Network of the National Library of Medicine Training Center (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations that can establish and operate a Network Training Center within the National Library of Medicine's regional structure. Applicants must have strong competencies in instructional design, technology management, and biomedical information and data expertise.
Organizations should demonstrate capacity to develop training curricula, create digital and in-person learning materials, and deliver both synchronous and asynchronous training sessions. The Training Center will serve librarians, information specialists, health professionals, and community-based organizations across geographic regions.
Academic institutions, health sciences libraries, hospital systems, and research organizations with experience in professional development and NIH/NLM engagement are well-positioned to apply. This is a cooperative agreement requiring active collaboration with the Network Coordinating Center and Regional Medical Libraries.
Key dates
- Feb 11, 2026 Applications open
- Dec 15, 2026 Application deadline in 185 days
- Jul 1, 2027 Award announced
- Jul 1, 2027 Project start
Program description
The National Library of Medicine (NLM) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications for a Training 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 NTC, with companion NOFOs forthcoming for the NCC and RMLs.
The NTC will focus on supporting training across the NNLM, including developing curricula, materials, and executing synchronous and asynchronous training sessions. The NTC will work with the RMLs and NCC to continually identify training needs for a variety of audiences and design innovative and engaging learning methods. The NTC will work closely with the NCC to develop and deliver evaluation measures to ensure learner satisfaction and that learning objectives are being met.
The NTC should have strong competencies in instructional design and technology management, as well as subject-matter expertise in biomedical information and data.
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
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) Application for Federal Assistance
- Project Narrative/Proposal
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Organizational Capacity and Experience Documentation
- Letters of Collaboration/Support from potential partner organizations
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 is eligible to apply for this grant?
Organizations with strong instructional design, technology management, and biomedical information expertise. Must demonstrate capacity to develop and deliver training at regional or network scale.
What is the funding amount and project period?
The award range is up to $750,000 through a cooperative agreement. Typical project duration should be confirmed in the full NOFO.
What activities will the Training Center fund?
Development of training curricula, creation of learning materials, and delivery of synchronous and asynchronous training for librarians, information specialists, health professionals, and community organizations.
Is there cost-sharing or matching required?
No cost-sharing is required for this grant. All eligible project costs can be supported through the award.
What is the application deadline?
The fixed deadline is December 15, 2026. Applicants should begin preparation well in advance and consult the full NOFO for submission instructions.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize your organization's instructional design capabilities and experience creating effective learning programs. Highlight specific examples of training curriculum you've developed.
- Demonstrate strong understanding of NLM products, NIH resources, and the health information landscape. Show how your center will bridge knowledge gaps for diverse audiences.
- Detail your technology infrastructure for delivering both synchronous and asynchronous training. Include your learning management system experience and digital accessibility practices.
- Plan for close collaboration with the Network Coordinating Center and Regional Medical Libraries. Include letters of support from potential partner organizations.
- Address evaluation and outcomes measurement upfront. Explain how you'll assess learner satisfaction and track whether training achieves stated learning objectives.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to demonstrate instructional design expertise and creating a training program that lacks clear learning objectives or assessment measures. Underestimating the need for strong technology infrastructure to support diverse delivery methods. Proposing activities that duplicate existing NLM or NIH training without explaining unique value or filling genuine gaps.
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