Opportunity Information: Apply for PA 18 728
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity titled "Research on the Health of Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Populations (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)" (Funding Opportunity Number PA 18 728) supports exploratory, early-stage research focused on improving understanding of the health of transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) people across the lifespan. The announcement is an NIH institute/center (IC) reissue of a prior opportunity, updated specifically to align with NIH clinical trial policy requirements, which is why it is labeled "Clinical Trial Optional." In practice, that means applicants may propose studies that do not involve clinical trials (for example, observational, epidemiologic, methodological, or secondary data analyses) or, if appropriate, they may propose work that meets NIH's definition of a clinical trial, as long as it follows the required clinical trial-related application and reporting expectations.
The FOA emphasizes research that addresses the health of TGNC individuals of all ages, including children and adolescents, adults, and people who are questioning their gender identity as well as individuals who are in the process of transitioning or who have already transitioned. The population described includes people whose gender identity differs from the sex listed on their original birth certificate and people whose gender expression differs substantially from what is traditionally associated with that sex. In other words, the scope is intentionally broad, reflecting the diversity within TGNC communities and encouraging studies that can capture variation in identity, expression, lived experiences, and related health outcomes.
This mechanism uses the NIH R21 funding instrument, which is generally intended for exploratory or developmental projects that can generate preliminary data, test innovative hypotheses, develop measures or methods, or open up a new line of inquiry that may later be expanded under larger grant mechanisms. The award ceiling listed is $200,000, indicating a relatively modest budget appropriate for pilot studies, proof-of-concept work, or targeted data collection and analysis rather than large-scale multi-site trials. The activity category is listed under broad public purpose areas (education, environment, health, income security, and social services), but the substance of the FOA is clearly health research centered on TGNC populations. Multiple CFDA numbers are associated with the opportunity, reflecting that more than one NIH institute or program area may participate or that applications may align with different NIH mission areas depending on the specific research topic.
Eligibility is broad and includes many types of organizations that might conduct or partner on health research. Eligible applicants include state, county, city/township, and special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled universities and colleges; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments; tribal organizations that are not federally recognized; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofit organizations (both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3)); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); small businesses; and other entities. The FOA also highlights additional eligible applicants such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities/foreign organizations, and applicants located in a U.S. territory or possession. This breadth signals an intent to encourage participation from a wide range of institutions, including those closely connected to underserved communities and those positioned to reach TGNC populations through clinical, community, educational, or public health systems.
Key administrative details from the posted record include an original closing date of January 7, 2021, and a creation date of March 28, 2018. While the record lists "ExpectedAwards:" without a value, applicants would typically look to the full FOA text and the participating NIH institutes for current paylines, available funds, and anticipated number of awards for specific receipt dates. Overall, the opportunity is designed to stimulate new, innovative research directions that expand the evidence base on TGNC health needs, disparities, risk and protective factors, and potential interventions, with flexibility to include clinical trial work when scientifically justified.Apply for PA 18 728
- The National Institutes of Health in the education, environment, health, income security and social services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Research on the Health of Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Populations (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.113, 93.172, 93.173, 93.242, 93.273, 93.307, 93.313, 93.361, 93.393, 93.394, 93.395, 93.396, 93.399, 93.855, 93.865, 93.866.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2018-03-28.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2021-01-07. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $200,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: 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.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the title and funding opportunity number for this NIH grant?
The opportunity is titled "Research on the Health of Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Populations (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)" and the Funding Opportunity Number (FOA) is PA 18 728.
What is the overall purpose of this funding opportunity?
This NIH opportunity supports exploratory, early-stage research intended to improve understanding of the health of transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) people across the lifespan. It is designed to stimulate innovative research directions and expand the evidence base on TGNC health needs, disparities, risk and protective factors, and potential interventions.
What kinds of research projects does this FOA support?
It supports exploratory and developmental projects appropriate for the NIH R21 mechanism, such as studies that generate preliminary data, test innovative hypotheses, develop measures or methods, or open up a new line of inquiry that could later be expanded under larger grant mechanisms.
What does the R21 mechanism mean in practice?
The NIH R21 is generally used for exploratory or developmental research. In this context, it indicates projects are expected to be pilot-scale, proof-of-concept, method-advancing, or otherwise targeted studies rather than large, definitive efforts.
