About this grant
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), in conjunction with other NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) as a part of the congressionally mandated NIH Helping to End Addiction Long Term (HEAL) initiative intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to leverage and accelerate the progress achieved in the Restoring Joint Health and Function to Reduce Pain (RE-JOIN) Consortium. The NOFO aims to more fully refine and map the innervation of the different articular and peri-articular tissues that collectively form the joint (including bone, cartilage, synovium, joint capsule, ligament, tendon, fascia and muscle), by sensory neurons that mediate the sensation of pain. The NOFO seeks to expand initial and ongoing efforts by: Enhancing clinical pain phenotyping with multimodal profiling of new and expanded patient samples across life span and disease conditions (i.e., other musculoskeletal and/or rheumatic conditions associated with joint pain beyond knee and temporomandibular joint (TMJ)). Expanding to new preclinical and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) in modeling joint disease. Preclinical testing of novel joint-targeted candidates identified in RE-JOIN 1.0. Focusing on peri-articular tissues in joint pain, such as vasculature, synovium, adipose, myofascial tissue, etc. Prioritizing secondary analysis of datasets and/or validation of methods and approaches in human samples. Improve data integration by developing/enhancing joint atlases that will enable integration of imaging and molecular datasets. Applications are not being solicited at this time. Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful multidisciplinary collaborations and responsive projects. Investigators with expertise and insights in neurobiology, pain science, data science, orthopedics, rheumatic disease, etc. are encouraged to consider applying for this NOFO.
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: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases · NIAMS_PAIN@mail.nih.gov · Please contact via e-mail.
What are the odds for a first-time applicant?
Mostly repeat grantees: only 7% of awards go to new applicants. Apply with a strong track record or a partner who has won before. Based on 912 new awards in FY2023–25. Organizations under $1M in revenue won 2% of the awards that went to nonprofits. The median award is $544,737. Expect about 159 days between posting and deadline.
Who can apply for Restoring Joint Health and Function to Reduce Pain (RE-JOIN) 2.0?
Eligible applicants: Private colleges & universities; County governments; Public & state-controlled colleges; Others (see eligibility text); For-profit organizations; Small businesses; Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status; State governments; Federally recognized tribal governments; Public & Indian housing authorities; City or township governments; 501(c)(3) nonprofits; Native American tribal organizations; Special district governments; Independent school districts. 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 Dec 1, 2026. Always confirm the time and time zone in the official announcement.
Similar open grants
All health grants| Deadline | Grant | Funder | Award ceiling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rollingno deadline | CVS Health Foundation — GrantsCorporateCVS Health Foundation | CVS Health Foundation | Not listed |
| Rollingno deadline | United Health Foundation — GrantsCorporateUnited Health Foundation | United Health Foundation | Not listed |
| Rollingno deadline | The California Endowment — GrantsFoundationThe California Endowment | The California Endowment | Not listed |
| Rollingno deadline | The Commonwealth Fund — GrantsFoundationThe Commonwealth Fund | The Commonwealth Fund | Not listed |
| Rollingno deadline | The Duke Endowment — GrantsFoundationThe Duke Endowment | The Duke Endowment | Not listed |
| Rollingno deadline | Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation — Grant OpportunitiesFoundationBill & Melinda Gates Foundation | Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | Not listed |