Funding Opportunities
Each month, we distribute a curated selection of federal (NIH) and non-federal (private and nonprofit) funding opportunities relevant to neuroscience, brain health, and mental health research.
Below are the featured RFAs for October 2026
Use the search box to filter by keyword.
NIH Funding Opportunities
| Title | Release Date | Expiry Date | Activity Code | Organization | Document Number | Clinical Trials | URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RARC/MAN-FAWG/NDI-FAWG: HEAL Initiative: Studies to Enable Analgesic Discovery (R61/R33 – Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | 9/18/24 | 1/16/27 | R61,R33 | NINDS | RFA-NS-25-023 | Not_Allowed | https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/356460 |
| RARC/MAN-FAWG/CSN-FAWG/NDI-FAWG: HEAL Initiative: Integrative Management of Chronic Pain and OUD for Whole Recovery (IMPOWR): Research Centers (RM1 Clinical Trial Required) | 10/6/26 | 1/27/27 | RM1 | NIDA | RFA-DA-28-011 | Required | https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/360048 |
| RARC/CCNP/MAN-FAWG/CSN-FAWG/HEAL Initiative: Integrative Management of chronic Pain and OUD for Whole Recovery (IMPOWR) – Building Engagement, Assistance, Capacity, Outreach, and Networks (BEACON) Center (U2C Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | 10/6/26 | 1/27/27 | U2C | NIDA | RFA-DA-28-012 | Not_Allowed | https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/360366 |
| CAHBIR/CSN-FAWG/NDI-FAWG: BRAIN Initiative: Preclinical Proof of Concept for Novel Recording and Modulation Technologies in the Human CNS (R18 – Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | 3/19/24 | 1/29/27 | R18 | NINDS | RFA-NS-24-031 | Not_Allowed | https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/353055 |
| CAHBIR/CCNP/CSN-FAWG/NDI-FAWG: BRAIN Initiative: Development and Validation of Novel Tools to Probe Cell-Specific and Circuit-Specific Processes in the Brain (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | 11/15/24 | 2/9/27 | R01 | NIMH | RFA-MH-26-170 | Not_Allowed | https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/357137 |
| RARC: Neural Ensembles & Used Substances (NExUS) Collaboratory: Building a Multimodal Inventory of Cell Ensembles Encoding the Effects of Addictive Substances (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | 10/9/26 | 2/9/27 | U01 | NIDA | RFA-DA-28-013 | Not_Allowed | https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/360562 |
| CAHBIR/CCNP/CSN-FAWG: BRAIN Initiative: Exploratory Research Opportunities Using Invasive Neural Recording and Stimulating Technologies in the Human Brain (R61 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | 5/4/26 | 2/12/27 | R61 | NIDCD | RFA-DC-27-004 | Not_Allowed | https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/359649 |
| KKARC/NDI-FAWG: NIA Expanding Research in AD/ADRD (ERA) Summer Research Education Program (R25 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | 9/2/25 | 5/27/27 | R25 | NIA | RFA-AG-26-011 | Not_Allowed | https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/359655 |
| KKARC/NDI-FAWG: NIA Expanding Research in AD/ADRD (ERA) Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (R25 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | 9/2/25 | 5/27/27 | R25 | NIA | RFA-AG-26-010 | Not_Allowed | https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/359653 |
| CAHBIR: BRAIN Initiative: Reagent Resources for Brain Cell Type-Specific Access to Broaden Distribution of Enabling Technologies for Neuroscience (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | 9/26/24 | 6/16/27 | U24 | NIMH | RFA-MH-26-120 | Not_Allowed | https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/356530 |
| CAHBIR/CCNP:BRAIN Initiative: Brain Behavior Quantification and Synchronization- Next Generation Sensor Technology Development (U01 Clinical Trial Optional) | 10/23/24 | 6/16/27 | U01 | NIMH | RFA-MH-26-140 | Optional | https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/356811 |
| RARC: BRAIN Initiative Connectivity across Scales (BRAIN CONNECTS): Specialized Projects for Scalable Technologies (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | 5/28/26 | 10/5/27 | U01 | NINDS | RFA-NS-27-015 | Not_Allowed | https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/356205 |
| CCNP: BRAIN Initiative: Theories, Models and Methods for Analysis of Complex Data from the Brain (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | 9/16/25 | 11/9/27 | R01 | NIDA | RFA-DA-27-004 | Not_Allowed | https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/359068 |
