Learning Disabilities Research Centers
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 20, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for research institutions that focus on learning disabilities in children and youth. Eligible applicants typically include universities, research centers, and medical institutions with doctoral research capabilities. Projects must support transdisciplinary research on specific learning disabilities affecting mathematics, reading, and writing. Research must improve identification, classification, genetic/neurobiological understanding, and test innovative screening or intervention approaches.
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Key dates
- Oct 20, 2026 Applications open
- Oct 1, 2027 Application deadline in 345 days
- Jul 1, 2028 Award announced
- Jul 1, 2028 Project start
Program description
The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) seeks to support transdisciplinary research centers to improve outcomes for children and youth at risk for, or diagnosed with, specific learning disabilities (SLDs) impacting mathematics, reading and writing. These centers will focus on improving the identification and classification of SLDs, deepen understanding of their genetic and neurobiological underpinnings, and advance testing of innovative screening and intervention approaches. The proposed centers will use their funded research infrastructure to collaborate with key stakeholders and provide project-based mentorship for the next generation of SLD researchers. Grant authorities that allow the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to forecast this opportunity are as follows: 42 U.S.C. 281 (Sec. 401); 42 U.S.C. 285g (Sec. 448); 42 USC 284h (Sec. 409D).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- 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)
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Biographical Sketches (Key Personnel)
- Facilities and Resources
- Letters of Support (Collaborating Institutions)
- Research Strategy (typically separate section)
Program contact
- 👤 Child Development and Behavior Branch Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
- 📧 nichd_cdbb_nofos@mail.nih.gov
- 📞 Please contact via e-mail
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
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$1,073,967,938
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$719,372,575
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$282,005,487
-
$155,556,396
-
$155,482,198
-
$103,665,364
-
$74,151,078
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$72,701,366
-
$56,043,433
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$49,667,365
Top States by Funding
- WA 1 awards $1,074.0M
- NC 7 awards $928.6M
- MD 4 awards $513.0M
- MA 3 awards $190.0M
- PA 3 awards $151.4M
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 established doctoral research programs. Organizations must demonstrate capacity for transdisciplinary research collaboration.
When is the deadline?
October 1, 2027. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling.
What types of projects are funded?
Research centers studying identification and classification of learning disabilities. Projects addressing genetic/neurobiological factors and testing new screening or intervention methods.
What makes an application competitive?
Strong transdisciplinary team structure, clear focus on one or more SLDs, partnership with key stakeholders, and mentorship plans for early-career researchers.
What's the funding range?
Award amounts are not specified in advance. Consult the full RFP for typical center grant levels.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Assemble a transdisciplinary team across psychology, neuroscience, education, genetics, and related fields. Clearly define each member's role.
- Focus your center on specific learning disabilities (math, reading, or writing). Avoid trying to cover all three equally.
- Detail your research infrastructure and how it supports collaboration with schools, clinics, and community partners. Demonstrate existing relationships.
- Include a concrete mentorship plan for early-career SLD researchers. Specify funding, activities, and expected outcomes.
- Align your innovation strategy with current gaps in SLD research. Show how your screening or intervention approach differs from existing methods.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing unfocused research across too many SLD areas without sufficient depth. Weak transdisciplinary team structure or unclear collaboration mechanisms. Insufficient detail on research infrastructure, stakeholder engagement, or researcher mentorship plans.
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