Limited Competition: Chronic Kidney Diseases of UnceRtain Etiology (CKDu) in Agricultural Communities (CURE) Research Consortium- Field Epidemiology Sites

The National Institutes of Health, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has forecasted a limited competition funding opportunity titled "Limited Competition: Chronic Kidney Diseases of UnceRtain Etiology (CKDu) in Agricultural Communities (CURE) Research Consortium – Field Epidemiology Sites." This initiative is designed to continue the efforts of the CURE Consortium, which has been active since 2021 and jointly supported by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), and the Fogarty International Center (FIC). The consortium has been working to investigate the causes and possible interventions for CKDu, a condition causing kidney failure among working-age populations in agricultural regions of low- and middle-income countries. The primary purpose of this opportunity is to renew support for field epidemiology sites that will contribute to the broader CURE Consortium’s mission. These sites are tasked with identifying, recruiting, and retaining participants in areas where CKDu is endemic. Their responsibilities include conducting study visits, collecting biological and environmental samples, and contributing to collaborative consortium activities aimed at maximizing scientific discovery. The research focus is to better understand the etiology of CKDu, the exposures that drive tubulointerstitial kidney disease, potential therapeutic targets, and future public health interventions. The consortium will also act as a resource for ancillary studies. Funding for this opportunity is anticipated to total approximately $6,000,000, with an expected five awards to be made. While the award ceiling and floor are not specified in the forecast, funds are expected to support cooperative agreements with continued collaboration across consortium members. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement associated with this program. Funds may be used to support epidemiological fieldwork, sample collection, participant engagement, and other activities directly tied to the research and consortium collaboration. Eligibility for this grant opportunity is broad and includes a wide range of organizations. Eligible applicants are county governments, state governments, Native American tribal governments (federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized), public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, public housing authorities, Indian housing authorities, small businesses, and other for-profit organizations. Additionally, nonprofit and community-based organizations, faith-based groups, U.S. territories and possessions, eligible federal agencies, and certain non-U.S. institutions may apply. The eligibility is structured to encourage wide participation from organizations with the ability to contribute to the consortium’s international and U.S.-based research mission. This opportunity is currently in forecast status with a projected posting date of April 1, 2026. Applications will be due by July 1, 2026, and the estimated award date is January 1, 2027. Projects are expected to start on February 1, 2027, aligning with the NIH’s funding cycle for fiscal year 2027. As a recurring consortium initiative, applicants should anticipate that similar opportunities may continue in subsequent years, but this forecast is specific to the current renewal cycle. Applications will undergo peer review, and funding decisions will be based on scientific merit. Interested applicants should monitor Grants.gov for the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) once it is officially released. Additional information may be made available at that time, including evaluation criteria, application instructions, and specific documentation requirements. Questions may be directed to the program officer, Susan Mendley, who can be reached at 301-827-1861 or via email at susan.mendley@nih.gov.