How To Apply for Funding

Resource for Behavioral and Social Science Studies

Learn how to determine if a study is a Phase II or Phase III clinical trial using NIH's decision support tool (PDF)

Learn the steps to successfully plan, write, and submit an NIH research application, and find out what happens during the review and post-award process. The grants process overview from the NIH Office of Extramural Research will also help you with the entire grant process, from planning and submission to award and closeout.

Step 1: Get Started

Step 2: Apply for Funding

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Write Your Application

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Contact NIH Staff

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No matter your career stage, we strongly encourage you to communicate with NIH staff throughout the life cycle of every grant. The best people to talk with about the scientific, review, or administrative information in your application or award are in the NIH Institute or Center that may fund the grant. Learn about the different NIH staff roles and how you can contact the right person at each phase of the application and award process.

Submit Your Application

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Submit your application at least 2 days before the due date to make sure you have time to review it and correct any errors. Track and view your application to confirm it has been received and is correct.

Step 3: Application Referral and Review

Alert: For application due dates on or after January 25, 2025 – There are changes coming to how most research grant applications will be reviewed. Learn about the new simplified review framework.

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Application Referral & Review

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Most applications are assigned to the Center for Scientific Review (CSR) study sections for review, while about 30% of the applications are reviewed by review groups organized by an NIH Institute or Center. Learn how you can request a specific assignment, as well as what happens to your application after it is received.

Step 4: Pre-Award & Award Process

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Pre-Award & Award Process

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If you score well in peer review, your application is reviewed by the Advisory Council of the Institute or Center (IC). You may be asked to submit additional information, just in time for the award. After that, final administrative reviews are conducted and Notice of Award documents are sent to successful applicants.

Post-Award Monitoring & Reporting

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NIH monitors grants carefully. Active monitoring includes reports and correspondence from the grantee, audit reports, site visits, and other information.

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