Leveraging Nursing Research to Advance Healthy School Environments for All

The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under the Department of Health and Human Services, has issued a forecast notice for a future funding opportunity titled "Leveraging Nursing Research to Advance Healthy School Environments for All." This initiative reflects the NIH’s strategic emphasis on supporting nursing and interdisciplinary research that addresses significant public health challenges, particularly those affecting youth within educational settings. The main objective of the anticipated Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to encourage applications for research that examines the complex interactions between school environments, health services, educational practices, and the surrounding social ecosystem. The research aim is to generate evidence that can help optimize educational and health outcomes for youth across diverse communities. The funding will support interdisciplinary and multisectoral projects that address critical gaps in the current understanding and implementation of health-supportive school environments. This grant opportunity will be classified under discretionary funding, and it will be implemented in the form of grants. The specific funding instrument type will be a standard NIH grant, and it falls under the “Health” category of funding activity, aligned with Assistance Listing 93.361, which focuses on Nursing Research. Although the total funding amount and specific award ceilings and floors have not yet been disclosed, the NIH typically provides this information in the formal NOFO. Eligible applicants for this grant include a wide range of organizations, such as nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education), for-profit organizations other than small businesses, small businesses, state and county governments, public and private institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments and organizations, independent school districts, and public/Indian housing authorities. The estimated post date for the NOFO is January 27, 2026, with an expected application due date of April 27, 2026. Awards are projected to be announced by September 1, 2026, which is also the estimated project start date. There is no requirement for cost sharing or matching funds for this grant. For additional information, the point of contact for this opportunity is Dr. Bill Duval at the National Institute of Nursing Research. He can be reached by phone at 301-435-0380 or by email at bill.duval@nih.gov.