NIMH Mentoring Networks for Mental Health Research Education

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the National Institutes of Health, has released a forecasted funding opportunity titled NIMH Mentoring Networks for Mental Health Research Education. This program notice, numbered PAR-26-048, is issued as part of the NIH Research Education Program and is designed to provide potential applicants ample time to prepare responsive applications. The funding opportunity reflects NIMH’s mission to strengthen the biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research workforce to meet the nation’s mental health needs. The stated purpose of this funding program is to support innovative educational activities with a primary emphasis on national or regional mentoring networks. These mentoring networks are expected to enhance professional development and foster pathways toward independent research careers in mental health. The program seeks proposals that go beyond existing mentoring, networking, or educational collaborations within institutions or organizations, encouraging the establishment of new opportunities that significantly extend current efforts in training and research development. The program scope focuses on educational activities that provide mentoring and networking opportunities to a broad range of participants, from trainees to early career investigators, who are pursuing careers in mental health research. Proposed networks must demonstrate the ability to provide significant added value compared to any pre-existing academic programs, consortia, or collaborations. Funding under this opportunity will allow the creation and support of structured mentoring systems that are national or regional in scope, fostering the development of a skilled cadre of investigators equipped to advance mental health research in the United States. Regarding eligibility, the opportunity is open to a wide range of organizations including state, local, and tribal governments, both federally recognized and non-federally recognized Native American tribal entities, special district governments, county and city or township governments, independent school districts, public housing authorities, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, small businesses, for-profit entities other than small businesses, regional organizations, U.S. territories and possessions, federal agencies, as well as faith-based and community-based organizations. This broad eligibility framework ensures a diverse applicant pool that can contribute unique expertise and perspectives to the establishment of mentoring networks. The anticipated application timeline indicates that the forecasted posting date for the notice of funding opportunity is January 23, 2026, with full applications expected to be due by May 25, 2026. Awards are projected to be made on April 1, 2027, with project start dates aligned on the same day. This opportunity is forecasted for Fiscal Year 2027. There is no requirement for cost-sharing or matching contributions from applicants. Applications are not being accepted at this time as the program is still in the forecast stage. The funding instrument type is a grant, with an award ceiling of $200,000 per application. The award floor and total program funding have not been specified and require further verification. The number of expected awards is not provided in the notice. Assistance is categorized under CFDA 93.242, which corresponds to Mental Health Research Grants. The contact for further information is Belinda Sims, Ph.D., reachable at 301-435-7155 or via email at belinda.sims@nih.gov. Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor this forecast and begin preparing proposals that align with the program’s objectives and requirements.