Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH)

The Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH) grant program is a collaborative initiative managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program is structured to fund and support research efforts that are both led by and serve American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. The goal of the NARCH initiative is to foster high-quality biomedical, behavioral, and health-related research while simultaneously promoting the development of research capacity and training among AI/AN populations. This targeted effort seeks to bridge disparities in health outcomes by empowering Tribes and Tribal entities with the resources to conduct meaningful, community-relevant research. The NARCH program offers funding exclusively to federally-recognized AI/AN Tribes, Tribal colleges or universities, Tribal health programs, and Tribal organizations, as well as eligible consortia composed of these entities. Eligibility is rooted in statutory definitions outlined in 25 U.S.C. 1603, ensuring that participating organizations have a direct connection to Tribal communities. The program also allows participation of U.S. organizations that include foreign components, but only in cases where ancestral Tribal territories cross the U.S. border. Non-domestic institutions and non-U.S. components of U.S. institutions are otherwise not eligible to apply. The program supports a range of activities, including the development and conduct of health-related research projects, the training and mentoring of AI/AN individuals in research careers, and the establishment or enhancement of research infrastructure within Tribal entities. By fostering these capabilities, NARCH aims to cultivate self-sufficiency in health research within Native communities and to increase the number of AI/AN individuals participating as principal investigators and research leaders. The NARCH opportunity operates as a Limited Competition grant and follows NIH’s standard peer review procedures. Applications submitted under this program are subject to a rigorous merit review process, where only the most scientifically robust and impactful proposals will be selected for funding. The estimated open date for applications is May 8, 2027, with a due date set for July 8, 2027. Award decisions are anticipated by April 1, 2028, with project start dates aligning on the same day. The program follows a recurring, likely annual, cycle and encourages early engagement from prospective applicants to prepare competitive proposals. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement indicated for this funding opportunity. Applicants are expected to adhere to NIH application procedures, including submission through the Grants.gov portal, and must follow all associated NIH policies and formatting guidelines. While full details of the application components are not included in the forecast notice, applicants can expect the typical NIH application structure, which includes components such as research plans, budgets, and biosketches. For questions and further information, applicants are encouraged to contact the NARCH Program Office at the NIH via email at [email protected]. Although this is currently a forecasted opportunity, the information provided gives ample lead time for eligible entities to begin coordination, partnership formation, and planning in anticipation of the May 2027 opening date. Additional updates and official solicitation documents are expected to be published closer to the estimated post date.