serve aging populations with SMI. Of particular interest are studies that integrate multidisciplinary expertise to enhance clinical and functional outcomes, reduce co-occurring chronic health conditions, and improve care transitions and system-level coordination. The initiative seeks to bridge gaps in the continuum of care for this population by testing evidence-based interventions that can be implemented and scaled in diverse healthcare settings. The grant is classified as discretionary and falls under the federal “Mental Health Research Grants” program, Assistance Listings Number 93.242. A total of approximately $3 million in funding is expected to be available, with around five awards to be made. Award ceiling and floor figures have not yet been specified and will require further verification once the official NOFO is published. There are no matching fund requirements. Entities eligible to apply include a wide range of organizations such as state and county governments, public and private institutions of higher education, independent school districts, public housing authorities, and both for-profit and nonprofit entities. Native American tribal governments and organizations are also eligible. The opportunity is available nationwide, and there are no geographical limitations within the U.S. For more information or future updates, potential applicants are advised to contact the National Institute of Mental Health at NIMHinitiatives@mail.nih.gov. While a specific program officer is not yet listed, the forecast ensures that applicants have time to prepare thoughtful, collaborative, and impactful submissions well ahead of the anticipated deadlines.