NIH Director's Pioneer Award (DP1 Clinical Trial Optional)
Forecast
National Institutes of Health plans to offer grants of up to $700,000 (at least $700,000) to nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments, tribes, small businesses and businesses. It expects to make about 7 awards worth $8.2 million in total. It is a forecast: the notice is expected around March 15, 2027, with applications due around September 9, 2027.
From the official notice on Grants.gov, last changed September 3, 2026. Checked October 31, 2026.
- Award ceiling$700,000
- Award floor$700,000
- Expected awards7
- Total funding$8.2 million
- Cost sharingNot required
- Funding typeGrant
Key dates
| Forecast posted | September 3, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Expected posting | March 15, 2027 |
| Expected deadline | September 9, 2027 |
| Expected award date | August 30, 2028 |
Add the deadline to your calendar
Who can apply
This opportunity is open to nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments, tribes, small businesses and businesses.
- State governments
- County governments
- City or township governments
- Special district governments
- Independent school districts
- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
- Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
- Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Nonprofits that do not have 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)
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).
Is this a realistic fit?
- No cost sharing or match is required.
What the grant funds
The NIH Director's Pioneer Award supports exceptionally creative scientists pursuing bold, innovative research with the potential to transform important areas of science relevant to the NIH mission. Proposed projects must explore new scientific directions that differ substantially from the investigator's current research and from existing work in the field. Applications are welcome across all areas relevant to NIH. The Pioneer Award is part of the NIH Common Fund's High-Risk, High-Reward Research Program.
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 NIH Director's Pioneer Award Program, PioneerAwards@mail.nih.gov, Please contact via e-mail..
Questions people ask
Who can apply for NIH Director's Pioneer Award (DP1 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 NIH Director's Pioneer Award (DP1 Clinical Trial Optional)?
Expected deadline September 9, 2027. Confirm the date and time in the official notice on Grants.gov.
How much funding is available?
Awards of up to $700,000 each. About $8.2 million in total across about 7 awards.
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