Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)
🏛 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 conducting studies on dissemination and implementation strategies in health. Eligible applicants include universities, faith-based and community organizations, tribal institutions, foreign entities, and federal agencies. Research must focus on overcoming barriers to adopting evidence-based interventions or de-implementing ineffective practices. Projects must align with the mission of an NIH Institute or Center.
All institution types can apply, including historically underrepresented universities and international organizations. The grant supports research methods, measures, and strategy development. Clinical trials are optional for this R21 mechanism.
Prior research experience and institutional infrastructure are typically expected. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to conduct dissemination and implementation research.
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Program description
The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to support studies that will identify, develop, and/or test strategies for overcoming barriers to the adoption, adaptation, integration, scale-up, and sustainability of evidence-based interventions, practices, programs, tools, treatments, guidelines, and policies. Conversely, there is a benefit in understanding circumstances that create a need to stop or reduce (de-implement) the use of practices that are ineffective, unproven, low-value, or harmful. In addition, studies to advance dissemination and implementation research methods and measures are encouraged.All applications must be within the scope of the mission of one of the Institutes/Centers listed above.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- HBCU
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Researcher (independent)
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- TCU (Tribal Colleges)
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&D) Application for Federal Assistance
- Project Narrative (research strategy)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (key personnel)
- Other Support documentation
- Resource Sharing Plan (data management)
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 grantsinfo@nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.279 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$204,359,786
-
$128,078,833
-
$126,585,435
-
$99,478,296
-
$79,333,238
-
$78,351,755
-
$74,806,844
-
$71,588,047
-
$61,578,651
-
$50,952,037
Top States by Funding
- NY 4 awards $260.8M
- WA 1 awards $204.4M
- CT 2 awards $155.8M
- CA 4 awards $141.1M
- MD 2 awards $128.2M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.279). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,245,503,136 | |
| 2025 | $1,343,517,098 | |
| 2026 est. | $20,194,375 |
FAQ
What types of organizations can apply for this grant?
Universities, community organizations, faith-based groups, tribal institutions, federal agencies, and foreign organizations are all eligible. Institutions serving minorities and underrepresented populations are specifically encouraged.
What should my research focus on?
Studies identifying, developing, or testing strategies to adopt evidence-based interventions or de-implement ineffective practices. Research on dissemination and implementation methods and measures is also supported.
Is this grant for clinical trials?
Clinical trials are optional for this R21 mechanism. You can propose research with or without a clinical trial component.
What is the typical project timeframe?
R21 awards typically support 2-year projects, though specific durations depend on your proposed research scope and NIH guidelines.
Does NIH require cost sharing for this grant?
No, cost sharing is not required. However, any institutional resources committed should be documented in your budget justification.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly identify which NIH Institute or Center your research aligns with before applying. This is required for eligibility.
- Focus on real barriers to implementation that your study actually addresses. Vague applications lack competitiveness.
- Use a strong theoretical framework or conceptual model to guide your dissemination and implementation strategy.
- Include a realistic timeline with clear milestones and deliverables for your 2-year project period.
- Demonstrate institutional support and access to research settings or populations needed for your dissemination work.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to align research with a specific NIH Institute or Center mission. Proposing implementation research without addressing concrete adoption barriers. Providing weak or missing dissemination and implementation frameworks.
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