Interrupting the Cycle of Violence Against Women Through Targeted Approaches: The We Care Initiative

The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under the Department of Health and Human Services, has announced a forthcoming funding opportunity titled "Interrupting the Cycle of Violence Against Women Through Targeted Approaches: The We Care Initiative." This initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve health outcomes by addressing and ultimately eliminating violence against women (VAW) through focused and context-aware interventions. As a forecasted opportunity, this notice informs the research and healthcare communities of NIH’s intent to solicit proposals in early 2026. The grant aims to fund innovative research projects that utilize various designs and methodologies to expand the existing evidence base concerning VAW. It focuses on interventions that consider the broader life context and environmental conditions affecting women, emphasizing prevention, treatment, and eradication of violence. Projects under this initiative are expected to contribute significantly to public health by fostering safer, healthier environments for women and reducing the long-term impacts of violence. While this is a discretionary grant, the specific funding amounts, including the total program funding, award ceiling, and award floor, have not yet been disclosed. Likewise, the number of awards anticipated remains unspecified. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement associated with this opportunity, making it more accessible to a diverse range of applicants. Eligible applicants include a wide array of organizations such as state governments, county governments, Native American tribal governments (both federally recognized and other organizations), public and private institutions of higher education, independent school districts, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, public housing authorities, small businesses, and other for-profit organizations not classified as small businesses. This wide eligibility scope is intended to attract multidisciplinary research efforts across sectors. Interested applicants should note the tentative timeline: the estimated posting date for the NOFO is January 27, 2026, with an anticipated application due date of April 27, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced by September 1, 2026, which is also the estimated start date for funded projects. This grant will be active during the 2026 fiscal year, and applicants should prepare their proposals in accordance with NIH submission standards. For additional details or inquiries, potential applicants can contact Shalanda A. Bynum, PhD, MPH, at the National Institute of Nursing Research via phone at 301-755-4355 or by email at shalanda.bynum@nih.gov.