Notice of Intent to Publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement for Community-Partnered Nursing Research Centers (P20 Clinical Trial Optional)

The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, intends to publish a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) for the establishment of Community-Partnered Nursing Research Centers under the P20 activity code. This forecasted grant initiative aims to foster nursing-led research programs that engage with communities to tackle persistent health challenges through interdisciplinary approaches. The FOA is categorized as discretionary, and no cost-sharing or matching is required. The core objective of the P20 Exploratory Centers is to build capacity for community-partnered research led by nursing professionals. These centers are expected to establish centralized research infrastructure within Schools or Colleges of Nursing (SON/CONs), enhance community-partnered research competencies, and develop interdisciplinary teams of nurse-led researchers. These teams are encouraged to actively collaborate with community partners throughout the research lifecycle—from development to implementation and evaluation—ensuring that projects are directly aligned with community needs and advance the broader mission of the NINR. This notice is issued in advance of the official NOFO release to allow applicants adequate time to form collaborative relationships and develop well-aligned proposals. While detailed funding specifics such as total program funding, award ceiling, and award floor are not yet available, the estimated application due date is August 12, 2025. The FOA is expected to be posted by June 13, 2025, and award announcements are estimated to be made by April 1, 2026, with the same date projected for project start. Eligible applicants include a diverse range of institutions such as nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, state and local government entities, tribal organizations (both federally and non-federally recognized), school districts, public housing authorities, and both public and private institutions of higher education. For-profit entities, including both small businesses and other corporations, are also eligible. The official contact for this opportunity is Dr. Karen A. Kehl, PhD, RN, who can be reached at 301-594-8010 or via email at karen.kehl@nih.gov. As this is a forecasted opportunity, applicants are encouraged to monitor the official Grants.gov platform for updates and the formal publication of the NOFO.