OpenFederal grantOpen to for-profit businessesPAR-25-256

Developing novel theory and methods for understanding the genetic architecture of complex human traits (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

National Institutes of HealthCloses Jan 7, 2027(86 days left)

Does this fit your business?

This is an NIH research grant (R21) for developing new theory and methods to understand how genetic and non-genetic factors shape complex human traits. It is for research teams doing interdisciplinary science with large datasets, not for businesses seeking operating capital or product funding. Retail, finance, housing, and most other commercial ventures should not bother applying; even tech firms only marginally fit unless their work is genuinely genetics research.

Best for
Research teams at universities and medical centers, Nonprofits with genetics or health research programs, Small businesses doing R&D in genetics or health data, Interdisciplinary teams combining natural and social sciences
Not for
Retail, finance, or housing businesses with no research angle, Organizations wanting funding for operations, services, or product launches rather than research, Anyone needing a clinical trial funded
Estimated fit by industry, best first
IndustryEstimated fit
Healthcare & BiotechMatches your industry (clinical)
79
Strong Match
Social Services & NonprofitMatches your industry (social)
72
Good Match
Agriculture & FarmingLimit: Nothing in this notice points to agriculture & farming
54
Possible Match
Arts & CultureLimit: Nothing in this notice points to arts & culture
54
Possible Match
Construction & InfrastructureLimit: Not clearly about your industry or what you need funding for; check the…
54
Possible Match
Education & TrainingLimit: Nothing in this notice points to education & training
54
Possible Match
Show all 15 industries
Estimated fit by industry, best first
IndustryEstimated fit
Energy & Clean TechLimit: Nothing in this notice points to energy & clean tech
54
Possible Match
Environment & ConservationLimit: Nothing in this notice points to environment & conservation
54
Possible Match
Finance & BankingLimit: Nothing in this notice points to finance & banking
54
Possible Match
Food & BeverageLimit: Not clearly about your industry or what you need funding for; check the…
54
Possible Match
Housing & Real EstateLimit: Nothing in this notice points to housing & real estate
54
Possible Match
ManufacturingLimit: Not clearly about your industry or what you need funding for; check the…
54
Possible Match
Retail & E-CommerceLimit: Not clearly about your industry or what you need funding for; check the…
54
Possible Match
Technology & SoftwareLimit: Nothing in this notice points to technology & software
54
Possible Match
Transportation & LogisticsLimit: Not clearly about your industry or what you need funding for; check the…
54
Possible Match

These are our matcher’s estimates for a typical business in each industry. A real match depends on your size, your state and what you need the money for — check your own fit.

What this funds

Money can be used for
Research, R&D
Who can apply
Small businesses, For-profit companies, Nonprofits, State and local governments, Tribal governments and organizations, Colleges and universities, Other applicants (see eligibility)

Questions about this grant

When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is January 7, 2027.
Who can apply for this grant?
Eligible applicants include state, county, city, and tribal governments, independent school districts, public housing authorities, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, small businesses, and other for-profit organizations. Foreign (non-U.S.) entities are also eligible, along with certain federal agencies and specific institution types such as HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, and Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian serving institutions.
Can a sole proprietor or single-member LLC apply?
The facts do not say. Small businesses are eligible, but the notice does not specify whether sole proprietors or single-member LLCs qualify, so check the full opportunity text (PAR-25-256) before assuming you can apply.
Can a nonprofit apply?
Yes. Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education) are both listed as eligible applicants, and faith-based or community-based organizations are also named in the eligibility text.

Summary

NIH R21 grants for interdisciplinary theory and methods development to understand how genetic and non-genetic factors shape complex human trait variation. Open to universities, nonprofits, governments, tribes, small businesses, and other for-profits; foreign entities also eligible. Funds research, not clinical trials.

About this grant

The goal of this NOFO is to support R21 applications for novel theory and methods development that better delineate how genetic and non-genetic factors contribute to complex trait variation across individuals, families, and populations. Approaches should be interdisciplinary across the natural and social sciences, account for interdependencies across scales of biological, social, and ecological organization, and make extensive use of theory, simulations, and validation using available large-scale datasets

Who can apply

Other Eligible Applicants include the following:

Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs); Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government; Faith-based or Community-based Organizations; Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized); Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations); Regional Organizations; Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) ; U.S. Territory or Possession.

Topics and uses of funds

Topics

  • Science
  • Health
  • Genetics
  • Research

Program contact

National Institutes of Healthgrantsinfo@nih.gov301-402-2541

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