Autism Centers of Excellence P50
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 17, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for research organizations seeking to establish or expand autism research centers. Eligible applicants include research institutions, universities, and research hospitals with the capacity to conduct multidisciplinary autism research. The P50 mechanism requires collaborative, center-based research programs combining multiple scientific disciplines. Geographic scope is national; any eligible U.S. research institution may apply.
This funding supports research advancing understanding of autism across the lifespan. Research priorities align with NICHD, NIDCD, NIEHS, NIMH, and NINDS priorities. Projects should leverage cutting-edge technologies and methods in autism science and clinical care.
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Key dates
- Sep 23, 2025 Applications open
- Nov 2, 2026 Application deadline in 107 days
- Jul 1, 2027 Award announced
- Jul 1, 2027 Project start
Program description
The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), with the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Autism Centers of Excellence (ACE) to solicit applications for research that will build on the progress and momentum of the past 23 years of ACE research and that takes advantage of cutting-edge technologies and methods.
Applications are not being solicited at this time. This Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. This NOFO will utilize the P50 – Research Program Projects and Centers activity code. Investigators with expertise and insights into this area of research are encouraged to begin to consider applying for this new NOFO. In addition, collaborative investigations combining expertise in scientific disciplines will be encouraged, and these investigators should also begin considering applying for this opportunity. Grant authorities that allow the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to forecast this opportunity are as follows: Public Health Service Act, Section 301, 448 and 487, as amended, Public Laws 78-410 and 99-158, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 241; 42 U.S.C. 285g; 42 U.S.C. 288; Small Business Research and Development Enhancement Act of 1992, Public Law 102-564, Public Law 118-47.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Hospital
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative/Research Plan
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (key personnel)
- Institutional Commitments and Resources
- Letters of Support from Collaborating Institutions
- Human Subjects Protection documentation (if applicable)
- Vertebrate Animals documentation (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 Alice Kau, Ph.D.
- 📧 Kaua@mail.nih.gov
- 📞 301-496-1385
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.865 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$1,073,967,938
-
$719,372,575
-
$276,059,721
-
$155,556,396
-
$155,482,198
-
$103,665,364
-
$74,151,078
-
$72,701,366
-
$52,238,426
-
$47,450,377
Top States by Funding
- WA 1 awards $1,074.0M
- NC 7 awards $925.9M
- MD 4 awards $501.6M
- MA 3 awards $190.0M
- PA 3 awards $145.1M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.865). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,282,226,682 | |
| 2025 | $1,333,391,690 | |
| 2026 est. | $184,920,723 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Research institutions, universities, and medical centers with strong research infrastructure are eligible. Your organization must have capacity for multidisciplinary team-based research.
When is the deadline?
The Notice indicates a deadline of November 2, 2026. This is a fixed deadline; rolling applications are not accepted.
What kind of research is supported?
This grant supports center-based research programs studying autism using cutting-edge technologies and methods. Collaborative projects combining multiple scientific disciplines are strongly encouraged.
How competitive is this funding?
P50 grants are highly competitive. Strong preliminary data, experienced research teams, and innovative approaches are essential for success.
What is the funding amount?
The total funding pool is $10 million. Individual award amounts vary; consult the NOFO when published for specific budget guidance.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Assemble a multidisciplinary team now. P50 grants require collaboration across scientific disciplines; begin building partnerships immediately.
- Start preliminary research early. Highly competitive grants need strong pilot data and proof of concept before submission.
- Align with NIH priorities. Review recent autism research trends from NICHD, NIDCD, NIEHS, NIMH, and NINDS to position your work.
- Plan your research infrastructure. Detail how your institution will support sustained center-based research operations.
- Document institutional commitment. Show strong support from your institution including space, resources, and administrative backing.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without sufficient preliminary data or pilot findings. Submitting a project plan that is not truly collaborative or multidisciplinary across the team. Failing to demonstrate how your center will be sustainable beyond the initial funding period.
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