OPEN CFDA 93.853 ↗ Competitive Cooperative Agreement Competitive ~100h typical effort
NIH

StrokeNet Clinical Trials and Biomarker Studies for Stroke Treatment, Recovery, and Prevention (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional)

🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)

✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026

⏰ Deadline
Nov 19, 2026 in 125 days
📍 Scope
National

Can you apply?

This grant is for research institutions and organizations conducting clinical trials and biomarker studies on stroke treatment, recovery, and prevention. Eligible applicants include NIH-eligible organizations: colleges, universities, hospitals, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status or equivalent. The grant supports UG3/UH3 mechanisms, which fund exploratory research leading to definitive clinical trials. Geographic scope is U.S.-based institutions. Activities supported include clinical trial feasibility studies, biomarker research, and stroke-related treatment innovation.

The program prioritizes stroke-focused research that advances clinical knowledge. Both UG3 (exploratory/feasibility phase) and UH3 (definitive phase) funding are available. Applicants must demonstrate institutional capacity for rigorous clinical research and biomarker analyses.

Eligible applicants
Check your eligibility — what type of organization are you?

Not the right fit? Find grants for your organization in 5 questions →

Program description

This NOFO encourages applications for multi-site exploratory and confirmatory clinical trials focused on promising interventions; biomarker or outcome measure validation studies that are immediately preparatory to trials in stroke prevention, treatment, and recovery; and ancillary studies designed to add scientific aims to active studies being conducted within StrokeNet. Successful applicants will collaborate and conduct the study within the NIH StrokeNet. Following peer review, NINDS will prioritize studies among the highest scoring to be conducted in the NIH StrokeNet infrastructure. The NIH StrokeNet National Coordinating Center (NCC) will work with the successful applicant to implement the proposed study efficiently and the National Data Management Center (NDMC) will provide statistical and data management support. The NIH StrokeNet Regional Coordinating Centers (RCCs) and their affiliated clinical sites will provide recruitment/retention support as well as on-site implementation of the clinical protocol.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants

How to apply

Application links

Required documents

  • SF-424 (R&R) application form
  • Project Narrative (research plan)
  • Biographical sketches (key personnel)
  • Budget and budget justification
  • Facilities and resources documentation
  • Letters of support/institutional commitment
  • IRB approval or approval plan
  • Data management and sharing plan

Program contact

Funding track record

Recent awards under CFDA 93.853 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.

34
awards (3 yrs)
$875M
total funded
24
unique recipients
$25.7M
average award

Top 10 Largest Recent Awards

  1. $56,144,651
  2. $40,959,789
  3. $35,655,349
  4. $35,655,116
  5. $35,335,145
  6. $34,183,297
  7. $32,294,153
  8. $32,234,840
  9. $31,739,294
  10. $27,282,286

Top States by Funding

  • MA 5 awards $123.9M
  • OH 4 awards $112.5M
  • CA 4 awards $101.3M
  • FL 3 awards $100.3M
  • MI 3 awards $85.3M

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?

Research institutions, universities, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations conducting NIH-eligible research. Your institution must have 501(c)(3) status or be an NIH-eligible public institution.

What is the UG3/UH3 mechanism?

UG3 funds exploratory clinical trial planning and feasibility studies. UH3 funds the definitive, full-scale clinical trial following successful UG3 completion.

What types of stroke research qualify?

Studies on stroke treatment, recovery therapies, prevention strategies, and biomarker discovery related to stroke outcomes and prognosis.

How competitive is this grant?

Very competitive. NIH research grants typically fund 8-12% of applications. Strong preliminary data and experienced research teams significantly improve chances.

What is the typical funding range?

UG3/UH3 awards vary by research scope. Check NIH RePORTER and recent funding announcements for typical award sizes in your stroke research area.

💡 Tips for applicants

  • Build strong preliminary data demonstrating clinical feasibility before applying. Reviewers prioritize proof-of-concept evidence.
  • Assemble a multidisciplinary team including clinicians, biomarker experts, and biostatisticians. Team strength significantly influences scoring.
  • Align your research with NIH and stroke research priorities. Review recent NIH strategic plans and funded projects.
  • Budget carefully for clinical trial operations including patient recruitment, retention, and regulatory compliance costs.
  • Submit a detailed statistical analysis plan and biomarker validation strategy. These sections receive close reviewer scrutiny.

⚠️ Common mistakes

Applications fail when preliminary data is weak or missing. Reviewers need evidence the trial is feasible before funding.

Inexperienced research teams or lack of clinical trial expertise damages competitiveness. Include proven stroke researchers and trial coordinators.

Vague biomarker objectives or unclear clinical significance hurt scores. Biomarker hypotheses must connect directly to stroke outcomes.

Similar grants

125 days left Nov 19, 2026
Apply →