Pilot Health Services and Economic Research on the Treatment of Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Use Disorders (R34 Clinical Trial Optional)
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers studying treatment of substance use disorders (drugs, alcohol, tobacco). Principal investigators must have a doctoral degree and institutional affiliation. Research institutions, including universities, medical schools, and research institutes can apply. The grant supports pilot and feasibility studies that generate preliminary data for future large-scale clinical trials. Studies may examine health services, economic outcomes, or treatment effectiveness.
This grant is for researchers studying treatment of substance use disorders (drugs, alcohol, tobacco). Principal investigators must have a doctoral degree and institutional affiliation. Research institutions, including universities, medical schools, and research institutes can apply. The grant supports pilot and feasibility studies that generate preliminary data for future large-scale clinical trials. Studies may examine health services, economic outcomes, or treatment effectiveness.
Program description
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) encourages pilot and preliminary research in preparation for larger-scale services research effectiveness trials. Relevant trials may test a wide range of approaches, including interventions, practices, and policies designed to optimize access to, and the quality, effectiveness, affordability and utilization of drug, tobacco, or alcohol use disorder treatments and related services, as well as services for comorbid medical and mental disorder conditions. Relevant approaches may include both those that are novel, and those that are commonly used in practice but lack an evidence base. This NOFO provides resources for assessing the feasibility, acceptability, and utility of these approaches, in addition to usual trial preparation activities.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Hospital
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Researcher (independent)
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for researchers studying treatment of substance use disorders (drugs, alcohol, tobacco). Principal investigators must have a doctoral degree and institutional affiliation. Research institutions, including universities, medical schools, and research institutes can apply. The grant supports pilot and feasibility studies that generate preliminary data for future large-scale clinical trials. Studies may examine health services, economic outcomes, or treatment effectiveness.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) Application Form
- Project Narrative (Research Strategy)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketch (PD/PI and key personnel)
- Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval letter or certification
- Letters of Support from collaborating institutions
- Data Management and Sharing Plan
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 grantsinfo@nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
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
-
$128,078,833
-
$126,585,435
-
$79,333,238
-
$78,351,755
-
$74,806,844
-
$71,588,047
-
$61,578,651
-
$50,344,757
-
$41,820,011
-
$39,479,041
Top States by Funding
- NY 4 awards $260.8M
- CT 2 awards $155.8M
- CA 3 awards $90.2M
- KY 1 awards $79.3M
- MA 1 awards $78.4M
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 can be a principal investigator?
You need a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, DDS, or equivalent) and a position at an eligible research institution. Postdocs and early-career researchers are encouraged to apply.
What research topics are eligible?
Focus on substance use disorders (alcohol, drugs, tobacco). Studies of health services delivery, economic analysis, treatment outcomes, and clinical approaches are all supported.
Is this a clinical trial grant?
Yes, clinical trials are optional. Pilot studies that will lead to future clinical trials are the primary focus. Feasibility and preliminary data studies are encouraged.
How much funding is available?
This is a pilot program, so awards are typically smaller than R01 grants. Budget typically ranges from $75,000 to $200,000 per year, but check current notices of funding opportunity.
When is the deadline?
The next deadline is May 7, 2027. However, there may be multiple submission dates. Check the NIH website for additional target dates.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize feasibility and preliminary data generation over large-scale implementation. Small, focused pilot studies are more competitive.
- Include a clear pathway to future R01 or larger grant funding. Show how your pilot will generate critical preliminary data.
- Highlight your team's expertise in substance use disorders research and the specific treatment domain you're studying.
- Budget realistically for a pilot project. Over-budgeted proposals reduce competitiveness for pilot funding.
- Address health disparities and underserved populations in your research design if applicable. NIH values equity-focused work.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing a study that's too large or ambitious for a pilot grant. Pilot studies should be focused and feasible, not full-scale research. Failing to articulate how preliminary data will support a future larger grant application. Weak or underdeveloped preliminary data in your application materials.
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