FOR-NS-25-016: Forecast for NINDS Exploratory Grant Program in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research (P20 - Clinical Trial Optional)
Forecast
This forecast is out of date. Its expected dates have passed and the agency has not posted the opportunity on Grants.gov. It may be delayed or cancelled; check the program's other opportunities below.
National Institutes of Health plans to offer grants to nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments, tribes, small businesses and businesses. It expects to make about 6 awards worth $3.0 million in total. It is a forecast: the notice is expected around October 1, 2025, with applications due around February 25, 2026.
From the official notice on Grants.gov, last changed May 27, 2025. Checked November 7, 2026.
- Total funding$3.0 million
- Expected awards6
- Cost sharingNot required
- Funding typeGrant
About this NIH notice
- Activity codeP20
- Clinical trialsOptional
- P20, Exploratory Grant. Planning or building a research center or program. Other open P20 notices.
Key dates
| Forecast posted | May 27, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Expected posting | October 1, 2025 |
| Expected deadline | February 25, 2026 |
| Expected award date | November 1, 2026 |
Add the deadline to your calendar or it to My grants.
Who can apply
This opportunity is open to nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments, tribes, small businesses and businesses.
All 11 applicant types the notice lists
- State governments
- County governments
- Independent school districts
- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
- Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- For profit organizations other than small businesses
- Small businesses
- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are eligible to apply. Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grant Policy Statement, are allowed.
Is this a realistic fit?
- Most of the program's money (76% over five years) went to colleges and universities.
- No cost sharing or match is required.
What the grant funds
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications for research on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) focused on the establishment of new collaborative teams to address emergent issues in ME/CFS research. Applications are not being solicited at this time. Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. This NOFO will utilize the P20 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 post-infectious chronic illnesses and ME/CFS will be encouraged, and these investigators should also begin considering applying for this application.
Who has won Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders grants before
From fiscal 2021 to 2025, Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders (93.853) awarded $9.1 billion across 8,641 grant awards, an average of $1.0 million per award.
| Recipient | State | Awards | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| The General Hospital Corporation | Massachusetts | 203 | $288 million |
| The Regents of the University of California, San Francisco | California | 248 | $277 million |
| The Johns Hopkins University | Maryland | 230 | $276 million |
| The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York | New York | 188 | $226 million |
| Regents of the University of Michigan | Michigan | 179 | $221 million |
How to apply
- Read the full notice and attachments on Grants.gov. The notice is the official source for deadlines and requirements.
- Make sure your organization has an active SAM.gov registration and Unique Entity ID; registration can take several weeks.
- Register on Grants.gov and submit through Workspace before the deadline and time given in the notice. Our application guide walks through each step.
Questions go to Vicky Whittemore, Ph.D., National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), vicky.whittemore@nih.gov, 240-274-6696.
Questions people ask
Is FOR-NS-25-016 still open?
Not yet. It is a forecast: expected deadline February 25, 2026.
Who can apply for Forecast for NINDS Exploratory Grant Program in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research (P20 - Clinical Trial Optional)?
National Institutes of Health accepts applications from nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments, tribes, small businesses and businesses. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.
What is the deadline for Forecast for NINDS Exploratory Grant Program in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research (P20 - Clinical Trial Optional)?
Expected deadline February 25, 2026. Confirm the date and time in the official notice on Grants.gov.
How much funding is available?
About $3.0 million in total across about 6 awards.
Who has won Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders grants before?
The largest recipients over five fiscal years were The General Hospital Corporation, The Regents of the University of California, San Francisco, The Johns Hopkins University. The program made 8,641 awards worth $9.1 billion in that time.
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