Single Source: Chronic Kidney Diseases of UnceRtain Etiology (CKDu) in Agricultural Communities (CURE) Research Consortium- Renal and Environmental Science Core (U01-Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Can you apply?
This grant is for research institutions and organizations conducting discovery science on Chronic Kidney Disease of Uncertain Etiology (CKDu) in agricultural communities.
Eligible applicants include research institutions, universities, and organizations with capacity to lead the Renal and Environmental Science Core within the CURE Consortium. Applicants must have expertise in renal science, environmental health, epidemiology, or related disciplines.
This is a single-source funding opportunity. Only pre-identified consortium members or organizations designated by NIH may apply. Applicants must demonstrate commitment to collaborative research and alignment with consortium goals.
The project supports discovery science activities including epidemiological research, environmental exposure assessment, genetic studies, and identification of therapeutic targets for CKDu.
Key dates
- Feb 5, 2026 Applications open
- Jul 1, 2026 Application deadline in 30 days
- Jan 1, 2027 Award announced
- Feb 1, 2027 Project start
This grant is for research institutions and organizations conducting discovery science on Chronic Kidney Disease of Uncertain Etiology (CKDu) in agricultural communities.
Eligible applicants include research institutions, universities, and organizations with capacity to lead the Renal and Environmental Science Core within the CURE Consortium. Applicants must have expertise in renal science, environmental health, epidemiology, or related disciplines.
This is a single-source funding opportunity. Only pre-identified consortium members or organizations designated by NIH may apply. Applicants must demonstrate commitment to collaborative research and alignment with consortium goals.
The project supports discovery science activities including epidemiological research, environmental exposure assessment, genetic studies, and identification of therapeutic targets for CKDu.
Program description
The purpose of this funding opportunity is to advance the NIH mission by supporting the continuation of the Consortium to Study Chronic Kidney Disease of UnceRtain Etiology (CKDu) in Agricultural Communities (CURE).
Chronic Kidney Disease of Uncertain Etiology (CKDu) causes kidney failure in rural areas of many Low and Middle Income Countries, resulting in a large death toll among the young working age population. Environmental factors are suspected to be causative, but family and geographic clustering add consideration of unrecognized genetic susceptibility. The risk factors identified in other countries are encountered by U.S. patients, so this research will offer valuable insights into the development and progression of tubulointerstitial renal diseases, with broad implications for understanding kidney health and disease in the U.S.
NIDDK, NIEHS, and FIC have jointly funded a consortium that includes Field Epidemiology Sites, a Renal and Environmental Science Core, and a Data Coordinating Center to find causes and potential interventions for CKDu since 2021. This NOFO requests applications for the Renal and Environmental Science Core that will provide support and leadership in discovery science. Consortium members will continue to collaborate to maximize scientific opportunities and enable discovery science to understand the etiologies of CKDu, the exposures that initiate and affect progression of tubulointerstitial kidney disease, potential therapeutic targets, and future opportunities for public health interventions. The CURE Consortium will serve as a resource for ancillary studies.
This is a forecast for a single source Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) that will invite application(s) from eligible organizations to apply. Application(s) will be peer-reviewed and only funded if meritorious.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Details
This grant is for research institutions and organizations conducting discovery science on Chronic Kidney Disease of Uncertain Etiology (CKDu) in agricultural communities.
Eligible applicants include research institutions, universities, and organizations with capacity to lead the Renal and Environmental Science Core within the CURE Consortium. Applicants must have expertise in renal science, environmental health, epidemiology, or related disciplines.
This is a single-source funding opportunity. Only pre-identified consortium members or organizations designated by NIH may apply. Applicants must demonstrate commitment to collaborative research and alignment with consortium goals.
The project supports discovery science activities including epidemiological research, environmental exposure assessment, genetic studies, and identification of therapeutic targets for CKDu.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) Application Form
- Project Narrative/Research Strategy
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (key personnel)
- Institutional Support Letters
- Letters of Commitment from consortium collaborators
- Resource Sharing Plans (data sharing, sample access)
Program contact
- 👤 Division of Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Diseases
- 📧 NIDDK_KUH@nih.gov
- 📞 301.594.6417
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.847 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$152,979,352
-
$112,529,392
-
$66,521,567
-
$45,186,589
-
$37,867,943
-
$37,490,770
-
$34,242,949
-
$31,624,784
-
$31,124,496
-
$31,065,476
Top States by Funding
- FL 2 awards $184.1M
- MA 6 awards $165.7M
- PA 6 awards $165.0M
- NY 4 awards $143.8M
- MD 2 awards $143.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.847). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,971,472,000 | |
| 2025 | $2,043,166,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $111,289,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
This is a single-source opportunity for designated consortium members or NIH-identified organizations. Contact NIH program officers for eligibility confirmation.
What is the deadline?
The application deadline is July 1, 2026. This is a fixed deadline with no rolling submissions.
What types of research activities are supported?
Discovery science including epidemiology, environmental exposure assessment, genetic studies, biomarker identification, and mechanistic research on CKDu etiology.
Is this a clinical trial opportunity?
No. Clinical trials are not allowed under this funding mechanism.
How much funding is available?
A total pool of $1,750,000 is available for the Renal and Environmental Science Core, though individual award amounts are not specified.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize your institution's capacity to provide discovery science leadership and coordinate with multiple consortium sites across different countries.
- Clearly connect your proposed research to understanding CKDu etiology and progression in agricultural worker populations globally and in the U.S.
- Demonstrate expertise in renal pathophysiology, environmental toxicology, epidemiology, or occupational health relevant to CKDu.
- Plan for robust data management and collaboration with Field Epidemiology Sites and the Data Coordinating Center within the consortium structure.
- Highlight your track record leading multicenter research consortia or managing complex collaborative research networks.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing clinical trial activities or interventional studies (not allowed). Submitting without confirming single-source eligibility status with NIH. Failing to articulate how research advances understanding of CKDu causes or therapeutic targets.
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