Mental Health Research – Research Projects

CFDA 93.24R Active Grant Cooperative Agreement

Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)
$1.3B FY2026
$1.3B
FY26*
* estimated

Program Objective

The mission of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery, and cure. We fulfill this mission by supporting and conducting research on mental illnesses, health services, and the underlying basic science of the brain and behavior; supporting the training of scientists to carry out basic and clinical mental health research; and communicating with scientists, patients, providers, and the public about mental health research advances and priorities. NIMH has four high-level Goals: • Goal 1: Define the Brain Mechanisms Underlying Complex Behaviors • Goal 2: Examine Mental Illness Trajectories Across the Lifespan • Goal 3: Strive for Prevention and Cures • Goal 4: Strengthen the Public Health Impact of NIMH-Supported Research. These four Goals form a broad roadmap for the Institute’s research priorities, beginning with the fundamental science of the brain and behavior, and extending through evidence-based services that improve public health outcomes.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • Local
  • State
  • Territorial
  • Tribal
  • Foreign Nonprofit Organization
  • Foreign Not-for-Profit Organization
  • Foreign For-Profit Organization
  • International Organization
  • Nonprofit Organization
  • Not-for-Profit Organization
  • For-Profit Organization
  • Small Business Person

Eligible organizations determined at the NOFO level.

How to Apply

Award Procedure

All applications are evaluated by scientific authorities for scientific and technical merit. Applications must also be reviewed by the National Advisory Mental Health Council. All competitive applications compete for available funds on the basis of scientific and technical merit, program relevance, and program balance.

Decision Timeline

  • Approval: > 180 Days
  • Renewal interval: > 180 Days
  • Appeal: From 120 to 180 days
Program details & compliance

Description

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) supports basic and clinical research projects, paving the way for prevention, recovery, and cure of mental illnesses for the benefit of Americans. NIMH accepts investigator initiated applications for research grants and cooperative agreements in response to a notice of funding opportunity. Research projects support discrete, specified, circumscribed biomedical research and development.

Mission Categories

Primary: Mental Health

Other categories:
Prevention and Control (includes Suicide Prevention)Social SciencesBiologyResearch and Development

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

Research Grants provide funds for salaries, equipment, supplies, travel, and other expenses associated with scientific investigation relevant to program objectives.

Required Documentation

See the NIH Grants Policy Statement for further guidance on the applicability of cost principals (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps/index.htm).

Reporting & Compliance

Audit Required
Yes — Annual
Records Retention
3 years

Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts

  • Subpart B — General Provisions
  • Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart E — Cost Principles
  • Subpart F — Audit Requirements

Contacts

Elizabeth Church
301-480-7064
6001 Executive Blvd, Rockville, MD 20892
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2026-01-28. Spec v2.0. Last synced: 2026-05-29 05:40:03.