Tribal Undergraduate to Graduate Research Training and Leadership Experiences (TURTLE) Program (UE5/T32)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for tribal institutions and HBCUs that train American Indian/Alaska Native undergraduates in research.
Tribal colleges, universities, and HBCUs can apply. The program requires institutional commitment to mentoring and research infrastructure. Eligible institutions must demonstrate capacity to support undergraduates through research training in STEM, health sciences, or related fields.
The TURTLE program funds training pathways from undergraduate to graduate research. Institutions develop multi-year curricula combining classroom instruction, research mentorship, and professional development. The goal is increasing Native American representation in biomedical research careers.
Not the right fit? Find grants for your organization in 5 questions →
Program description
The purpose of the Tribal Undergraduate to Graduate Research Training and Leadership Experiences (TURTLE) program is to fund federally recognized American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribes, tribal colleges or universities, Tribal health programs, or Tribal organizations (collectively termed, eligible Tribal Entities) to identify and develop a pool of scientists to conduct research on AI/AN health and health disparities. Through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), NIGMS will provide support for a phased award to eligible AI/AN Tribal Entities to develop (UE5) and implement (T32) effective training and mentoring activities for research-oriented individuals earning a doctoral degree in a biomedical research field at a variety of institutions across the United States and territories. The overall purpose is to support the development of individuals who have the technical, operational, and professional skills required to conduct AI/AN health research in a culturally appropriate, ethically responsible and rigorous manner, to complete Ph.D.s in a biomedical field, and to transition into careers in the biomedical research workforce.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) Application for Federal Assistance
- Project Narrative (research training program description)
- Budget Justification and Detailed Budget
- Biographical sketches of key mentors (NIH format)
- Institutional commitment letter from leadership
- Letters of support from participating mentors
- Description of trainee recruitment and retention strategy
- Facilities and equipment description
- Human subjects/vertebrate animal approvals (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 grantsinfo@nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.859 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$59,464,779
-
$57,271,194
-
$56,019,458
-
$54,912,096
-
$53,329,877
-
$52,858,544
-
$52,347,059
-
$52,026,661
-
$50,897,104
-
$49,349,731
Top States by Funding
- ME 4 awards $143.3M
- MS 4 awards $135.1M
- NY 5 awards $131.6M
- CA 5 awards $129.3M
- RI 4 awards $126.3M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.859). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $3,085,929,426 | |
| 2025 | $3,092,472,727 | |
| 2026 est. | $3,093,422,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for TURTLE funding?
Tribal colleges, universities, HBCUs, and other institutions serving American Indian/Alaska Native students. Your institution must have research infrastructure and commitment to mentoring.
What is the typical funding level and project period?
T32 training grants typically provide multi-year awards (commonly 5 years). Budget amounts vary; check the NIH Notice of Funding Opportunity for this cycle's maximum.
What research areas are supported?
Biomedical and behavioral research related to American Indian/Alaska Native health. STEM fields are prioritized, including health sciences, environmental health, and disease-related research.
How competitive is this grant?
Very competitive. Only tribal institutions and HBCUs serving Native students can apply. Strong emphasis on institutional commitment, mentor qualifications, and trainee recruitment plans.
What is the application deadline?
January 25, 2027. Applications open September 3, 2024. Plan 3-4 months for development of a strong application.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Highlight your institution's track record mentoring American Indian/Alaska Native students in research. Include mentor CVs and commitment letters.
- Design a clear pipeline from recruitment through PhD training and career placement. Show how your institution supports each stage.
- Emphasize diversity of research topics and mentors available to trainees. Include specific faculty who will mentor undergraduates.
- Connect training to health disparities affecting Native communities. Show relevance to tribal health priorities and workforce needs.
- Build realistic budgets for stipends, tuition, research supplies, and professional development. Include travel to conferences for trainees.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak institutional commitment letters. Mentors without research credentials or NIH funding history. Vague trainee recruitment and retention plans that lack specific outreach to tribal communities. Failure to address how training connects to tribal health priorities or workforce development.
Similar grants
- OPEN Tribal Undergraduate to Graduate Research Training and Leadership Experiences (TURTLE) Program (UE5/T34) — National Institutes of Health
- OPEN Tribal Colleges and Universities Program — U.S. National Science Foundation
- OPEN Intervention Research to Improve Native American Health (R34 Clinical Trial Optional) — National Institutes of Health
- OPEN Limited Competition: NIMHD Initiative for Improving American Indian and Alaska Native Cancer Outcomes (U19 – Clinical Trial Optional) — National Institutes of Health
- OPEN Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH) — National Institutes of Health