Innovative Mental Health Services Research Not Involving Clinical Trials (R01 Clinical Trials Not Allowed)
Can you apply?
This grant is for research institutions and organizations conducting mental health services research without clinical trials. Eligible applicants include universities, research centers, hospitals, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits with research capacity. The grant supports innovative studies on mental health service delivery, access, outcomes, and implementation. Research must not involve clinical trials or novel drug/device testing. Awards are available to institutions nationwide with appropriate research infrastructure and qualified personnel.
This grant is for research institutions and organizations conducting mental health services research without clinical trials. Eligible applicants include universities, research centers, hospitals, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits with research capacity. The grant supports innovative studies on mental health service delivery, access, outcomes, and implementation. Research must not involve clinical trials or novel drug/device testing. Awards are available to institutions nationwide with appropriate research infrastructure and qualified personnel.
Program description
The purpose of this Notice of Funding Announcement (NOFO) is to encourage innovative research that will inform and support the delivery of high-quality, continuously improving mental health services to benefit the greatest number of individuals with, or at risk for developing, a mental illness. This announcement invites applications for non-clinical trial R01-level projects that address NIMH strategic priorities for mental health services research.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- 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 research institutions and organizations conducting mental health services research without clinical trials. Eligible applicants include universities, research centers, hospitals, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits with research capacity. The grant supports innovative studies on mental health service delivery, access, outcomes, and implementation. Research must not involve clinical trials or novel drug/device testing. Awards are available to institutions nationwide with appropriate research infrastructure and qualified personnel.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) form
- Project Narrative (not to exceed page limits per NIH guidelines)
- Specific Aims
- Research Design and Methods
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biosketches of key personnel
- Current and Pending Support documentation
- Letters of Institutional Commitment
- Data Management Plan
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 grantsinfo@nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.242 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$75,056,208
-
$74,756,329
-
$72,845,834
-
$64,705,159
-
$63,991,707
-
$54,214,022
-
$38,895,082
-
$38,475,557
-
$34,635,977
-
$34,475,710
Top States by Funding
- CA 15 awards $408.1M
- MA 9 awards $230.3M
- NY 6 awards $184.2M
- WA 4 awards $174.9M
- CT 3 awards $138.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.242). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,722,300,004 | |
| 2025 | $1,726,864,191 | |
| 2026 est. | $99,221,272 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this R01 grant?
Universities, hospitals, research institutions, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits with active research programs are eligible. Applicants must have institutional research support capacity.
What types of research are funded?
Mental health services research including implementation science, health services outcomes, and access studies. Clinical trials are explicitly excluded from this funding mechanism.
When is the application due?
The deadline is January 7, 2028. Applications open December 30, 2024. Check NIH for any extension announcements.
How competitive is this grant?
NIH R01s are highly competitive. Success rates typically range 15-25%. Strong preliminary data and clear innovation are essential.
What is the typical funding range?
R01 awards vary widely. Mental health services research R01s typically range $200k-$500k per year for 3-5 years, depending on project scope.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Establish preliminary data showing proof-of-concept for your research approach before submitting. Reviewers expect strong foundation for feasibility.
- Focus on innovation in service delivery, not just replication of existing programs. Explain what's novel about your research design or implementation strategy.
- Engage a biostatistician and health services researcher early. Complex study designs require expertise demonstrated in your team composition.
- Address health equity and underserved populations in your aims. NIH increasingly prioritizes research benefiting disadvantaged communities.
- Get institutional review and support letters now. R01s require strong institutional commitment and available resources confirmed in writing.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing research that resembles a clinical trial testing intervention efficacy; reviewers will reject applications framed as trials. Weak or absent preliminary data suggesting the research question is untested and feasibility unclear. Failing to specify how findings will impact mental health service delivery and policy in the field.
Similar grants
- OPEN 27-0343-10 FFY27 Local Agency General Non-Enforcement — Illinois Department of Transportation
- ROLLING Annual Agency Threshold Application Applicants for Funding Start Here — Texas City of Austin - Austin Public Health
- CLOSED Virginia’s Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) Grant – FY26 — Virginia The Virginia Department of Historic Resources
- ROLLING RTAP Grant Program (Rolling) — Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
- ROLLING Rail Industrial Access Grant (RIA) — Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation