Forecast for NINDS Child Neurologist Career Development Program (CNCDP) (K12 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' National Institutes of Health (NIH), is planning to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the continuation of the NINDS Child Neurologist Career Development Program (CNCDP). This initiative is part of NIH’s commitment to developing and supporting the next generation of child neurologists capable of conducting high-quality research in the field of pediatric neurological disorders. The funding mechanism will be through the K12 activity code, and this forecast is being shared in advance to help applicants prepare strong and collaborative submissions. The CNCDP aims to cultivate child neurologists into leading researchers by leveraging their clinical expertise to investigate neurological disorders that impact children. The grant will support a single national K12 program, which will be based at the institution of the Project Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) but will operate nationally under the oversight of the PD/PI and a national advisory committee. The upcoming NOFO will largely follow the structure of the previous NOFO (RFA-NS-19-040), though it will include some changes and should not be considered identical. Funding for this opportunity is discretionary, with an anticipated total program funding amount of $3,400,000. Although specific award ceiling and floor amounts are not yet provided, only one award is expected to be made. The program does not require cost sharing or matching funds. The estimated award and project start date is July 1, 2026. Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments and organizations (both federally recognized and others), and nonprofits with IRS 501(c)(3) status, excluding institutions of higher education. Both new and renewal applications will be accepted once the official NOFO is released. Applicants are encouraged to begin planning and forming collaborations now. The estimated post date of the NOFO is June 27, 2025, with applications likely due by September 19, 2025. Awards will be announced and projects expected to begin on July 1, 2026. All applications must comply with the NIH grant policies applicable at the time of submission. For questions or further guidance, applicants can contact Dr. Letitia Weigand, Director of the Office of Training & Workforce Development at NINDS, by phone at 301-496-4188 or via email at letitia.weigand@nih.gov.