Blueprint Initiative: Tools for Germline Gene Editing in the Nervous System
🏛 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 seeking funding to develop tools and technologies for germline gene editing in the nervous system. Academic institutions, research hospitals, nonprofits, and other research organizations can apply. Applicants must have appropriate institutional infrastructure and IRB/IACUC oversight capacity. The work must align with NIH's Blueprint Initiative mission of supporting high-risk, high-impact neuroscience research tools and technologies.
Eligible activities include tool development, computational methods, and proof-of-concept studies for germline editing applications in nervous system research. Clinical applications and human germline editing are not supported under this initiative. Applicants must demonstrate scientific merit and capacity to develop broadly useful tools for the neuroscience research community.
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Key dates
- May 7, 2026 Applications open
- Oct 12, 2026 Application deadline
- Jul 1, 2027 Award announced
- Jul 1, 2027 Project start
Program description
The NIH Blueprint (a consortium of NIH Institutes that support neuroscience research) seeks to advance its mission by supporting the development, optimization, validation, and application of germline and somatic transgenic and gene-editing approaches in experimental systems modeling key features of human brain anatomy, circuitry, cognition, behavior, and lifespan. This initiative will build on the previously supported marmoset gene-editing infrastructure, by integrating New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) with other models, to advance understanding of human brain function and disease, including human-derived NAMs for cross-species comparisons across development. Many mechanisms of complex conditions, such as autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and other behavioral/developmental disorders, cannot yet be captured in NAMs and are therefore high priorities for research investment to accelerate development and validation of human-derived NAMs. Appropriate models should be used and clearly justified as necessary for questions involving neuroanatomy, circuit function, cognition, behavior, or lifespan phenotyping related to human brain disease and function. Grant authorities are as follows: 42 U.S.C 241 and 284.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R)
- Project Narrative (Research Strategy)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (Key Personnel)
- Institution Certifications and Assurances
- IRB/IACUC Approval or Assurance Letters
Program contact
- 👤 NIDA GED Program Staff
- 📧 NIDA_GED_Program@nida.nih.gov
- 📞 Please contact via e-mail
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.279 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$976,983,003
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$204,359,786
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$128,377,094
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$126,585,435
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$99,478,296
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$79,333,238
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$78,245,057
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$74,806,844
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$71,588,047
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$61,572,673
Top States by Funding
- NC 2 awards $1,006.2M
- NY 4 awards $261.1M
- WA 1 awards $204.4M
- CT 2 awards $155.8M
- CA 4 awards $141.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.279). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,245,503,136 | |
| 2025 | $1,343,517,098 | |
| 2026 est. | $20,194,375 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Research institutions, universities, hospitals, and nonprofits with NIH funding capability can apply. Individual researchers must have institutional affiliation and support.
What types of projects does this grant fund?
Tool development for germline gene editing in nervous system research. Proof-of-concept studies, computational methods, and enabling technologies are supported.
Are clinical applications or human studies eligible?
No. This grant focuses on research tools and technologies. Clinical translation and human germline editing are not supported.
What is the expected timeline for application review?
Typical NIH review takes 4-6 months. Specific timeline will be provided in the published funding announcement.
What is the typical funding amount for this program?
NIH Blueprint grants vary widely. Check the funding opportunity announcement for specific budget caps and award ranges.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus on tools and technologies with broad utility for the neuroscience research community, not single-use applications.
- Demonstrate technical innovation and feasibility of your approach within the project timeline.
- Build a strong team with expertise in both gene editing and neuroscience.
- Address ethical considerations and regulatory compliance upfront in your application.
- Clearly articulate how your tools will advance the NIH Blueprint Initiative's neuroscience mission.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing clinical applications or human germline editing when the grant supports only research tools. Underestimating regulatory and institutional review requirements for gene editing work. Failing to demonstrate broad utility or impact beyond a single lab's needs.
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