Network of the National Library of Medicine Coordinating Center (U24 Clinical Trial Optional)
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations selected to serve as the Network Coordinating Center for the National Library of Medicine's NNLM. Applicants must demonstrate strong competencies in network management and evaluation. Evidence of creating partnerships with NIH and other organizations is required.
Organizations must be able to administer, evaluate, and coordinate network activities. They should design transparent systems for oversight and manage network-wide evaluation. Public-facing platforms like websites and internal communication tools will fall under the NCC's responsibility.
The NCC will lead common metrics initiatives and handle data collection and analysis. Organizations must coordinate closely with Regional Medical Libraries and the Network Training Center. This is a single coordinating center award, not a competitive program for multiple recipients.
Key dates
- Feb 11, 2026 Applications open
- Dec 15, 2026 Application deadline in 196 days
- Jul 1, 2027 Award announced
- Jul 1, 2027 Project start
This grant is for organizations selected to serve as the Network Coordinating Center for the National Library of Medicine's NNLM. Applicants must demonstrate strong competencies in network management and evaluation. Evidence of creating partnerships with NIH and other organizations is required.
Organizations must be able to administer, evaluate, and coordinate network activities. They should design transparent systems for oversight and manage network-wide evaluation. Public-facing platforms like websites and internal communication tools will fall under the NCC's responsibility.
The NCC will lead common metrics initiatives and handle data collection and analysis. Organizations must coordinate closely with Regional Medical Libraries and the Network Training Center. This is a single coordinating center award, not a competitive program for multiple recipients.
Program description
The National Library of Medicine (NLM) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications for a Coordinating Center of the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM).
Established in 1965 and organized geographically across the United States and its territories, the NNLM promotes and supports the initiatives, products, and services of the NLM and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Over the years, the network has expanded its impact through strategic partnerships with a broad array of member organizations, including health sciences, hospital, academic, and public libraries; health professionals; data organizations; and community-based groups.
The NNLM’s core mission is to enable the effective use of—and contribution to—health information and data made available by the NLM and NIH. The network achieves this by providing professional development for librarians and information specialists, and by supporting access to health information and outreach through libraries and community organizations. A central emphasis of the NNLM is increasing awareness of and engagement with NIH programs and resources.
While the NNLM has traditionally focused on promoting NLM-specific products, it is now poised to expand its reach across the broader NIH community. The network will play a vital role in disseminating research findings, fostering community engagement and partnerships, and supporting participation in local clinical research. In doing so, the NNLM will enhance public understanding of NIH’s contributions and increase the use of NIH-supported information and data resources.
The NNLM consists of three major components: 1) the Network Coordinating Center (NCC), 2) Regional Medical Libraries (RMLs), and 3) the Network Training Center (NTC). This announcement specifically pertains to the NCC, with companion NOFOs forthcoming for RMLs and the NTC.
The NCC will be responsible for the administration, evaluation, communication, and coordination of the Network, working closely with the NTC and the RMLs. The NCC will design and implement efficient, transparent systems for coordination and oversight. It will manage network-wide evaluation activities, including the development of tools and systems for data collection and analysis, and will lead the common metrics initiative and related reporting. In addition, the NCC will oversee internal communication tools that support coordination and knowledge management, as well as public-facing platforms such as the NNLM website.
The NCC should have strong competencies in network management and evaluation, as well as evidence of creating strong partnerships with NIH and other organizations.
Grant authority that allows NLM to forecast this opportunity is as follows: Medical Library Assistance Act of 1965 (MLAA, P.L. 89-291).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Library
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Details
This grant is for organizations selected to serve as the Network Coordinating Center for the National Library of Medicine's NNLM. Applicants must demonstrate strong competencies in network management and evaluation. Evidence of creating partnerships with NIH and other organizations is required.
Organizations must be able to administer, evaluate, and coordinate network activities. They should design transparent systems for oversight and manage network-wide evaluation. Public-facing platforms like websites and internal communication tools will fall under the NCC's responsibility.
The NCC will lead common metrics initiatives and handle data collection and analysis. Organizations must coordinate closely with Regional Medical Libraries and the Network Training Center. This is a single coordinating center award, not a competitive program for multiple recipients.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R)
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Organizational Capability Statement
- Partnership Letters
- Evaluation Plan
Program contact
- 👤 NLM Extramural Programs
- 📧 NLMProgram@nih.gov
- 📞 Please contact via e-mail.
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.879 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$31,424,450
-
$21,310,613
-
$18,581,909
-
$18,266,443
-
$14,642,836
-
$13,986,617
-
$13,681,359
-
$13,351,995
-
$12,454,032
-
$11,107,283
Top States by Funding
- MA 9 awards $60.8M
- NY 12 awards $57.8M
- TN 3 awards $50.1M
- TX 4 awards $36.4M
- WA 4 awards $25.2M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.879). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $78,196,782 | |
| 2025 | $79,391,024 | |
| 2026 est. | $70,230,119 |
FAQ
Who can apply for the Network Coordinating Center award?
Organizations with strong network management and evaluation capabilities can apply. You must demonstrate experience creating partnerships with NIH and other major organizations.
What is the deadline for this grant?
The deadline is December 15, 2026. This is a fixed deadline announced in advance.
What are the main responsibilities of the Network Coordinating Center?
The NCC administers and coordinates the NNLM, manages network-wide evaluation, develops data collection systems, and oversees public-facing platforms like the NNLM website.
Is there cost sharing required?
No cost sharing is required for this award. The full award amount covers eligible project costs.
What is the funding amount?
The total funding pool is $1,500,000 for the Coordinating Center award. This is administered as a Cooperative Agreement.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize your organization's experience managing large, multi-component networks. Show specific examples of successful coordination across multiple partner organizations.
- Highlight your evaluation expertise. Describe your systems for data collection, analysis, and transparent reporting to diverse stakeholders.
- Demonstrate existing relationships with NIH and demonstrate how you'll leverage these to support the network's expansion across the broader NIH community.
- Address how you'll create transparent, efficient systems for coordination and knowledge management. Describe your technical infrastructure and communication platforms.
- Show your understanding of the NNLM's evolving mission beyond traditional library services. Explain how you'll support clinical research participation and community engagement.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Underestimating the complexity of managing three major network components. Applications often fail to demonstrate concrete network management experience or transparent evaluation systems. Insufficient evidence of existing partnerships with NIH or comparable large organizations.
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