Funding Tutorial

Electronic Submission Process

The National Institutes of Health is transitioning from paper submission of grant applications to electronic submission via the web portal of Grants.gov, while simultaneously phasing out the PHS398 grant application form and replacing it with the SF424 [Research and Research-related (R&R)] application. This staged transition began in December 2005 and will culminate in September 2007.

Applicants should carefully note the transition date for the grant program for which they wish to apply to determine if they submit on paper or electronically. Applications for the research program transitioning receipt date and beyond must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov. Applications for receipt dates before the transition must be submitted on a paper PHS398 application form.

• Electronic Application Process
  Refer to the chart found at this link or to the Electronic Application Process page for a detailed description of the process.
• Electronic Submission Timeline (graphic format)
  NIH’s planned timeline for transitioning all competing grant programs (mechanisms) by September 2007.
• Electronic Submission Timeline (chart format)
  The timeline above in a chart format.
• Countdown Chart
  This chart outlines the approximate time needed to prepare for electronic submission, from registration to submission.

Understanding the Application Process

• Quick Guide for Grant Applications
  Acquaints new investigators with common flaws and problems that lead to "unfundable" applications, also provides a guide for examining these pitfalls, links to resources, references, and tools on the NCI Division of Extramural Activities website.
• Public Health Service Grant (PHS) 398 Application
  Contains information and suggestions especially pertinent to cancer-control research, along with more generic information. It has been modified to specifically meet the needs of investigators preparing applications for laboratory-based research projects.
• Preparing Grant Applications
  An index of available NIH resources including tutorials, forms, award descriptions, and policy statements.
• Center for Scientific Review (CSR)
  Provides staff support to the Office of the Director, NIH, in the formulation of grant application review policies and procedures, and provides for the scientific review of most NIH research grants.
• NCI Office of Acquisitions
  Offers resources on applying for contracts with NCI.