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NIH Phase 1 Exploratory/Developmental Grant (R61)

Effectiveness Trials to Test Mental Health System Interventions

Funds a feasibility and infrastructure phase, then a well-powered trial, of an intervention aimed at how mental health services are organised and delivered.

System interventions are hard to test because the unit being changed is an organisation, not a patient. This notice funds building the capacity to test one, then testing it.

The first phase covers feasibility and infrastructure development. The second runs a well-powered clinical trial of effectiveness.

What is being tested are system interventions and strategies for improving the organisation,

Phased awards supporting feasibility and infrastructure development followed by well-powered effectiveness trials of system interventions and strategies improving the organisation, delivery and coordination of mental health services and clinical and functional outcomes, spanning structural, policy, organisational and interpersonal domains and addressing access, equity, engagement, value, management, quality and safety. A clinical trial is required.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Multiple per year
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.15 Oct 2027
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.26 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: PAR-25-285Source: www.grants.gov