Exploratory/Developmental Grants Related to the World Trade Center Health Program (R21)
🏛 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - ERA (HHS-CDC-HHSCDCERA)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 8, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers and institutions studying health conditions related to World Trade Center exposure. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, public and private universities, hospitals, research institutions, and government agencies. The grant supports exploratory and developmental research projects on WTC-related health effects. Projects must involve preliminary data and feasibility studies leading to larger grant applications.
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Program description
The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program supports exploratory and developmental research projects (R21) that address issues related to diagnostic or treatment uncertainty among individuals receiving monitoring and/or treatment under Subtitle C of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, as amended. This R21 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is intended to encourage exploratory/developmental research by supporting the early and conceptual stages of project development to assess the feasibility of new areas of investigation with the potential to improve treatment effectiveness and diagnostic practices. These studies may lead to breakthroughs in a particular area or to the development of new interventions, techniques, agents, methodologies, models, or approaches with potential clinical impact. They are expected to break new ground or extend prior discoveries in new directions or applications. Applicants are expected to propose research for which there is likely to be minimal or no preliminary data.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- Colleges (all higher ed)
- 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 (R&R) Form
- Project Narrative (typically 6 pages)
- Specific Aims (1 page)
- Research Strategy
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Biosketch of Key Personnel
- Letters of Support
- Institutional Certifications
Program contact
- 👤 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - ERA
- 📧 jcy5@cdc.gov
- 📞 404-498-2015
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.262 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$129,315,396
-
$84,316,965
-
$32,293,512
-
$32,134,720
-
$31,954,524
-
$31,620,262
-
$31,326,776
-
$31,321,584
-
$31,307,359
-
$31,273,504
Top States by Funding
- NY 22 awards $241.2M
- MD 4 awards $137.5M
- CA 6 awards $114.7M
- MA 7 awards $94.5M
- MI 4 awards $90.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.262). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $130,993,880 | |
| 2025 | $127,849,749 | |
| 2026 est. | $113,003,523 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this R21 grant?
Universities, research institutions, hospitals, nonprofits, and government agencies can apply. Your institution must be able to administer federal funds and have research infrastructure in place.
What types of projects are funded?
Exploratory and developmental research on health conditions related to World Trade Center exposure. Projects should generate preliminary data for future R01 applications.
What is the typical funding range?
R21 grants typically provide $275,000 total costs over two years. Actual amounts vary by project scope and agency guidance.
When is the application deadline?
The fixed deadline is June 23, 2026. Applications open May 8, 2026. Check the CDC portal for any updates closer to the deadline.
How competitive are these grants?
R21 grants are moderately competitive. Strong preliminary data and clear feasibility plans improve chances. Focus on novel approaches or understudied populations.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start with a clear research question focused on WTC-related health outcomes. Avoid broad, unfocused proposals.
- Include preliminary data showing feasibility. Even small pilot studies strengthen your application.
- Plan how results will lead to an R01 or larger grant. Reviewers want to see your trajectory.
- Address health equity and diversity in your research population. This strengthens competitiveness.
- Engage WTC-affected communities and healthcare providers in your project design. Real-world partnerships matter.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals lack preliminary data or feasibility evidence. Reviewers reject vague projects without clear next steps. Applications underestimate the time and resources needed for proper research conduct.
Similar grants
- OPEN Cooperative Research Agreements Related to the World Trade Center Health Program (U01) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - ERA
- OPEN NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Project Grant (Parent R21 Clinical Trial Required) — National Institutes of Health
- OPEN NIOSH Exploratory/Developmental Grant Program (R21) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - ERA
- OPEN NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Project Grant (Parent R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) — National Institutes of Health
- OPEN World Trade Center Health Program Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award (K01) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - ERA