# NIH Director's Early Independence Award (DP5 Clinical Trial Optional)

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/rfa-rm-28-004-nih-director-s-early-independence-award-dp5-clinical/  
Official notice: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/363800

> National Institutes of Health plans to offer grants of up to $350,000 (at least $350,000) to nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments, tribes, small businesses and businesses. It expects to make about 10 awards worth $5.7 million in total. It is a forecast: the notice is expected around March 15, 2027, with applications due around September 10, 2027.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Opportunity number | RFA-RM-28-004 |
| Agency | National Institutes of Health |
| Status | Forecast |
| Deadline | expected September 10, 2027 |
| Award ceiling | $350,000 |
| Award floor | $350,000 |
| Expected awards | 10 |
| Total funding | $5.7 million |
| Cost sharing | not required |
| Assistance Listings | 93.310 |

## Who can apply

- 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).

## What the grant funds

The NIH Director's Early Independence Award supports outstanding early-career investigators who are ready to pursue independent research soon after completing their doctoral degree or post-graduate clinical training, without following the traditional postdoctoral path. The award is designed to accelerate the transition to an independent research career. Applications are welcome across all fields relevant to the NIH mission. The Early Independence Award is part of the NIH Common Fund's High-Risk, High-Reward Research Program.

## Questions people ask

### Who can apply for NIH Director's Early Independence Award (DP5 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 Early Independence Award (DP5 Clinical Trial Optional)?

Expected deadline September 10, 2027. Confirm the date and time in the official notice on Grants.gov.

### How much funding is available?

Awards of up to $350,000 each. About $5.7 million in total across about 10 awards.