Identify and Evaluate Potential Risk Factors for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), operating under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is forecasting a cooperative agreement opportunity titled "Identify and Evaluate Potential Risk Factors for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)." This opportunity, listed under funding opportunity number RFA-TS-26-165, invites applications to conduct innovative research into both established and emerging risk factors for ALS. As a discretionary funding mechanism, this cooperative agreement aims to support evidence-based public health research and interventions in line with the CDC’s broader mission to protect public health and improve lives through science. The purpose of this opportunity is to expand the understanding of the causes and contributing factors of ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Researchers are encouraged to investigate a range of potential risk factors, particularly those previously suggested by preliminary studies. The CDC is particularly interested in proposals that focus on topics such as military service, participation in contact sports, traumatic brain injury, neuroinflammation, infectious agents, and environmental exposures. The grant supports four funding options tailored to specific research focuses. Option A funds research where there is already strong evidence—such as studies on known genetic or environmental risk factors or efforts that enhance existing studies through improved data quality. Option B supports novel and exploratory studies of under-researched ALS risk factors or investigations employing innovative methodologies. Option C focuses on understanding ALS risk in particular populations, such as military veterans. Option D is targeted at studies involving biological samples from the Guamanian ALS cluster, exploring disease mechanisms, environmental and genetic interactions, and the potential for diagnostics, therapeutics, or preventive strategies. This grant opportunity does not require cost sharing or matching funds. Eligible applicants include a broad range of entities: state and local governments, tribal governments and organizations, independent school districts, public and private institutions of higher education, public housing authorities, special district governments, and nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status. Additional eligibility details will be provided in the final Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). There are no restrictions noted that would limit geographic eligibility, suggesting a nationwide scope for applicants. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on April 13, 2026. The estimated posting date for the full NOFO is January 20, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced by August 28, 2026, with projects starting on or around September 30, 2026. No pre-application such as letters of intent or concept papers is required, based on current information. The opportunity is forecasted, meaning applicants should monitor for updates and final posting of the NOFO. For more information or questions regarding this opportunity, potential applicants are directed to contact Dr. Candis Hunter at 770-488-1347 or via email at [email protected]. This program is listed under Assistance Listing 93.061: Innovations in Applied Public Health Research, and it anticipates issuing up to three awards totaling approximately $4.5 million. Each individual award may not exceed $500,000 in funding.