🪴 Oliver’s Note - NIH rapidly awarding grants as fiscal year ends
My previous concern (see Grant & Growth #5) about the executive branch withholding congressionally appropriated funds for the NIH is easing. A September 12th Stat News article reports a surge in NIH grant-making, suggesting the full $47B FY25 budget may be spent. I hear from colleagues at NIH that the activity levels in the grants management teams is very high, and the focus is on getting Notices of Award out the door in the last few days of FY2025.
This is a welcome change after spring and summer reports of delayed spending due to proposal evaluation pauses, layoffs, and additional layers of political review, and is great news for all the research programs across the US that have pending awards. It is less clear what is happening to many of the canceled grants and programs - some have been reinstated but with unrealistically short time-lines to complete. Even with the flow of awards increasing much damage has been done, and many scientists’ careers have been affected.
Looking ahead to FY2026, a similar outcomes has two big dependencies: IF Congress goes on to appropriate the $48B for the NIH that is currently in House and Senate spending bills, and then IF the executive branch spends it. The news that NIH’s FY2025 is ending with a bang, suggests that FY26, beginning October 1st, could well be a more predictable year for grant applicants. This is encouraging news, as stability is needed in US science. Of course, first we would have to get past any shutdown that may occur.
🗓️ Upcoming Grants
Standard NIH Due Dates
For new R01 submissions these are Feb 5, June 5, Oct 5
For R01 renewal, resubmission or revisions these are Mar 5, July 5, Nov 5
For more information check out the NIH Standard Due Dates page.
NIH
The Stephen I. Katz Early Stage Investigator Research Project Grant supports innovative, direction-changing research for early-stage investigators when no preliminary data exist, with two funding opportunities and their institute-specific details, submission timelines, and contacts, honoring Dr. Katz’s vision to encourage mentorship, bold thinking, and exploration of new research directions.
Webpage link (PAR-25-322 and PAR-25-323)
Early Stage Investigators (ESI)
deadlines: January 27/May 27/September 28, 2026 and more
funding amount - typical R01 budgeting
The V Foundation
The V Foundation has a portfolio of five grant types, awarded via institutions such as NCI-designated cancer centers and other cancer research facilities, via an internal competition held at that institution. Check with your’s if they participate. These awards are made in the first half of the year, and although the 2026 program has not yet been announced it is never too early to explore.
V Scholar Grant: A three-year grant of $200,000 per year aimed at early-career, tenure-track researchers for laboratory-based or translational projects.
Translational Grant: A four-year grant of $200,000 per year focused on moving research from bench to bedside, including biomarker development and clinical trial planning.
All-Star Grant: A $1,000,000 grant payable over five years for former V Scholar, Translational, or designated recipients, targeting innovative cancer research ideas.
Game-Changer Grant: Flexible, donor-driven opportunities for basic or translational research, contingent on fundraising milestones (e.g., $3,000,000 raised to trigger a stand-alone grant).
Mission Grant: Smaller grants under $100,000 per year supporting educational projects that enhance research processes and trial enrollment and outreach.
More information link
🦋 Growth Mindset - Just Why?
Core to coaching is asking the client open ended questions, as you explore together.
The client leads as they are the expert on their life, after all, and by keeping the questions open ended the coach avoids leading.
It was interesting to see one of the most famous marketing slogans get a coaching makeover recently.
Nike’s “Just Do It” became “Why Do It?” for a while this month. “Just Do It” licenses you to set aside caution and take action, which is powerful, but also does not address understandable hesitation that many might feel. The “Why Do It?” approach, apparently developed by Nike to meet a new generation where they are, starts the conversation at the point of motivation. This is more likely to allow exploration of potential blocks that people experience to action they wish to take, a key focus of coaching. Not everyone will just do something, and those who won’t might get there if they first establish why they would.
🏆 Success Tools - Grant Courses
Did you know that I offer courses on grant writing?
If you are not focused this week on hitting the impending October NIH deadline, and are planning further ahead, perhaps there is something helpful for you on my Online Courses website.
I have a free, Writing a Successful Grant Checklist - something to help you plan well ahead.
In addition I have self-paced courses on Mastering Specific Aims, Writing the Research Strategy as well as Navigating NIH Study Section and Understanding the Reviewer Mindset. Also, if you are resubmitting an application, checkout my Resubmission Success Strategy course.
One thing I noticed in my years of working with grants and grant writers is how different work styles can have a profound impact on the experience, the stress and the success of the team that it takes for any grant to be submitted. Why not take my free What Kind Of Grant Writer Are You? course to find out about your own style?
🗞️ Science & Policy Updates
NIH Updates System for Grants with Foreign Components
STAT News reports that next year, NIH will launch a new grant framework for international research projects, seeking to enhance data visibility, integrity, and accountability. This reform has sparked debate, raising concerns about equitable access to funding and the burden on smaller organizations. The impact on international research remains under discussion.
Book a meeting via my website www.bogler.cc
Send an email to me at: [email protected]