Initiative: Promoting Health for All Through BRAIN Technology Partnerships (R34 – Clinical Trials Not Allowed)
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers at resource-limited institutions (RLIs) who pair with BRAIN Initiative technologists to adopt validated neuroscience tools and technologies. Eligible institutions include HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribal colleges, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institutions, and other federally-designated minority-serving institutions. Applicants must be PIs at institutions that have historically received limited NIH funding. Clinical trial activities are not allowed under this award mechanism.
This grant is for researchers at resource-limited institutions (RLIs) who pair with BRAIN Initiative technologists to adopt validated neuroscience tools and technologies. Eligible institutions include HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribal colleges, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institutions, and other federally-designated minority-serving institutions. Applicants must be PIs at institutions that have historically received limited NIH funding. Clinical trial activities are not allowed under this award mechanism.
Program description
The goal of this concept is to increase the impact of the BRAIN Initiative by targeted dissemination and integration of validated BRAIN Initiative tools to investigators at institutions that historically have not been major recipients of NIH support. This will be accomplished by awards to PIs at resource-limited institutions (RLIs) who pair with BRAIN technologists to facilitate training and adoption of BRAIN Initiative technologies in the recipient laboratories. Goals include two-way knowledge transfer between the PI and BRAIN technologist and to increase the participation of PIs at RLIs in BRAIN Initiative relevant research.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- HBCU
- HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution)
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- TCU (Tribal Colleges)
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Details
This grant is for researchers at resource-limited institutions (RLIs) who pair with BRAIN Initiative technologists to adopt validated neuroscience tools and technologies. Eligible institutions include HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribal colleges, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institutions, and other federally-designated minority-serving institutions. Applicants must be PIs at institutions that have historically received limited NIH funding. Clinical trial activities are not allowed under this award mechanism.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- R&R SF-424 (Federal Application Form)
- Project Narrative / Research Strategy
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (PI and Key Personnel)
- Letters of Support from BRAIN technologist partner(s)
- Facilities and Resources documentation
- NIH Grants Policy Statement compliance forms
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 grantsinfo@nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.173 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$67,501,043
-
$39,056,528
-
$29,666,573
-
$25,009,162
-
$22,883,624
-
$22,740,456
-
$16,596,227
-
$13,255,879
-
$12,363,350
-
$12,276,804
Top States by Funding
- MA 11 awards $142.6M
- CA 10 awards $101.6M
- CT 2 awards $76.3M
- IA 5 awards $74.7M
- MD 7 awards $56.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.173). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $422,034,489 | |
| 2025 | $422,700,014 | |
| 2026 est. | $427,030,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
PIs at resource-limited institutions (RLIs) partnered with BRAIN technologists. Eligible institutions include HBCUs, HSIs, tribal colleges, and similar minority-serving institutions.
What institutions are considered resource-limited?
Those with historically lower NIH funding. The RFP will specify which institutions qualify or have specific designation criteria.
Can I conduct clinical trials under this award?
No. Clinical trials are explicitly not allowed under this grant mechanism (R34).
What is the timeline for the award?
The deadline is June 17, 2026. Typical NIH R34 awards fund planning and development activities lasting 1-2 years.
What activities are supported?
Training in BRAIN Initiative technologies, adoption of validated tools in your lab, and two-way knowledge exchange with BRAIN technologists.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Partner with an established BRAIN technologist early. This collaboration is central to the application and review process.
- Show how your institution meets RLI criteria and explain barriers your lab has faced accessing advanced neuroscience tools.
- Detail your plan for two-way knowledge transfer. Reviewers want evidence of genuine partnership, not just technology transfer.
- Focus on research areas aligned with BRAIN Initiative priorities (neural circuits, neural recording/imaging, neural engineering tools).
- Connect your proposed technology adoption to a clear research vision for your lab after the award period ends.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying as a PI at a well-funded R1 institution. Weak or superficial partnerships with BRAIN technologists that lack detailed training and implementation plans. Proposing clinical trial activities, which are explicitly excluded.
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