RNomics Molecular Standards
Forecast
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 3 awards worth $6.5 million in total. It is a forecast: the notice is expected around October 1, 2026, with applications due around February 15, 2027.
From the official notice on Grants.gov, last changed August 5, 2026. Checked October 31, 2026.
- Award ceilingnot stated
- Award floornot stated
- Expected awards3
- Total funding$6.5 million
- Cost sharingNot required
- Funding typeCooperative Agreement
Key dates
| Forecast posted | August 5, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Expected posting | October 1, 2026 |
| Expected deadline | February 15, 2027 |
| Expected award date | December 1, 2027 |
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 Common Fund, in partnership with other NIH Institutes and Centers, plans to issue Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) for the RNomics program, which seeks to develop tools for studying the full set of RNA molecules (the RNome) in cells and tissues. The program will support technologies and resources that enable integrated analysis of RNA sequences, modifications, structures, locations, interactions, and functions to advance understanding of health and disease. RNomics includes four initiatives: technology enhancement centers, transformative technologies, molecular standards, and a coordinating center. Applications are not being solicited at this time. This notice is being provided to give potential applicants time to develop meaningful collaborations and strong projects. This NOFO will support the molecular standards initiative. Awards will support development, testing, refinement, and distribution of RNA molecular reference standards for use across the RNomics program and the broader research community. The work will include initial and expanded releases of standards for modified nucleosides and modified oligonucleotides, guidance on best practices for selecting and using standards, and planning for long-term availability beyond the funding period. These standards will support benchmarking, reproducibility, and comparison of RNA technologies across laboratories and platforms.
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 Common Fund RNomics Program, cfrnomics@od.nih.gov, Please contact via e-mail..
Questions people ask
Who can apply for RNomics Molecular Standards?
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 RNomics Molecular Standards?
Expected deadline February 15, 2027. Confirm the date and time in the official notice on Grants.gov.
How much funding is available?
About $6.5 million in total across about 3 awards.
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