NIMHD Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Program (R21 - Clinical Trial Optional)

The NIMHD Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Program (R21 - Clinical Trial Optional), issued by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically through the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), aims to support innovative and short-term research projects that can significantly enhance minority health and reduce health disparities across the United States. This program reissues announcement PAR-20-150 and updates it to reflect current agency priorities, with applicants advised to review all changes carefully before submitting proposals. This funding opportunity supports projects without the requirement for preliminary data and encourages proposals from early-stage investigators. It focuses on three categories of research: secondary data analysis, development of novel measures or methodologies, and pilot testing of new or adapted interventions. The emphasis is on projects that address one or more NIH-defined health disparity populations such as African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asians, Pacific Islanders, socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, and underserved rural populations. Studies must be U.S.-based or provide insights applicable to health disparities affecting immigrant populations in the U.S. Eligible studies include a wide range of human and population-based research in biomedical, clinical, behavioral, or social sciences, explicitly excluding animal studies. Multidisciplinary approaches that integrate biological, behavioral, social, and environmental influences are highly encouraged. The grant seeks to support innovative interventions, novel data linkage strategies, and tools that can enhance research engagement and outcomes in health disparity populations. Eligible applicants include a broad array of public, nonprofit, and private organizations including higher education institutions, local and state governments, tribal entities, independent school districts, and small businesses. Foreign institutions may not apply, though U.S.-based applicants can include foreign components when applicable. Applicants must complete registrations with SAM, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov before submission. Applications are submitted electronically through NIH ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or institutional systems. Adherence to all application instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide is mandatory. The combined budget for the two-year project may not exceed $275,000, with a maximum of $200,000 in any single year. Applications are reviewed on NIH’s standard review cycles, with deadlines in June, October, February, and other listed periods, and final acceptance due by May 24, 2025. Scientific merit, innovation, significance, approach, and alignment with the FOA’s objectives will guide the peer review process. The main contact for grants management is Priscilla Grant, JD, who can be reached at grantp@mail.nih.gov or 301-594-8412. Additional support and contacts are provided for questions related to submission systems and general NIH grants information.