Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH) (S06 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 Native American research centers conducting health research and clinical trials. Applicants must be research institutions that serve or partner with Native American communities. The program funds research capacity-building at tribal colleges, universities, and health centers.
Eligible entities include tribal nations, tribal colleges, 501(c)(3) organizations, and universities with strong Native American partnerships. Applicants must demonstrate commitment to training Native American researchers and conducting community-based research.
Geographic scope includes all Native American communities in the United States. Funded activities include basic research, clinical research, research infrastructure development, and workforce training for Native American researchers.
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Program description
The purpose of theNative American Research Centers for Health (NARCH) program is to fund federally-recognized American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) tribes and tribal organizations to support health-related research, research career enhancement, and research infrastructure enhancement activities.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) form
- Project Narrative (research plan)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (key personnel)
- Letters of Support from tribal partners
- Institutional Commitment and Cost-Sharing documentation
- Description of Research Infrastructure
- Data Management and Protection Plan
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 grantsinfo@nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.213 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$22,367,527
-
$21,646,919
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$19,236,131
-
$17,730,528
-
$15,036,701
-
$14,473,882
-
$12,748,932
-
$11,956,053
-
$11,225,697
-
$10,919,780
Top States by Funding
- CA 13 awards $83.5M
- MA 13 awards $80.2M
- WA 8 awards $69.9M
- NC 7 awards $53.8M
- NY 6 awards $40.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.213). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $240,178,154 | |
| 2025 | $232,899,116 | |
| 2026 est. | $2,655,626 |
FAQ
Who can apply for NARCH funding?
Tribal colleges, universities, tribal nations, and nonprofit research institutions with strong Native American partnerships. You must have capacity to conduct health research and train Native American researchers.
Is there a clinical trial component?
Yes, this S06 award option supports clinical trials. Clinical trials are optional but encouraged if aligned with your research focus.
What types of research does NARCH fund?
Biomedical research, behavioral research, health disparities research, and clinical trials. Community-based participatory research approaches are strongly preferred.
What is the typical funding level?
NARCH awards typically range from $300,000 to $600,000 per year. Funding periods are usually 5 years, though amounts may vary by institution and project scope.
How competitive is this grant?
NARCH is moderately to highly competitive. Success requires strong community partnerships, experienced research teams, and clear capacity-building goals for Native American researchers.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize partnerships with tribal nations and Native American communities. Show ongoing relationships and community input in research planning.
- Highlight your institution's commitment to training and mentoring Native American researchers. Include specific programs and career pathways.
- Propose research addressing documented health disparities in Native American populations. Use community-identified health priorities.
- Include a realistic budget reflecting institutional support and researcher salaries. Show cost-sharing or institutional commitment to sustain the research center.
- Address research infrastructure needs clearly. Explain how NIH funding will strengthen your center's capacity and sustainability beyond the grant period.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak community partnerships or insufficient evidence of tribal engagement in research design. Applications treating Native American communities as passive research subjects rather than active collaborators.
Lack of specific capacity-building plans for training Native American researchers. Vague or unfocused research agendas without clear connection to Native American health priorities.
Underdeveloped sustainability plans beyond the 5-year funding period. Insufficient institutional support or cost-sharing commitment.
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- OPEN Intervention Research to Improve Native American Health (R34 Clinical Trial Optional) — National Institutes of Health
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