Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 20 259
The NIAID New Innovator Awards (DP2, Clinical Trial Not Allowed) is a discretionary NIH grant opportunity designed to back Early Stage Investigators who show exceptional creativity and who want to pursue bold, high-impact ideas aligned with the mission priorities of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). The program is aimed at researchers proposing novel, original, and insightful concepts that could substantially move a field forward, challenge existing scientific assumptions, or open up entirely new ways of thinking about major biomedical problems within NIAID's broad scope (for example, infectious diseases, immunology, allergy, and related areas). The opportunity explicitly encourages proposals that push beyond traditional boundaries, including unexpected convergence of different disciplines, fresh scientific directions, and the development or application of novel methods or approaches.
A defining feature of this opportunity is its focus on innovation and investigator potential rather than incremental advances. Applications are expected to present research ideas that may be higher risk but are positioned to deliver outsized impact if successful. NIAID also emphasizes openness to applicants from diverse backgrounds and welcomes projects on any topic that fits within NIAID's mission, reflecting the program's intent to bring in new voices, perspectives, and unconventional problem-solving strategies.
The funding mechanism is a grant under the NIH DP2 activity code, and it falls under the Health funding activity category (CFDA 93.855). As noted in the title and requirements, clinical trials are not allowed under this announcement, meaning applicants should not propose studies that meet NIH's definition of a clinical trial. This typically steers proposed work toward preclinical research, mechanistic studies, technology development, computational or systems approaches, basic immunology, or other non-clinical-trial human research that stays outside the clinical trial definition.
Eligibility is broad across U.S.-based organizations and includes many common applicant types such as public and private institutions of higher education, state and local governments, independent school districts, special district governments, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, and public housing or Indian housing authorities. It also includes nonprofit organizations (both with and without 501(c)(3) status), for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), and small businesses. In addition, the announcement highlights a range of other eligible applicants, including 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, U.S. territories or possessions, and Indian/Native American tribal governments that are not federally recognized.
At the same time, the opportunity draws clear boundaries around foreign participation. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply as the applicant organization. However, foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed, which can permit certain project elements or collaborations to occur internationally under an otherwise eligible U.S. applicant organization, subject to NIH policy and justification.
Key administrative details from the source listing include the Funding Opportunity Number PAR-20-259, the sponsoring agency as the National Institutes of Health, and an original closing date of 2022-10-14. The listing also shows an award ceiling of $300,000, though prospective applicants typically need to confirm current budget rules, project period expectations, and any updates by reviewing the full NIH funding announcement and related NIAID guidance.Apply for PAR 20 259
- The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "NIAID New Innovators Awards (DP2 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.855.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2020-08-14.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2022-10-14. (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 $300,000.00 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 NIAID New Innovator Awards (DP2, Clinical Trial Not Allowed) opportunity?
It is a discretionary NIH grant opportunity from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) that uses the NIH DP2 activity code. It is designed to support Early Stage Investigators who demonstrate exceptional creativity and want to pursue bold, high-impact research ideas aligned with NIAID mission priorities.
What is the main goal of this DP2 program?
The program prioritizes innovation and investigator potential over incremental advances. It seeks novel, original, and insightful concepts that could substantially move a field forward, challenge existing scientific assumptions, or open up entirely new ways of thinking about major biomedical problems within NIAID's broad scope.
What kinds of research topics are considered a fit?
Any topic that fits within NIAID's mission is encouraged. Examples mentioned include infectious diseases, immunology, allergy, and related areas. The opportunity welcomes projects across NIAID's broad scope so long as they align with NIAID mission priorities.
What types of ideas does NIAID want to see in applications?
Applications are expected to propose bold, high-impact ideas, including concepts that push beyond traditional boundaries. The announcement explicitly encourages unexpected convergence of different disciplines, fresh scientific directions, and the development or application of novel methods or approaches.
Are high-risk projects appropriate for this opportunity?
