CFDA 93.853: Extramural Research Programs in Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders
NINDS's primary CFDA for neuroscience and neurological-disorders research. Covers everything from basic neuroscience to clinical trials in stroke, ALS, Parkinson's, MS, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, and more.
What this CFDA funds
Basic neuroscience research, translational studies, clinical trials in neurological disorders, clinical research networks (StrokeNet, NeuroNEXT), research training (T32, F-series, K-series), and strategic initiatives like the BRAIN Initiative and HEAL (Helping to End Addiction Long-term).
What winning applicants look like
Tier-1 research universities and AAU member institutions. NINDS also explicitly funds community-engaged research and health-disparities work in stroke and TBI — these awards have lower competitive pressure than mainstream R01s. Pediatric neurology and rare-disease research has dedicated funding streams.
Common pitfalls + things to know
NIH Stage Model framework applies to clinical-trial proposals — Stage 1 (intervention generation) vs Stage 2 (efficacy testing) vs Stage 3 (effectiveness in real-world settings) determines required design rigor. Specific Aims for translational research must clearly articulate clinical relevance.
Open NOFOs under CFDA 93.853 6 active
Currently posted NOFOs and assistance listings tagged with CFDA 93.853, soonest deadline first. Refreshed Jun 14, 2026.
- Development of Candidate Medical Countermeasures (MCMs) and Technologies Against Chemical or Radiation/Nuclear (CRN) ThreatsNational Institutes of Health · grants.gov · Closes: Rolling / no posted deadline
- HEAL Initiative: Optimization of Therapeutic Medical Devices through Team Science Mechanistic Research (RM1)National Institutes of Health · grants.gov · Closes: Rolling / no posted deadline
- Clinical Trials and Ancillary Studies Conducted within NIH-Funded Clinical Trial Research Networks (UG3/UH3 - Clinical Trial Required)National Institutes of Health · grants.gov · Closes: Rolling / no posted deadline
- Centers without Walls for mechanisms of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias (ADRD)National Institutes of Health · grants.gov · Closes: Rolling / no posted deadline
- Exposomic Contributions to ADRD Pathology and ResilienceNational Institutes of Health · grants.gov · Closes: Rolling / no posted deadline
- Functional Target Validation for Alzheimer's Disease-Related DementiasNational Institutes of Health · grants.gov · Closes: Rolling / no posted deadline
Related CFDAs to also explore
- CFDA 93.310 — Trans-NIH Research Support
- CFDA 93.398 — Cancer Research
- CFDA 93.866 — Aging Research
Reference guides
Evergreen explainers for nonprofit grant offices and federal grant seekers.
- Federal Grants for Nonprofits: A 2026 Guide for 501(c)(3) Organizations — CFDA prefixes, applicant-type code 12, forecasts, the deadline trap.
- The Grants.gov Search Guide: How to Actually Find Federal Grants in 2026 — practical filter walkthrough, native-vs-paid tool comparison.
- → All Grant Wire articles
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Always verify in the official source. CFDA program details, eligibility, and award ranges change with each annual NOFO cycle. Confirm at sam.gov/content/assistance-listings or the agency's program office before you build an application strategy. This page is editorial reference, not an official agency notice.