Exploratory/Developmental Grants Related to the World Trade Center Health Program (R21)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has announced a forecasted opportunity to support exploratory and developmental research related to the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program. This initiative, funded through discretionary grants, aims to improve health outcomes for individuals impacted by the events of 9/11 and enrolled in the WTC Health Program. Specifically, it addresses diagnostic and treatment uncertainties and encourages novel research that can enhance clinical practices for responders and survivors receiving monitoring or treatment under Subtitle C of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, as amended. The R21 mechanism supports early-stage, concept-driven studies intended to assess the feasibility of innovative research paths. The grant seeks projects that could lead to breakthroughs or significantly advance the understanding of health conditions related to 9/11 exposure. Acceptable projects may explore new techniques, agents, methods, models, or interventions. Importantly, applicants are encouraged to pursue research directions for which little or no preliminary data exists, making this an ideal opportunity for speculative and high-reward concepts. This funding opportunity anticipates awarding approximately 60 grants with an estimated total program funding of $30 million. Each award is expected to provide up to $365,000 in funding. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement. The opportunity is open to a wide range of U.S.-based applicants, including educational institutions, nonprofits (with and without 501(c)(3) status), for-profit organizations (including small businesses), and various levels of government entities. Foreign entities and components are explicitly ineligible. Applications will be accepted starting December 5, 2025, with a submission deadline of February 12, 2026, at 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization. Awards are anticipated to be issued by June 1, 2026, with funded projects beginning July 1, 2026. The funding opportunity is part of an annual cycle, and future rounds are expected to follow a similar timeline. Submissions must be made through Grants.gov and follow all posted instructions. Required components typically include a research strategy, budget justification, and documentation relevant to eligibility and project aims. For questions, applicants may contact Eduardo O'Neill at fzt4@cdc.gov or 404-718-8844.

Prioritize high-risk, high-reward research; minimal preliminary data required; novel diagnostics or interventions strongly encouraged.