Grants Process Overview

Learn about the steps required for an application to proceed from planning and submission through to award and closeout. Drill down to learn more about each step in the process for guidance that can maximize your understanding of the grants process and help you submit a successful grant application.

VIDEO OVERVIEW: NIH Grants Process

 

Plan Your Application

Start early, collect preliminary data, and determine internal institution processes and deadlines.

Find and Understand Funding Opportunities

Find funding opportunity announcements (FOAs) through the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts or Grants.gov. Consult with NIH staff to ensure you have selected an appropriate FOA.

How to Apply

Follow instructions in the application guide and the funding opportunity announcement to develop, submit and track your application. Registration in multiple systems is required. Start early! Registration can take 6-8 weeks to complete.

Receipt and Referral

Look in the eRA Commons to learn to which review group and NIH institute or center your application was assigned.

Peer Review Process

Learn about the two stage review process, scoring, and summary statements.

Pre-award and Award Process

Communicate with NIH staff after your application scores well in peer review to submit just-in-time information and to participate in award negotiations with the funding Institute or Center.

Post Award Monitoring and Reporting

Find details of award management and reporting processes in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.

NIH Sharing Policies

Make the results and accomplishments of your research available to the public as required by NIH policies.