Autism Centers of Excellence R01
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers and research institutions conducting autism research through multisite collaborative networks. Eligible applicants are research institutions, universities, hospitals, and nonprofit research organizations with researchers experienced in autism science. The R01 mechanism supports multiple sites working together on a single research topic. Each ACE Network must submit one R01 application with sub-awards to collaborating institutions.
Federal funding laws authorize this program. Applicants should have the capacity to manage multisite collaborations and federal grant administration. Preliminary data and preliminary evidence are typically expected to demonstrate feasibility.
Key dates
- Sep 23, 2025 Applications open
- Nov 2, 2026 Application deadline in 153 days
- Jul 1, 2027 Award announced
- Jul 1, 2027 Project start
This grant is for researchers and research institutions conducting autism research through multisite collaborative networks. Eligible applicants are research institutions, universities, hospitals, and nonprofit research organizations with researchers experienced in autism science. The R01 mechanism supports multiple sites working together on a single research topic. Each ACE Network must submit one R01 application with sub-awards to collaborating institutions.
Federal funding laws authorize this program. Applicants should have the capacity to manage multisite collaborations and federal grant administration. Preliminary data and preliminary evidence are typically expected to demonstrate feasibility.
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) Network 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. The ACE network has used R01 funding mechanism to allow multisite collaborations since the beginning of the ACE program in 2007. Each ACE Network will consist of a multi-site project focusing on a specific topic of research for R01 support through this FOA. Each ACE Network will submit one R01 application that includes sub-awards to the collaborating sites.
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 R01 Research Project Grant activity code. Investigators with expertise and insights into this area of science 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 application. 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
- 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
Details
This grant is for researchers and research institutions conducting autism research through multisite collaborative networks. Eligible applicants are research institutions, universities, hospitals, and nonprofit research organizations with researchers experienced in autism science. The R01 mechanism supports multiple sites working together on a single research topic. Each ACE Network must submit one R01 application with sub-awards to collaborating institutions.
Federal funding laws authorize this program. Applicants should have the capacity to manage multisite collaborations and federal grant administration. Preliminary data and preliminary evidence are typically expected to demonstrate feasibility.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (federal application form)
- Project Narrative/Research Plan
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biosketches of key personnel
- Letters of Support from collaborating institutions
- Institutional Review Board approval 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
-
$1,059,454,555
-
$719,372,575
-
$276,059,721
-
$155,556,396
-
$155,482,198
-
$103,665,364
-
$74,151,078
-
$71,490,911
-
$52,238,426
-
$47,450,377
Top States by Funding
- WA 1 awards $1,059.5M
- NC 7 awards $921.5M
- MD 4 awards $493.9M
- 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, hospitals, and nonprofit research organizations with strong autism research programs can apply. Applicants must organize as multisite collaborative networks and submit one R01 application.
What is the deadline?
The Notice of Funding Opportunity will be published before the November 2, 2026 deadline. Potential applicants should begin developing collaborations now in preparation.
What types of autism research are supported?
Research using cutting-edge technologies and methods that build on 23 years of ACE progress is supported. Collaborative investigations combining multiple scientific disciplines are strongly encouraged.
Is cost sharing required?
No cost sharing is required for this grant. Federal funding covers eligible project costs.
How competitive is this funding?
R01 grants are highly competitive, with success rates typically 15-20% nationally. Strong preliminary data and experienced research teams improve competitiveness.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Begin forming multisite collaborations now. The funding opportunity has not yet been released, so early partnership development is critical.
- Ensure each collaborating site has complementary expertise. Networks succeed when institutions bring different disciplinary strengths to the research topic.
- Review the 23 years of prior ACE research to identify gaps and opportunities. Your proposal should clearly build on and advance this existing research foundation.
- Plan for strong preliminary data. NIH R01 grants require robust evidence of feasibility and researcher expertise.
- Budget generously for multisite coordination. Administrative costs for managing multiple institutions, meetings, and data sharing are legitimate R01 expenses.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting an application without true multisite collaboration. Single-site or loosely coordinated projects miss the ACE Network's core purpose. Underestimating complexity of multisite management and coordination costs. Proposing research without sufficient connection to prior ACE accomplishments or cutting-edge methods.
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