Paper Applications Only

Questions and Answers Table of Contents

How do I know whether to use a paper application?

If the NIH mechanism (e.g., R01, R03, T32) you wish to apply for has not made the transition to electronic application, submit a paper application.

Find transition timelines on NIH's Transition Plan. Eventually you will use the electronic route for all new and renewal grants.

What forms do I use for a paper application?

Use a PHS 398 Grant Application to submit a paper application for most grant types; for fellowships, use a PHS 416-1.

Can we use expired PHS 398 forms to resubmit a paper application for an RFA?

No. All paper applications must use the new instructions and forms. Read the January 4, 2008, Guide notice for details.

Also, because you're responding to an RFA, be sure to submit as a new application, i.e., with no introduction or reference to a previous application.

How should I prepare my paper application?

For guidance on writing an application, go to Writing a Great Grant Application questions and answers and read our All About Grants Tutorials.

How will I sign my application?

See How will I sign my application? in General Application Information.

Where do I send my paper application?

Find that information in Quick Facts on Research Grant Applications.

Should paper applications be at NIH or postmarked by the receipt date?

NIH uses a receipt date (arrival date) or submission date (postmark date) for different circumstances.

Investigator-initiated applications, such as the R01 and those responding to program announcements, are due on the date you send the application, its postmark date.

Applications responding to announcements with unique receipt dates, e.g., requests for applications and program announcements that identify location of peer review must arrive at NIH by the due date or later if they have a proof-of-mailing dated not later than one week before the due date.

When a deadline is on a weekend or federal holiday, the application is due the next business day.

Read these and other details at the bottom of Standard Due Dates for Competing Applications. Send all parts of your application: the PHS 398 forms, copies, and other materials together.

Can I hand deliver a paper application to CSR?

No. For paper applications, your options are U.S. mail or a commercial courier service. Read Where do I send my paper application?

Can I send my paper application late?

Possibly. For instructions about submitting late, see the NIH Policy on Late Submission of Grant Applications.

The NIH Policy on Late Submission of Grant Applications applies to both paper and electronic applications and highlights differences in requirements for each method.

For additional information, read May I send supplementary or missing materials after a receipt date? and If I forget something, may I send it after the due date?

Can I correct mistakes after I submit my paper application?

Talk to the scientific review officer to see if he or she will allow you to submit supplemental material. You may be able to submit a short document that identifies and corrects the mistakes.

SROs will not replace or remove pages from your original application -- the new material is simply added to your application as a supplement.

How do I submit a video or other multimedia material?

See How do I submit a video or other material that cannot be sent electronically? in the Submitting and Validating Your Electronic Application auestions and answers.

Where can I find more questions and answers about grant applications?

Go to Applying for a Grant, Writing a Great Grant Application, and other Application questions and answers.

What if my question wasn't answered here, or I'd like to suggest a question?

Email deaweb@niaid.nih.gov with the title of this page or its URL and your question or comment. We answer questions by email and post them here. Thanks for helping us clarify and expand our knowledge base.