Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence: Development Phase (COBRE-D)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for research institutions establishing new biomedical research centers. Eligible applicants include institutions new to NIH R15 funding, nonprofit organizations, and institutions in jurisdictions with limited research infrastructure. Activities include basic and translational biomedical research, pilot studies, and faculty development. Geographic preference goes to organizations outside traditional research powerhouse regions. Institutional commitment and matching funds are typically required.
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Key dates
- Sep 17, 2025 Applications open
- Sep 28, 2026 Application deadline in 73 days
- Jul 1, 2027 Award announced
- Jul 1, 2027 Project start
Program description
The NIGMS Institutional Development Awards (IDeA) program supports biomedical research capacity building in states that have historically received low levels of NIH funding. The Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence: Development Phase (COBRE-D) program provides funding to enable institutions in IDeA states to increase their biomedical research capacity in broad scientific areas of strategic importance to them but for which they have limited existing infrastructure or expertise. COBRE-D is intended to support a long-term institutional vision focused on the recruitment and mentoring of early-career investigators by supplementing start-up packages for new hires, the establishment of research facilities, and enhancement of research administration support services. This program serves as an on-ramp for less-resourced institutions to the Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence: Expansion/Sustainability Phases (COBRE E/S) program.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) form
- Project Narrative and Specific Aims
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical sketches of key personnel
- Institutional commitment letter
- Letters of support
- Data management and sharing plan
- Compliance documentation (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 Federico Bernal, Ph.D.
- 📧 federico.bernal@nih.gov
- 📞 240-271-5059
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.859 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$59,464,779
-
$57,271,194
-
$56,019,458
-
$54,912,096
-
$53,329,877
-
$52,858,544
-
$52,347,059
-
$52,026,661
-
$50,897,104
-
$49,349,731
Top States by Funding
- ME 4 awards $143.3M
- MS 4 awards $135.1M
- NY 5 awards $131.6M
- CA 5 awards $129.3M
- RI 4 awards $126.3M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.859). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $3,085,929,426 | |
| 2025 | $3,092,472,727 | |
| 2026 est. | $3,093,422,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for COBRE-D?
Institutions with limited research infrastructure, nonprofit organizations, and institutions in underserved research regions. Prior major NIH research center funding may disqualify applicants.
What research areas does this support?
Biomedical research across all NIH-eligible fields. Focus areas vary by announcement but typically emphasize emerging or underfunded research topics.
Is there a matching funds requirement?
Yes. Institutional cost-share is typically required. Check the specific FOA for exact percentages and allowable contributions.
How competitive is this funding?
Moderately competitive. Success rates typically range 20-30% depending on program year and research area.
What is the typical award amount?
Awards typically range $300,000 to $500,000 total costs per year, varying by specific funding opportunity announcement.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Read the specific FOA carefully for eligibility thresholds and institution-type restrictions that may apply.
- Emphasize institutional commitment through documented cost-share contributions and administrative support.
- Highlight how your research addresses gaps in your institution's current capacity and regional research needs.
- Include detailed faculty development and mentoring plans within the research project.
- Build a strong preliminary data section showing feasibility of your proposed research direction.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applicants overstate institutional research capacity or existing infrastructure, appearing ineligible. Poor justification of why this specific research area aligns with institutional priorities and gaps. Insufficient detail on how faculty will develop and be mentored within the project.
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