What is the award ceiling for this opportunity?
The listed award ceiling is $200,000, reflecting a budget level typically aligned with smaller, early-stage projects rather than large-scale, multi-site studies.
What does "Clinical Trial Optional" mean for applicants?
"Clinical Trial Optional" means applicants may propose studies that do not involve a clinical trial (for example, observational, epidemiologic, methodological, or secondary data analyses) or they may propose work that meets NIH's definition of a clinical trial, as long as the application follows required clinical trial-related expectations.
Does this FOA require a clinical trial?
No. The FOA is labeled "Clinical Trial Optional," which indicates a clinical trial is not required. Applicants can propose either non-clinical-trial research or clinical trial research, if appropriate.
If a proposed study meets NIH's definition of a clinical trial, is it still allowed?
Yes. Applicants may propose clinical trial work if it is scientifically justified, but they must follow the required clinical trial-related application and reporting expectations described for NIH clinical trial policy alignment.
What TGNC populations are included in the scope of this opportunity?
The scope is intentionally broad and includes TGNC individuals of all ages, including children and adolescents, adults, individuals questioning their gender identity, individuals in the process of transitioning, and individuals who have already transitioned.
How does the FOA describe transgender and gender nonconforming populations?
The FOA describes TGNC populations as including people whose gender identity differs from the sex listed on their original birth certificate and people whose gender expression differs substantially from what is traditionally associated with that sex.
Is the FOA limited to a narrow definition of TGNC identity or experience?
No. The description emphasizes broad scope and diversity within TGNC communities, encouraging studies that capture variation in identity, expression, lived experiences, and related health outcomes.
Is this funding opportunity new or a reissue?
It is an NIH institute/center reissue of a prior opportunity, updated specifically to align with NIH clinical trial policy requirements, which is why it is labeled "Clinical Trial Optional."
What kinds of study designs are mentioned as examples for non-clinical-trial projects?
Examples provided include observational studies, epidemiologic studies, methodological research, and secondary data analyses.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes many organization types, including various government entities, educational institutions, tribal entities, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, small businesses, and other eligible entities as described in the opportunity summary.
Are government entities eligible?
Yes. Eligible applicants include state, county, city/township, and special district governments.
Are schools and universities eligible to apply?
Yes. Eligible applicants include independent school districts; public and state-controlled universities and colleges; and private institutions of higher education.
Are tribal governments and tribal organizations eligible?
Yes. Eligible applicants include federally recognized tribal governments and tribal organizations that are not federally recognized.
Are nonprofit organizations eligible?
Yes. Eligibility includes nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status and nonprofit organizations without 501(c)(3) status.
Are for-profit organizations eligible?
Yes. For-profit organizations (other than small businesses) are listed as eligible, and small businesses are also listed as eligible.
Are public housing authorities eligible?
Yes. Public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities are included among eligible applicant types.
Are faith-based or community-based organizations eligible to apply?
Yes. The FOA highlights faith-based and community-based organizations among additional eligible applicants.
Are minority-serving institutions specifically encouraged or eligible?
Yes. The FOA highlights additional eligible applicants such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, AANAPISIs, Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs).
Are non-U.S. organizations eligible?
Yes. The FOA includes non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities/foreign organizations as eligible applicants.
Are applicants located in U.S. territories or possessions eligible?
Yes. Applicants located in a U.S. territory or possession are listed among eligible applicants.
Does the opportunity indicate which NIH institutes or programs are involved?
The summary notes multiple CFDA numbers are associated with the opportunity, which suggests more than one NIH institute or program area may participate or that applications may align with different NIH mission areas depending on the research topic.
What are CFDA numbers in this context?
The record indicates multiple CFDA numbers are associated with the opportunity. Based on the summary provided, this reflects that multiple NIH institutes or program areas may be relevant depending on the specific research topic.
How many awards are expected to be made?
The posted record shows "ExpectedAwards:" without a value. Applicants would typically consult the full FOA text and the participating NIH institutes for current funding availability and anticipated number of awards for specific receipt dates.
What are the key dates listed in the opportunity summary?
The record includes a creation date of March 28, 2018, and an original closing date of January 7, 2021.
Is this opportunity focused only on adults?
