OpenFederal grantOpen to for-profit businessesPAR-25-369

Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)

National Institutes of HealthCloses Nov 18, 2026(36 days left)

Does this fit your business?

This is an NIH research grant for studies of the ethical, legal, and social implications of human genetics and genomics, not a business grant. It fits researchers, universities, nonprofits, and small biotech or genomics companies with a genuine research question. Retail, construction, finance, and any business without a genomics or bioethics research angle should not bother applying.

Best for
Research teams studying ethics, law, or policy of human genetics and genomics, Universities, medical centers, and nonprofits with genomics or bioethics research capacity, Small biotech or genomics companies with a research question, Tribal, state, or local government entities with a genetics-related ELSI study
Not for
Businesses with no genomics, bioethics, or research angle, Organizations looking for operating costs, equipment, or non-research funding
Estimated fit by industry, best first
IndustryEstimated fit
Healthcare & BiotechMatches your industry (clinical)
75
Strong Match
Technology & SoftwareMatches your industry (tech)
69
Good Match
Social Services & NonprofitMatches your industry (social)
67
Good Match
Agriculture & FarmingLimit: Not clearly about your industry or what you need funding for; check the…
54
Possible Match
Arts & CultureLimit: 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: Not clearly about your industry or what you need funding for; check the…
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: Nothing in this notice points to manufacturing
54
Possible Match
Retail & E-CommerceLimit: Not clearly about your industry or what you need funding for; check the…
54
Possible Match
Transportation & LogisticsLimit: Nothing in this notice points to transportation & logistics
54
Possible Match
Construction & InfrastructureLimit: Nothing in this notice points to construction & infrastructure
51
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
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 November 18, 2026.
Who can apply for this grant?
Small businesses, for-profit organizations, nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status), institutions of higher education, state, county, city, township, and special district governments, independent school districts, public housing authorities, and federally recognized or other Native American tribal governments and organizations may apply. Other eligible entities include federal agencies, faith-based and community-based organizations, foreign organizations, and various minority-serving institutions.
Can a sole proprietor or single-member LLC apply?
The facts do not specifically address sole proprietors or single-member LLCs. Small businesses and for-profit organizations are eligible, but the notice does not spell out whether a sole proprietorship qualifies, so check the full notice or contact NIH before applying.
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.

Summary

NIH R21 exploratory grants for research on the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of human genetics and genomics. Open to small businesses, for-profits, nonprofits, universities, state/local/tribal governments, and other eligible entities; funds empirical, conceptual, legal, and normative studies.

About this grant

The purpose of this NOFO is to invite Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant (R21) applications that propose to study the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of human genetics and genomics. Applications may propose studies using either single or mixed methods. Approaches may include but are not limited to empirical qualitative and quantitative methods, as well as conceptual, legal, and normative analyses. Direct involvement of key stakeholders where appropriate is encouraged. Of particular interest are studies that explore the implications of new or emerging genomic technologies or novel uses of genomic information.

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

  • Health
  • Science
  • Genetics
  • Bioethics
  • Research

Program contact

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

Related grants

Open opportunities funding similar work, from the same funder or in the same place.

All grantsGrants by stateGrants by industry