Yes. The opportunity emphasizes research ideas that may be higher risk but are positioned to deliver outsized impact if successful.
Does this program focus more on the investigator or the project?
A defining feature described is its focus on innovation and investigator potential rather than incremental advances.
Are clinical trials allowed under this announcement?
No. Clinical trials are explicitly not allowed. Applicants should not propose studies that meet the NIH definition of a clinical trial.
If clinical trials are not allowed, what kinds of research approaches are generally implied?
The information indicates this restriction typically steers projects toward areas such as preclinical research, mechanistic studies, technology development, computational or systems approaches, basic immunology, or other non-clinical-trial human research that stays outside the NIH clinical trial definition.
What is the funding mechanism and activity code for this opportunity?
The funding mechanism is a grant using the NIH DP2 activity code.
What is the funding activity category and CFDA number shown in the listing?
The listing identifies the funding activity category as Health and provides CFDA 93.855.
Who is the sponsoring agency?
The sponsoring agency is the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the opportunity is associated with NIAID.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?
The Funding Opportunity Number provided is PAR-20-259.
What was the original closing date shown in the source listing?
The source listing shows an original closing date of 2022-10-14.
What is the award ceiling shown in the listing?
The listing shows an award ceiling of $300,000.
Should applicants rely only on the listing for the most current budget rules and project period expectations?
No. The information notes that prospective applicants typically need to confirm current budget rules, project period expectations, and any updates by reviewing the full NIH funding announcement and related NIAID guidance.
Who is eligible to apply as an organization?
Eligibility is described as broad across U.S.-based organizations. Examples listed include public and private institutions of higher education, state and local governments, independent school districts, special district governments, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, and public housing or Indian housing authorities.
Are nonprofit organizations eligible?
Yes. The eligible applicant types include nonprofit organizations both with and without 501(c)(3) status.
Are for-profit organizations eligible?
Yes. For-profit organizations are included as eligible applicants (other than small businesses), and small businesses are also listed as eligible.
Are small businesses eligible to apply?
Yes. Small businesses are specifically included among eligible applicant types.
Are minority-serving institutions and similar organizations highlighted as eligible?
Yes. The announcement highlights eligibility for organizations 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), and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs).
Are faith-based or community-based organizations eligible?
Yes. Faith-based or community-based organizations are listed among eligible applicants.
Are federal agencies eligible to apply?
The eligible applicant types listed include eligible federal agencies.
Are U.S. territories or possessions eligible?
Yes. U.S. territories or possessions are included in the list of eligible applicants.
Are Indian/Native American tribal governments that are not federally recognized eligible?
Yes. Indian/Native American tribal governments that are not federally recognized are listed among eligible applicants.
Can a non-U.S. (non-domestic) organization apply as the applicant organization?
No. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities are not eligible to apply as the applicant organization.
Can a non-domestic component of a U.S. organization apply?
No. Non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply as the applicant organization.
Are any international elements allowed at all?
Yes. While non-U.S. entities cannot apply as the applicant organization, foreign components (as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement) are allowed. This can permit certain project elements or collaborations to occur internationally under an otherwise eligible U.S. applicant organization, subject to NIH policy and justification.
Is the program open to applicants from diverse backgrounds?
Yes. NIAID emphasizes openness to applicants from diverse backgrounds and welcomes projects on any topic within its mission, reflecting an intent to bring in new voices, perspectives, and unconventional problem-solving strategies.
Does the opportunity encourage interdisciplinary or cross-disciplinary research?
Yes. The description explicitly encourages proposals that push beyond traditional boundaries, including unexpected convergence of different disciplines.
What should applicants keep in mind about the "clinical trial not allowed" restriction?
The key point provided is that applicants should not propose studies that meet NIH's definition of a clinical trial. Applicants should shape their research plan accordingly to stay outside that definition.
Where should applicants look to confirm final requirements and any updates?
