About this grant
The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), with the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders ( NIDCD ), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences ( NIEHS ), National Institute of Mental Health ( NIMH ), and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke ( NINDS ), intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Autism Centers of Excellence (ACE) Network to solicit applications for research that will build on the progress and momentum of the past 23 years of ACE research and that takes advantage of cutting-edge technologies and methods. The ACE network has used R01 funding mechanism to allow multisite collaborations since the beginning of the ACE program in 2007. Each ACE Network will consist of a multi-site project focusing on a specific topic of research for R01 support through this FOA. Each ACE Network will submit one R01 application that includes sub-awards to the collaborating sites. Applications are not being solicited at this time. This Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. This NOFO will utilize the R01 Research Project Grant activity code. Investigators with expertise and insights into this area of science are encouraged to begin to consider applying for this new NOFO. In addition, collaborative investigations combining expertise in scientific disciplines will be encouraged, and these investigators should also begin considering applying for this application. Grant authorities that allow the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to forecast this opportunity are as follows: Public Health Service Act, Section 301, 448 and 487, as amended, Public Laws 78-410 and 99-158, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 241; 42 U.S.C. 285g; 42 U.S.C. 288; Small Business Research and Development Enhancement Act of 1992, Public Law 102-564, Public Law 118-47.
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.
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: Alice Kau, Ph.D. · Kaua@mail.nih.gov · 301-496-1385
What are the odds for a first-time applicant?
Mostly repeat grantees: only 5% of awards go to new applicants. Apply with a strong track record or a partner who has won before. Based on 2,113 new awards in FY2023–25. Organizations under $1M in revenue won 2% of the awards that went to nonprofits. The median award is $440,908. Expect about 153 days between posting and deadline.
Who can apply for Autism Centers of Excellence R01?
Eligible applicants: State governments; County governments; City or township governments; Native American tribal organizations; Others (see eligibility text); Public & Indian housing authorities; Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status; For-profit organizations; Special district governments; Private colleges & universities; Small businesses; 501(c)(3) nonprofits; Federally recognized tribal governments; Independent school districts; Public & state-controlled colleges. 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.
When is the deadline?
Applications are due Nov 2, 2026. Always confirm the time and time zone in the official announcement.
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