Forecast to Renew the Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement for the Multiple Chronic Disease Research Centers

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), has released a forecast for a renewed Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled "Forecast to Renew the Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement for the Multiple Chronic Disease Research Centers." This initiative, currently in forecast status under opportunity number FOR-MD-25-002, is expected to be posted on May 16, 2025, with applications due by July 25, 2025. Awards are estimated to be made by September 30, 2025, with projects beginning the same day. The total expected program funding is $55 million, with approximately 11 awards anticipated. The primary objective of this NOFO is to support both existing and new regional research centers aimed at improving prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of multiple chronic diseases (MCDs), particularly in populations that experience health disparities. It continues the work initiated under RFA-MD-21-007 and is designed to advance health equity for both pediatric and adult populations. The research centers funded under this opportunity are expected to focus on innovative projects that either develop, test, and evaluate novel intervention models or implement proven approaches in community or healthcare settings. Applicants will be expected to address at least two chronic conditions that frequently co-occur or share similar etiological factors, social determinants, or treatment strategies. Examples of such diseases include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory conditions, which remain among the top causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States. There is a noted emphasis on pediatric and adolescent health, as these populations are increasingly affected by chronic conditions such as cardiometabolic diseases. This NOFO encourages research that aligns with the Make America Healthy Again Commission’s goals, particularly those focused on reducing disparities in care and improving outcomes for chronic diseases. High priority will be given to projects that produce findings which are replicable, reproducible, and generalizable. Interdisciplinary collaboration is strongly recommended, especially among investigators with backgrounds in clinical medicine, behavioral science, implementation science, community engagement, and health services research. The opportunity will utilize the P50 activity code, specifically for center grants that may involve clinical trials. While applications are not yet being accepted, this forecast is intended to give institutions and investigators sufficient time to form collaborations and prepare responsive applications. Interested parties should begin planning their submissions and consider potential partnerships that align with the NOFO’s focus areas. For more information, potential applicants can contact Dr. Dolly Penn at the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. She can be reached at 301-496-8676 or via email at dolly.penn@nih.gov.