Limited Competition: BRAIN Initiative: Promoting Health for All Through BRAIN Technology Partnerships
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 20, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers and institutions seeking to expand neurotechnology research and training through BRAIN Initiative partnerships. Eligible applicants include academic institutions, research centers, and research-focused organizations with limited NIH Research Project Grant funding. The program prioritizes institutions currently underrepresented in NIH funding that want to integrate BRAIN-relevant neurotechnologies into their research or training programs. Awards support two-way knowledge transfer between investigators and BRAIN technology disseminators to establish sustained integration of new neurotechnologies into institutional research practice.
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Key dates
- Sep 10, 2026 Applications open
- Jun 17, 2027 Application deadline in 239 days
- Feb 25, 2028 Award announced
- Feb 25, 2028 Project start
Program description
The Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies® (BRAIN) Initiative, a collaboration of Federal and non-Federal partners led by NIH, intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications to accelerate the scientific impact and broad research adoption of BRAIN Initiative-relevant neurotechologies at institutions with limited NIH Research Project Grant funding. This opportunity will enable the integration of these neurotechnologies into the research and/or training programs of investigators at institutions with limited NIH Research Project Grant funding, while expanding the dissemination of BRAIN-initiative technologies. It is expected that these awards will support two-way knowledge transfer between the investigator and the BRAIN disseminator to enable novel, sustained integration of the neurotechnology into broader research practice. Applications are not being solicited at this time. Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. Investigators with expertise and insights into this area of neuroscience resource dissemination are encouraged to begin to consider applying for this new NOFO. In addition, collaborative investigations combining expertise in dissemination and training in new technologies at institutions with limited NIH Research Project Grant funding will be encouraged, and these investigators should also begin considering applying for this NOFO.
This is a Forecast for a Limited Competition that will invite application(s) from eligible organization(s) to apply. Please see Eligibility Section for additional information. In accordance with NIH standard peer-review processes, the application(s) will be peer-reviewed, and only meritorious application(s) will be considered for funding.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- NIH R&D Project Survey (R&D 233)
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches
- Institutional Support Letter
- Letters of Collaboration from BRAIN disseminators
Program contact
- 👤 The BRAIN Initiative Dissemination Programs
- 📧 BRAIN_Dissemination@mail.nih.gov
- 📞 Please contact via e-mail.
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.853 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$56,262,774
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$45,083,283
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$43,730,658
-
$38,186,781
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$37,769,493
-
$35,655,349
-
$35,655,116
-
$34,183,297
-
$32,294,153
-
$32,164,022
Top States by Funding
- MA 7 awards $186.3M
- CA 6 awards $163.5M
- FL 4 awards $121.0M
- OH 4 awards $112.5M
- NY 3 awards $91.7M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.853). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $2,362,835,459 | |
| 2025 | $2,345,500,401 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Institutions with limited NIH Research Project Grant funding are the primary target. Academic institutions, research centers, and research-focused organizations can apply if they meet eligibility criteria.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is June 17, 2027. Applications are not currently being accepted; this is an advance notice to allow collaboration development.
What activities does this grant support?
The grant funds integration of BRAIN Initiative neurotechnologies into research and training programs, including knowledge transfer and technology dissemination activities.
What makes a competitive application?
Strong applications demonstrate meaningful collaboration between the investigator and BRAIN disseminators, clear plans for technology integration, and benefit to institutional research capacity.
What is the typical funding range?
Award amounts are not yet specified in the forecast. Check the full NOFO when published for funding details.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start building collaborations now with BRAIN Initiative technology disseminators and relevant partners at your institution.
- Focus your project on addressing specific research gaps that BRAIN neurotechnologies can solve at your institution.
- Develop a clear plan for sustained integration of the technology beyond the award period.
- Emphasize institutional commitment and infrastructure to support the neurotechnology research program.
- Document your institution's limited NIH Research Project Grant funding history as evidence of eligibility.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without establishing prior collaboration with BRAIN disseminators or technology experts. Proposing technology adoption without clear integration into institutional research strategy. Underestimating the importance of two-way knowledge transfer and sustained institutional capacity building.
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