| RARC: Chemical Countermeasures Research Program (CCRP) Initiative: Basic Research on The Deleterious Effects of Acute Exposure to Ultra-Potent Synthetic (UPS) Opioids (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | 11/20/24 | 11/19/27 | R01 | NIDA | RFA-DA-26-034 | Not_Allowed | https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/357250 |
| RARC:Accelerating the Pace of Substance Use Research Using Existing Data (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | 12/5/24 | 12/4/27 | R01 | NIDA | RFA-DA-26-055 | Not_Allowed | https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/357544 |
| RUCARES/KKARC: INCLUDE Project: Transformative Research Awards for Down syndrome (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | 5/12/26 | 6/16/28 | R01 | OD | RFA-OD-27-004 | Not_Allowed | https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/360654 |
| CAHBIR: BRAIN Initiative: Integrative Team-Research BRAIN Circuits Program – iBCP (RM1 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | 8/31/26 | 6/24/28 | RM1 | NINDS | RFA-NS-27-002 | Not_Allowed | https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/360398 |
| CAHBIR: Transformative Non-Invasive/Minimally Invasive Technologies for Imaging the Olfactory System Across Scales (R01 CT Optional) | 5/20/26 | 8/22/28 | R01 | NIDCD | RFA-DC-27-003 | Optional | https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/359696 |
| CAHBIR/CCNP: BRAIN Initiative: Research Resource Grants for Technology Integration and Dissemination (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | 2/9/26 | 10/7/28 | U24 | NINDS | RFA-NS-27-001 | Not_Allowed | https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/358859 |
| CAHBIR/CCNP: BRAIN Initiative: Research Opportunities Using Invasive Neural Recording and Stimulating Technologies in the Human Brain (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | 9/30/26 | 2/9/29 | R01 | NINDS | RFA-NS-28-010 | Not_Allowed | https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/360402 |
| RARC/MAN-FAWG: HEAL Initiative: Translating Addiction Epidemiology, Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Research into Practice (R61/R33 – Clinical Trial Optional) | 6/4/26 | 2/10/29 | R61,R33 | NIDA | RFA-DA-27-016 | Optional | https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/362672 |
| RARC/NDI-FAWG/MAN-FAWG: HEAL Initiative: Non-addictive Analgesic Therapeutics Development [Small Molecules and Biologics] to Treat Pain (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional) | 6/16/26 | 2/21/29 | UG3,UH3 | NINDS | RFA-NS-27-007 | Optional | https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/359161 |
Private and Nonprofit Funding Opportunities
| Title | Funder | Deadline | Amount | Career Stage | Abstract | URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rutgers Limited Submission Opportunities | Rutgers University | / | / | / | https://rutgers.infoready4.com/#ored | |
| Phased Large Awards for Comparative Effectiveness Research (PLACER) | Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) | 1/6/27 | Amount Upper: $22,000,000 USD | Early Career and Emerging in Field Mid-Career to Established in Field | PCORI seeks to fund patient-centered clinical effectiveness research (CER) projects comparing two or more alternatives, each with robust evidence of efficacy and currently in widespread use. Clinical interventions (such as medications, diagnostic tests or procedures) and delivery system interventions (such as workforce, technologies or healthcare service delivery designs) are appropriate for these studies. | https://www.pcori.org/funding-opportunities/announcement/phased-large-awards-comparative-effectiveness-research-pcori-funding-announcement-cycle-1-2027 |
| Broad Pragmatic Studies Funding Announcement | Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) | 1/6/27 | Amount Upper: $12,000,000 USD | Not Applicable | Optimizing Treatment and Symptom Management to Reduce Toxicities and Improve Patient-Centered Outcomes in Cancer Patients: PCORI is interested in patient-centered CER to address evidence gaps related to facilitating clinical decision making, managing symptoms and mitigating toxicities during cancer treatment. Of particular interest are studies focusing on pediatric, adolescent and young adult, and older adult cancer populations, as well as patients with metastatic cancer. | https://www.pcori.org/funding-opportunities/announcement/broad-pragmatic-studies-pcori-funding-announcement-cycle-1-2027 |
