Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers (P30 Clinical Trial Optional)

The Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers (OAIC) grant program, issued by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH), seeks to support institutions in developing centers of excellence focused on geriatrics research and education. The program honors the legacy of Representative Claude Pepper and aims to enhance scientific understanding of aging processes and the means to promote independence among older adults. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (RFA-AG-26-025) invites applications for a P30 Center Core Grant that may include clinical trials but does not require them. The overarching purpose is to fund centers capable of advancing innovation, leadership, collaboration, and research education around a selected aging-related focus area. Funded centers must identify a specific focus area that addresses significant issues related to aging and independence, such as geriatric syndromes, age-related conditions, or functional disabilities. The OAICs are expected to provide intellectual leadership, foster multidisciplinary research strategies, and promote translation of scientific discoveries into clinical practice. Applicants must design a center around four required components: an Overall core, a Leadership and Administrative Core (LAC), a Resource Core (RC), and a Research Education Component (REC). Optional components include a Pilot/Exploratory Studies Core (PESC), an Information Dissemination Core (IDC), and a Community Engagement Core (CEC). OAICs are intended to be comprehensive, institutionally-supported hubs that leverage existing NIH-funded infrastructure while enhancing opportunities for collaboration with other OAICs and related NIA programs. The Resource Core must support at least two projects and may include up to two Developmental Projects aimed at technology or methodological advancement. The Research Education Component is dedicated to developing future leaders in aging research through mentored training experiences. Eligible applicants include a broad range of organizations: institutions of higher education (public and private), local and state governments, tribal organizations (both federally recognized and not), non-profits with or without 501(c)(3) status, small businesses, public housing authorities, and eligible federal agencies. Non-U.S. entities and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible, although foreign components may be involved per NIH policy. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov and follow the NIH’s Multi-Project (M) Instructions. The application portal opens on September 20, 2025, and submissions are due by December 9, 2025. Applicants are advised to begin preparing early due to the complexity of the required components and institutional registrations. A letter of intent is not required. The award provides up to $925,000 in annual direct costs, with a project period of up to five years. The NIA expects to fund four awards in FY 2026 and one in FY 2027, with total funding estimated at $5.2 million and $1.3 million respectively for those fiscal years. Awards are anticipated to begin as early as July 2026, following merit and advisory reviews. No cost sharing or matching is required. For additional information, applicants may contact NIH Grants Information at [email protected]. The full NOFO and updates are accessible via the NIH grants website.

Select a focused and well-justified aging research theme; ensure integration of all core components; rigorously follow NIH Multi-Project application instructions