No. The FOA explicitly emphasizes TGNC health research across the lifespan, including children and adolescents and adults.
Does the FOA include people who are questioning their gender identity?
Yes. The scope includes people who are questioning their gender identity, as well as individuals transitioning or who have already transitioned.
What broad public purpose areas are listed for this opportunity?
The activity category is listed under broad public purpose areas including education, environment, health, income security, and social services, while the substance of the FOA is described as health research centered on TGNC populations.
Is this opportunity intended for large-scale multi-site trials?
The summary characterizes the $200,000 ceiling and R21 mechanism as indicating a modest budget suited to pilot studies, proof-of-concept work, or targeted data collection and analysis rather than large-scale multi-site trials.
What types of organizations does NIH appear to be trying to encourage through this broad eligibility?
Based on the summary, the breadth of eligible entities signals an intent to encourage participation from a wide range of institutions, including those connected to underserved communities and those positioned to reach TGNC populations through clinical, community, educational, or public health systems.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Education, Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services
Next opportunity: Wearable Alcohol Biosensors (SBIR) (R43/R44- Clinical Trial Optional)
Previous opportunity: Support for Colombian Judicial Education
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for PA 18 728
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PA 18 728) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Research on the Health of Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Populations (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 729 Funding Number: PA 18 729 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIH Blueprint Program for Enhancing Neuroscience Diversity through Undergraduate Research Education Experiences (R25) Apply for RFA NS 19 007 Funding Number: RFA NS 19 007 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIH Blueprint Diversity Specialized Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Advancement in Neuroscience (D-SPAN) Award (F99/K00) Apply for RFA NS 19 011 Funding Number: RFA NS 19 011 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Limited Competition: Restoring Research Resources Lost or Damaged Due to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria (R24 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA OD 18 102 Funding Number: RFA OD 18 102 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Short Courses on Innovative Methodologies and Approaches in the Behavioral and Social Sciences (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA OD 19 012 Funding Number: RFA OD 19 012 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| NIH Pathway to Independence Award (Parent K99/R00 Independent Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required) Apply for PA 19 090 Funding Number: PA 19 090 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Mentored Quantitative Research Development Award (Parent K25 - Independent Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required) Apply for PA 19 089 Funding Number: PA 19 089 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (Parent K23 Independent Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required) Apply for PA 19 087 Funding Number: PA 19 087 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (Parent K08 - Independent Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required) Apply for PA 19 086 Funding Number: PA 19 086 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Limited Competition: NeuroImaging Tools and Resources Collaboratory (R24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA EB 18 004 Funding Number: RFA EB 18 004 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| HEAL Initiative: HEALthy Brain and Child Development Study (HEALthy BCD) (Collaborative R34- Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DA 19 029 Funding Number: RFA DA 19 029 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $225,000 |
| Research Enhancement Award Program (REAP) for Health Professional Schools and Graduate Schools (R15 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 19 134 Funding Number: PAR 19 134 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| HEAL Initiative: HEALthy Brain and Child Development Study (HEALthy BCD) ( R34- Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DA 19 036 Funding Number: RFA DA 19 036 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $225,000 |
| Limited Competition for a Connectome Coordination Facility (R24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA MH 20 210 Funding Number: RFA MH 20 210 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $900,000 |
| Transformative Research Award for the INCLUDE (Investigation of Co-occurring Conditions across the Lifespan to Understand Down syndrome) Project (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA OD 19 016 Funding Number: RFA OD 19 016 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Clinical Trials Development for Co-Occurring Conditions in Individuals with Down syndrome: Phased Awards for INCLUDE (R61/R33 Clinical Trials Required) Apply for RFA OD 19 018 Funding Number: RFA OD 19 018 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| INvestigation of Co-occurring conditions across the Lifespan to Understand Down syndromE (INCLUDE) Clinical Trial Readiness (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA OD 19 015 Funding Number: RFA OD 19 015 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| PHS 2019-02 Omnibus Solicitation of the NIH, CDC, and FDA for Small Business Innovation Research Grant Applications (Parent SBIR [R43/R44] Clinical Trial Required Apply for PA 19 273 Funding Number: PA 19 273 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health (R03 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 19 276 Funding Number: PAR 19 276 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 19 274 Funding Number: PAR 19 274 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "PA 18 728", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.