About this grant
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), with the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institute on Aging (NIA), National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications for the conduct of large-scale, multisite clinical trials (CTs) that will inform clinicians about the efficacy or effectiveness of interventions or management strategies that reduce opioid use, improve functional outcomes and reduce pain across the continuum of acute to chronic pain associated with many types of diseases, conditions, or pain presenting as a disease itself. This NOFO will be a continuation of the HEAL Initiative Pain Management Effectiveness Research Network (ERN). The goal of this NOFO will be to expand the suite of evidence-based effective therapeutics to alleviate pain for multiple pain conditions to benefit patients and their families. 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 UG3/UH3 activity code. Investigators with expertise and insights into this area of performing effectiveness trials for pain management interventions are encouraged to begin to consider applying for this new NOFO. In addition, collaborative investigations combining expertise in testing existing pharmaceutical, repurposed therapeutics and/or existing devices will be encouraged, and these investigators should also begin considering applying for this application.
Who can apply
Other Eligible ApplicantsIndian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized);Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government;U.S. Territory or Possession;Faith-based or Community-based Organizations;Regional Organizations;Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions).
What it funds
How to apply
Read the full announcement on Grants.gov before you start. Federal applications are submitted through Grants.gov (or the agency's own system) and require a Unique Entity ID from SAM.gov. Registration can take several weeks, so start early. Contact: Yolanda F. Vallejo, PhD · Yolanda.Vallejo.nih.gov · 301-451-1751
What are the odds for a first-time applicant?
Mostly repeat grantees: only 4% of awards go to new applicants. Apply with a strong track record or a partner who has won before. Based on 2,734 new awards in FY2023–25. Organizations under $1M in revenue won 1% of the awards that went to nonprofits. The median award is $460,625. Expect about 168 days between posting and deadline.
Who can apply for HEAL Initiative: Pain Management Effectiveness Research Network: Clinical Trial Planning and Implementation Cooperative Agreement (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Required)?
Eligible applicants: Native American tribal organizations; Private colleges & universities; Public & Indian housing authorities; For-profit organizations; Small businesses; State governments; Special district governments; Public & state-controlled colleges; Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status; County governments; City or township governments; Federally recognized tribal governments; Independent school districts; Others (see eligibility text); 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Other Eligible ApplicantsIndian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized);Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government;U.S. Territory or Possession;Faith-based or Community-based Organizations;Regional Organizations;Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions).
When is the deadline?
Applications are due Jan 5, 2026 (this deadline has passed). Always confirm the time and time zone in the official announcement.
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