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NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant

INCLUDE Project: Exploratory/Developmental Research Awards for Down syndrome

Funds early, exploratory Down syndrome research — a novel idea or new use of an existing method, even where the answer is unproven.

The INCLUDE Project is NIH's cross-institute effort to improve health and quality of life for people with Down syndrome, covering the condition itself and everything that co-occurs with it. This notice is the smallest and earliest-stage of three INCLUDE research awards, for new exploratory and developmental work.

Two kinds of project are given as examples. Assessing the feasibility of a genuinely

New exploratory and developmental research projects addressing critical needs identified by the INCLUDE Project for Down syndrome and its co-occurring conditions — assessing the feasibility of a novel investigation or experimental system, or applying an existing methodology in an innovative way. A clinical trial is not allowed under this R21 mechanism.

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 Jun 2028
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.$1M

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: RFA-OD-27-003Source: www.grants.gov