Pilot Effectiveness Trials of Peer Support Services for Suicide Prevention

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has announced its intent to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aimed at supporting research into peer support strategies for suicide prevention. The NOFO, identified under the opportunity number FOR-MH-26-160, represents an early-stage, pilot initiative focused on evaluating the effectiveness of peer support interventions in both clinical and community settings. The initiative is part of a broader research agenda designed to address mental health challenges and advance evidence-based practices that can be scaled and sustained to reduce suicide rates across various populations. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to solicit applications for pilot effectiveness trials. These trials are expected to rigorously assess the feasibility, tolerability, acceptability, safety, and preliminary effectiveness of peer support models designed to reduce suicide risk. Researchers are also encouraged to examine whether the interventions effectively engage key mechanisms presumed to influence outcomes. Additionally, trials should aim to produce foundational data that could inform and justify a larger-scale effectiveness study in the future. This NOFO will utilize the R01 activity code, which is typically used for health-related research and development supported by the NIH. The forecasted opportunity is scheduled to open for applications on August 28, 2025, with submissions due by October 28, 2025. Awards are expected to be issued by July 1, 2026, with projects commencing on the same date. The total program funding is estimated at $3,000,000, although specific award ceilings and floors have not been disclosed. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for applicants. The estimated number of awards has not been specified, but the funding scope suggests support for multiple pilot projects. Eligible applicants for this opportunity span a wide range of organizations. These include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, small businesses, for-profit organizations (excluding small businesses), state and county governments, independent school districts, and public housing authorities. Additionally, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, tribal organizations other than federally recognized governments, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits (excluding higher education institutions) are eligible to apply. The opportunity is available nationwide without restrictions on eligible geographies. The NOFO encourages collaborative investigations and interdisciplinary approaches that combine peer support expertise with implementation science and clinical trials methodology. While applications are not yet being solicited, this forecasted opportunity allows potential applicants to begin developing proposals and forming partnerships in preparation for the formal solicitation. No application questions or pre-submission deadlines have been announced at this time, and specific evaluation criteria will likely be detailed upon release of the full NOFO. For further information regarding this opportunity, potential applicants are advised to contact Stephen O'Connor, Ph.D., at the National Institute of Mental Health. He can be reached via email at stephen.oconnor@nih.gov or by phone at 301-480-8366. Interested applicants should monitor the NIH and Grants.gov websites for updates and the official release of the application package in August 2025.