Renewal of NIA Research Centers Collaborative Network (RCCN)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers and institutions supporting collaborative aging research networks. Eligible applicants include research institutions, universities, and organizations with established research capacity and NIH infrastructure. The program supports renewal of existing collaborative research centers focused on aging-related questions. Geographic scope is national, with U.S. research institutions eligible to apply.
Funded activities include collaborative research projects, training programs, and infrastructure development within the network. Centers must demonstrate strong research productivity and community engagement. Multi-institutional partnerships are strongly encouraged and often required.
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Key dates
- Nov 18, 2025 Applications open
- May 25, 2026 Application deadline
- Apr 1, 2027 Award announced
- Apr 1, 2027 Project start
Program description
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications to support the Research Centers Collaborative Network (RCCN), a network to enhance collaborations across NIA’s seven research centers programs. These collaborations are intended to leverage NIA’s substantial investments by fostering and sustaining the development of novel interdisciplinary efforts in aging research. This renewal NOFO will call for continuation of the current high-value RCCN activities and encourage new activities such as special pilot funding programs; faculty exchange programs, particularly among new and early stage investigators; expanded networking and collaboration tools; and development of enhanced mentoring infrastructure. Applications are not being solicited at this time. Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. This NOFO will utilize the U24 activity code. Investigators with expertise and insights into aging research and research networks are encouraged to begin to consider applying for this new NOFO.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- Colleges (all higher ed)
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) - Application for Federal Assistance
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (key personnel)
- Letters of Support (partner institutions)
- Research and Related (R&R) Supplemental Forms
- Facilities and Resources documentation
Program contact
- 👤 Amelia Karraker
- 📧 amelia.karraker@nih.gov
- 📞 301-496-3131
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.866 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$463,372,200
-
$172,327,224
-
$115,145,694
-
$99,649,073
-
$93,275,174
-
$82,572,681
-
$81,344,612
-
$78,657,309
-
$75,825,492
-
$75,398,895
Top States by Funding
- CA 10 awards $633.7M
- MI 2 awards $511.9M
- MO 8 awards $453.5M
- IN 4 awards $303.9M
- PA 6 awards $298.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.866). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $3,746,886,731 | |
| 2025 | $3,777,464,644 | |
| 2026 est. | $261,814,471 |
FAQ
Who can apply for RCCN renewal funding?
Research institutions, universities, and established research centers with demonstrated aging research capacity. You must have an existing collaborative network or partnership framework in place.
What types of research does this grant support?
Aging research and gerontology studies. The program supports collaborative, multi-institutional research addressing aging-related health questions and mechanisms.
Is there a page limit for proposals?
Typical NIH research grants have page limits for project narratives. Check the specific RFP or funding opportunity announcement for exact requirements.
How competitive is this funding?
Very competitive. This is a national NIH program. Strong preliminary data, established research teams, and clear collaborative frameworks are essential.
What is the typical award size?
RCCN awards vary. Check the FOA or RFP for specific funding levels and budget guidance.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start with a strong, clear statement of the collaborative network's mission and research focus. Define what problems your centers will address together.
- Demonstrate existing collaboration and institutional commitment. Include letters of support from partner institutions and evidence of past joint research outcomes.
- Show research productivity and innovation. Include preliminary data, publications, and past grant successes from your network members.
- Detail training and workforce development plans. NIH values capacity-building and mentorship within research networks.
- Submit early and engage with your NIH program officer before the deadline. Their feedback can significantly strengthen your application.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak or unclear articulation of the collaborative network's unique research agenda. Vague descriptions of how partner institutions will work together.
Insufficient preliminary data or evidence of research productivity. Lack of publications, preliminary findings, or past grant success.
Failure to demonstrate institutional commitment and sustainability beyond the funding period. Missing letters of support or unclear resource commitments from partners.
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