| Integrated Network Sites | Breakthrough Discoveries for Thriving with Bipolar Disorder | 1/15/27 | Amount Upper: $2,350,000 USD | Not Applicable | This enables clinic sites in the US, Canada, or UK to join the Integrated Network, a multidisciplinary initiative to improve understanding, care, and outcomes for people with bipolar I disorder. Awarded sites will recruit and follow an initial cohort of 100 individuals with bipolar I disorder over five years, contribute longitudinal multimodal data, and participate in collaborative learning and quality improvement. | https://www.bipolardiscoveries.org/funding/rfa-opportunities/ |
| Implementation of Findings from PCORI’s Research Investments | Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) | 1/6/27 | Amount Upper: $1,800,000 USD | Not Applicable | This initiative aims to support implementation projects that promote the uptake of peer-reviewed findings from specific PCORI-funded patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) in the context of the body of related evidence. Screening and Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Children and Adolescents Direct Hospital Admissions Programs for Children Early Palliative Care for Patients With Advanced Cancer Caries Arrest and Prevention in Children | https://www.pcori.org/funding-opportunities/announcement/open-competition-implementation-findings-pcoris-research-investments-pcori-funding-announcement-cycle-1-2027 |
| Limited Competition PCORI Funding Announcement: Implementation Awards | Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) | 1/6/27 | Amount Upper: $1,800,000 USD | Not Applicable | PCORI will fund projects that aim to implement patient-centered CER results obtained from PCORI-funded research in real-world practice settings, and in selected cases, projects that focus on planning for implementation of these findings or on the dissemination of these findings. Applicants will have the opportunity to propose: Implementation Projects Dissemination Projects Implementation Planning Projects | https://www.pcori.org/funding-opportunities/announcement/limited-competition-pcori-funding-announcement-implementation-awards-cycle-1-2027 |
| The Science of Perception Box RFP | Tiny Blue Dot Foundation | 2/25/27 | Amount Upper: $900,000 USD | Early Career and Emerging in Field Mid-Career to Established in Field | Tiny Blue Dot Foundation (TBD) seeks to fund rigorous, empirical, statistically valid, and sound research on the neural, experiential, and psychological factors related to a concept called the Perception Box. These mental models are constructed from the material of our beliefs, biases, education, values, genes, physiology, and unconscious patterns; our life experiences and encounters (whether we remember them or not); our traumas and, critically, the meaning we made out of those traumas. | https://www.tinybluedotfoundation.org/rfp |
| Improving Methods for Conducting Patient-Centered Comparative Clinical Effectiveness Research | Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) | 1/6/27 | Amount Upper: $750,000 USD | Early Career and Emerging in Field Mid-Career to Established in Field | Methods To Support the Use of Real-World Data (RWD) in Multi-Site Patient-Centered CER: PCORI is interested in funding projects that offer generalizable and scalable insights into multi-site patient-centered CER collaborations using RWD. PCORI will consider projects that develop new infrastructure (e.g., registries) or develop infrastructure capabilities that have limited applicability across networks to be nonresponsive. | https://www.pcori.org/funding-opportunities/announcement/improving-methods-conducting-patient-centered-comparative-clinical-effectiveness-research-pcori-funding-announcement-cycle-1-2027 |
| Scholars (Career Development) Awards | St. Baldrick’s Foundation (SBF) | 12/8/26 | Amount Upper: $560,000 USD | Early Career and Emerging in Field | The Scholar (Career Development) Award is meant to help develop the independent research of highly qualified individuals still early in their careers. Scholar awards intend to provide funding to support young pediatric cancer researchers who must compete for funding with more established researchers; these grants are a way to make sure promising early-career scientists are able to continue doing research. | http://www.stbaldricks.org/for-researchers |
| The Warren Alpert Distinguished Scholar Awards | Warren Alpert Foundation | 11/1/26 | Amount Upper: $400,000 USD | Early Career and Emerging in Field | The Award will support individual postdoctoral scientists of exceptional creativity in the field of neurosciences. These transitional awards are to enable a postdoctoral researcher to advance to become a full-time faculty member at the Assistant Professor level or higher and to promote the development of a laboratory program that will lead to independent funding. | https://www.warrenalpertfoundation.org/awards/ |
