Notice of Intent to Publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement for Community-Partnered Nursing Research Centers (P20 Clinical Trial Optional)

The Community-Partnered Nursing Research Centers (P20 Clinical Trial Optional) grant opportunity is a forthcoming funding initiative from the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), a branch of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This grant has been announced as a forecasted opportunity to give the research community advanced notice and preparation time. The NIH, and particularly NINR, are key funders in advancing nursing science and improving health outcomes through evidence-based interventions and collaborative research. The NINR supports scientific initiatives that promote health and well-being across populations, with a particular focus on high-need communities and interdisciplinary engagement. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to foster the development of nursing-led, community-partnered research centers. These exploratory (P20) centers are expected to serve as centralized hubs located within Schools or Colleges of Nursing (SONs or CONs), focusing on building interdisciplinary research capacity and partnerships with community stakeholders. This approach aims to address persistent health disparities and promote sustainable, evidence-based health improvements that are co-created with the communities they intend to serve. Funding will support centers that promote collaboration between academic nursing researchers and community organizations, enhancing the infrastructure needed to design, implement, and evaluate meaningful research projects. These projects must be led by nurses and structured to include significant community engagement throughout all stages of the research process. The goal is to create a framework where community-identified needs and priorities guide research design and outcomes, ensuring relevance and impact. Though the exact funding amounts, award ceiling, and number of anticipated awards have not yet been disclosed, the funding opportunity will use the P20 grant mechanism, which traditionally supports planning and capacity-building efforts rather than large-scale project implementation. These funds may be used for activities such as staffing research teams, convening stakeholders, developing data systems, or piloting preliminary studies in collaboration with community partners. Applicants should note that cost sharing or matching is not required for this opportunity. Eligible applicants include a wide range of organizations: state governments, county governments, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, independent school districts, Native American tribal governments and organizations, small businesses, for-profit organizations other than small businesses, and public or Indian housing authorities. Eligibility is national in scope, allowing applications from entities across all U.S. states and territories. The forecasted key dates for this opportunity include an estimated post date of June 13, 2025, with applications due by August 12, 2025. Award notifications are expected to be issued by April 1, 2026, which is also the anticipated project start date. The initiative is currently in a forecasted stage, meaning applications are not yet being accepted, but this early notification allows time for the development of collaborative research proposals. For more information or questions regarding this opportunity, interested applicants may contact Dr. Karen A. Kehl, PhD, RN, at karen.kehl@nih.gov or call 301-594-8010.