The information indicates applicants should review the full NIH funding announcement and related NIAID guidance to confirm current rules (including budget expectations and any changes from the listing).
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Health
Next opportunity: NEI Audacious Goals Initiative: Translation-Enabling Models to Evaluate Survival and Integration of Regenerated Neurons in the Visual System (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Previous opportunity: Implementation of the Quagga and Zebra Mussel Action Plan (QZAP) in the Western United States
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 PAR 20 259
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PAR 20 259) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Disseminating and Implementing Patient-Centered Outcomes Research (PCOR) Evidence into Practice through Interoperable Clinical Decision Support Apply for PA 20 074 Funding Number: PA 20 074 Agency: Agency for Health Care Research and Quality Category: Health Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Mentored Career Development Program (K01) for Early Stage Investigators Using Nonhuman Primate Research Models (K01 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 20 258 Funding Number: PAR 20 258 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Multi-disciplinary Machine-assisted, Genomic Analysis and Clinical Approaches to Shortening the Rare Diseases Diagnostic Odyssey (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA TR 20 030 Funding Number: RFA TR 20 030 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| HeartShare: Next-Generation Phenomics to Define Heart Failure Subtypes (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA HL 21 015 Funding Number: RFA HL 21 015 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| HIV Vaccine Research and Design (HIVRAD) Program (P01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 21 024 Funding Number: PAR 21 024 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $2,500,000 |
| NEI Audacious Goals Initiative: Translation-Enabling Models to Evaluate Survival and Integration of Regenerated Neurons in the Visual System (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA EY 20 001 Funding Number: RFA EY 20 001 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Advanced Laboratories for Accelerating the Reach and Impact of Treatments for Youth and Adults with Mental Illness (ALACRITY) Research Centers (P50 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 20 293 Funding Number: PAR 20 293 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Modules for Enhancing Biomedical Research Workforce Training (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 20 296 Funding Number: PAR 20 296 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Request for Information (RFI) for Improved Health Service Delivery activity (IHSD) Apply for 72052120R00021 Funding Number: 72052120R00021 Agency: Haiti USAID-Port Au Prince Category: Health Funding Amount: $80,000,000 |
| HeartShare: Next Generation Phenomics to Define Heart Failure Subtypes and Treatment Targets Data Translation Center (U54 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA HL 21 016 Funding Number: RFA HL 21 016 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $2,445,000 |
| Limited Competition: Small Research Grant Program for NIAID K01/K08/K23 Recipients (R03 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 20 290 Funding Number: PAR 20 290 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Limited Competition: Exploratory and Developmental Research Grant Program for NIAID K01/K08/K23 Recipients (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 20 291 Funding Number: PAR 20 291 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Basket Clinical Trials of Drugs Targeting Shared Molecular Etiologies in Multiple Rare Diseases (U44 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for RFA TR 20 032 Funding Number: RFA TR 20 032 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIAID Research Education Program (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 20 289 Funding Number: PAR 20 289 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $325,000 |
| Basket Clinical Trials of Drugs Targeting Shared Molecular Etiologies in Multiple Rare Diseases (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for RFA TR 20 031 Funding Number: RFA TR 20 031 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Drug Development Collaboratory (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PAR 20 301 Funding Number: PAR 20 301 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Water Resources Management for Enhanced Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WRM-WASH) Apply for 72062020RFA00009 Funding Number: 72062020RFA00009 Agency: Nigeria USAID-Abuja Category: Health Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Otolaryngology Residency Mentored Research Pathway (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DC 20 002 Funding Number: RFA DC 20 002 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $499,999 |
| Understanding Evolutionary Dynamics of Influenza to Inform and Improve Vaccine Strain Selection (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA AI 20 055 Funding Number: RFA AI 20 055 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Cohort Studies To Improve Our Understanding of Influenza Immunity, Vaccine Response and Effectiveness in Older Adults (65 years and older) (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA AI 20 060 Funding Number: RFA AI 20 060 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health 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 "PAR 20 259", 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.