The Experimental Therapeutics Clinical Trials Network (ETCTN) Lead Academic Organizations (UM1 Clinical Trial Required)
Can you apply?
This grant is for lead academic research institutions establishing clinical trial networks. Applicants must be research universities or academic medical centers with strong track records in clinical trial management. The grant supports network infrastructure, coordination, and patient recruitment across multiple sites. Organizations must have institutional capacity for regulatory compliance and data management.
Funding covers multi-site clinical trial networks focused on experimental therapeutics. Lead organizations coordinate research partners and oversee trial implementation nationally. NIH provides substantial support for network operations and patient engagement activities. Priority goes to institutions with established relationships and proven clinical research networks.
This grant is for lead academic research institutions establishing clinical trial networks. Applicants must be research universities or academic medical centers with strong track records in clinical trial management. The grant supports network infrastructure, coordination, and patient recruitment across multiple sites. Organizations must have institutional capacity for regulatory compliance and data management.
Funding covers multi-site clinical trial networks focused on experimental therapeutics. Lead organizations coordinate research partners and oversee trial implementation nationally. NIH provides substantial support for network operations and patient engagement activities. Priority goes to institutions with established relationships and proven clinical research networks.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- Colleges (all higher ed)
- County Government
- Hospital
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Details
This grant is for lead academic research institutions establishing clinical trial networks. Applicants must be research universities or academic medical centers with strong track records in clinical trial management. The grant supports network infrastructure, coordination, and patient recruitment across multiple sites. Organizations must have institutional capacity for regulatory compliance and data management.
Funding covers multi-site clinical trial networks focused on experimental therapeutics. Lead organizations coordinate research partners and oversee trial implementation nationally. NIH provides substantial support for network operations and patient engagement activities. Priority goes to institutions with established relationships and proven clinical research networks.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (OMB)
- Project Narrative (detailed trial protocol)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Institutional Commitment Letters
- Letters of Commitment from Partner Sites
- Curriculum Vitae of Key Personnel
- Facilities and Resources Documentation
- Data Management Plan
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.395 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$333,720,995
-
$226,323,195
-
$180,463,644
-
$148,820,579
-
$130,290,027
-
$125,672,442
-
$124,513,663
-
$112,462,142
-
$110,600,870
-
$96,205,648
Top States by Funding
- CA 9 awards $710.7M
- PA 5 awards $513.3M
- NY 7 awards $462.6M
- MA 7 awards $282.8M
- IL 3 awards $274.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.395). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,298,551,504 | |
| 2025 | $1,414,965,434 | |
| 2026 est. | $926,626,977 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Academic medical centers, research universities, and hospitals with clinical trial experience can apply. Your institution must demonstrate capacity to lead a multi-site network.
What activities does the funding support?
The grant supports clinical trial network infrastructure, site coordination, patient recruitment, and data management. It covers network administration and regulatory oversight.
How long does the application process take to prepare?
Expect 100+ hours to prepare a competitive application. You'll need institutional commitment, multi-site partnerships, and detailed trial protocols.
What makes an application competitive?
Strong clinical research track records matter most. Demonstrate existing network relationships, experienced staff, and clear trial protocols.
How much funding is available?
NIH typically awards substantial multi-year funding for these network grants. Budget reflects comprehensive network operations and multi-site management.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start building partnerships early; NIH wants evidence of existing collaborations and network infrastructure before submission.
- Include detailed letters of commitment from all partner sites showing capacity and past collaboration success.
- Develop a clear clinical trial protocol with specific recruitment targets, timelines, and outcome measures for each site.
- Highlight your institution's regulatory compliance record and experience managing IRB approvals across multiple locations.
- Clearly describe patient recruitment and retention strategies, including how you'll engage underrepresented populations in trials.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak partnerships or letters of commitment from network sites. Lack of detailed clinical trial protocol or unrealistic recruitment projections. Insufficient evidence of institutional capacity for multi-site regulatory management and data oversight.
Similar grants
- OPEN 27-0343-10 FFY27 Local Agency General Non-Enforcement — Illinois Department of Transportation
- ROLLING Annual Agency Threshold Application Applicants for Funding Start Here — Texas City of Austin - Austin Public Health
- CLOSED Virginia’s Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) Grant – FY26 — Virginia The Virginia Department of Historic Resources
- ROLLING RTAP Grant Program (Rolling) — Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
- ROLLING Rail Industrial Access Grant (RIA) — Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation