Small Instruments and Modern Equipment for Shared-use Biomedical Research Facilities and Resources (S15 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Sep 4, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for eligible shared biomedical research facilities seeking to purchase new small instruments or scientific equipment. Core facilities, biorepositories, model resource facilities, and other shared research spaces can apply. Institutions operating these facilities typically include universities, research hospitals, and nonprofit research organizations.
Funding supports equipment that improves facility operations and uses new or emerging technologies. Requests for small instruments that produce physical, chemical, or biomaterial outputs are especially encouraged. Equipment that is highly specialized or only indirectly supports research is not eligible.
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Key dates
- Aug 24, 2026 Applications open
- Sep 27, 2027 Application deadline in 387 days
- Jul 18, 2028 Award announced
- Jul 25, 2028 Project start
Program description
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) invites eligible shared biomedical research facilities to buy new small instruments or scientific equipment. These facilities may include core facilities, biorepositories, model resource facilities, and other research spaces or resources that are shared by multiple researchers. The goal is to help these facilities improve, update, and operate more efficiently. Organizations are especially encouraged to request funding for small instruments that use new or emerging technologies or that produce physical, chemical, or biomaterial outputs other than conventional digital data. This funding cannot be used to buy highly specialized research instruments or building-level infrastructure equipment that only indirectly supports research.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Equipment list and justification
- Letters of support from facility users
Program contact
- 👤 Office of Research Infrastructure Programs (ORIP)
- 📧 oripequipment@mail.nih.gov
- 📞 301-435-0744
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.351 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$203,025,735
-
$201,841,608
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$191,271,017
-
$167,023,331
-
$150,172,413
-
$143,135,086
-
$129,717,894
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$41,295,933
-
$37,946,246
-
$33,594,411
Top States by Funding
- OR 7 awards $291.7M
- CA 9 awards $270.4M
- WA 2 awards $234.1M
- TX 9 awards $231.6M
- LA 6 awards $201.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.351). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $279,889,905 | |
| 2025 | $284,089,258 | |
| 2026 est. | $283,084,958 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Institutions that operate shared biomedical research facilities, including core facilities, biorepositories, and model resource facilities. The facility must serve multiple researchers.
What equipment can I purchase?
Small instruments and scientific equipment that improve facility operations. New or emerging technologies are preferred. Highly specialized instruments or building-level infrastructure equipment are not eligible.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required for this grant.
What is the funding range?
Awards typically range from $25,000 to $350,000, depending on equipment needs and facility scope.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is September 27, 2027. Check the NIH grants portal for any updates or amendments.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus on equipment that uses new or emerging technologies. Conventional upgrades are less competitive.
- Emphasize how the equipment will improve efficiency for multiple research groups. Document current facility limitations and user demand.
- Request small instruments, not building infrastructure. Stay within the spirit of "small" equipment scope.
- Include letters of support from researchers who will use the facility. Show demand and impact.
- Budget carefully within the $25,000–$350,000 range. Justify every line item and connect it to facility improvement goals.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Requesting highly specialized instruments designed for one lab only, not shared facilities. Proposing building-level infrastructure or major renovations instead of equipment. Failing to document how multiple researchers will benefit from the equipment investment.
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