Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA NS 18 014
The NIH funding opportunity "BRAIN Initiative: Targeted BRAIN Circuits Planning Projects (TargetedBCPP)" uses the R34 mechanism to support short, focused planning and feasibility work that prepares teams for a larger, full-scale research project. The central purpose is to fund exploratory projects with a limited set of aims that can generate the technical proof points needed for a later R01 application under the companion "Targeted Brain Circuits Projects (TargetedBCP)" announcement. In other words, this R34 is meant to help applicants de-risk and validate key concepts, tools, and approaches before committing to a more comprehensive R01 effort. Clinical trials are not allowed under this announcement, so proposed activities need to stay within non-clinical-trial research boundaries.
Scientifically, the program sits within the broader NIH BRAIN Initiative and emphasizes integrated, innovative approaches to understanding how brain circuit activity relates to mental experience and behavior. The expectation is that projects will not simply collect descriptive data, but will use methodologically connected strategies that can link circuit dynamics to function in a meaningful way. The "planning project" framing signals that reviewers will be looking for clear rationale, strong experimental design, and measurable milestones that demonstrate feasibility, validity, and technical readiness. Successful projects should produce concrete outcomes such as validated methods, demonstrated signal quality, workable pipelines for data acquisition and analysis, evidence that an approach can answer the motivating circuit-level question, or other qualifying results that justify scaling to an R01.
This opportunity is offered as a discretionary grant under NIH, with activity categories spanning education, health, and social services-related domains as reflected in the multiple CFDA listings (93.173, 93.213, 93.242, 93.273, 93.279, 93.286, 93.853, 93.865, 93.866, 93.867). The funding opportunity number is RFA-NS-18-014. The listed award ceiling is $225,000, indicating that budgets are capped at a level consistent with targeted planning and feasibility work rather than large multi-year research programs. The announcement was created on December 14, 2017, and the original closing date shown is April 5, 2021.
Eligibility is broad and includes many standard NIH-eligible institution types: state, county, and local governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments; tribal organizations that are not federally recognized; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not higher education institutions in those categories); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses. In addition, the announcement explicitly highlights other eligible applicant types such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal government agencies, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations). This emphasis signals NIH interest in broad participation and the inclusion of diverse institutional partners in BRAIN-related planning efforts.
Overall, the TargetedBCPP R34 is best understood as a stepping-stone mechanism: it funds tightly scoped, technically focused work that can demonstrate readiness for a subsequent TargetedBCP R01. Competitive applications typically align a compelling circuits-and-behavior question with a practical, milestone-driven plan to establish feasibility and validate the core methods needed to execute a larger, hypothesis-driven or mechanistic circuit project later, while staying clearly outside the definition of a clinical trial.Apply for RFA NS 18 014
- The National Institutes of Health in the education, health, income security and social services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "BRAIN Initiative: Targeted BRAIN Circuits Planning Projects TargetedBCPP (R34 - Clinical Trials Not Allowed)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.173, 93.213, 93.242, 93.273, 93.279, 93.286, 93.853, 93.865, 93.866, 93.867.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2017-12-14.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2021-04-05. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $225,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the name of this NIH funding opportunity?
This opportunity is titled "BRAIN Initiative: Targeted BRAIN Circuits Planning Projects (TargetedBCPP)." It is part of the broader NIH BRAIN Initiative.
What mechanism does this opportunity use?
It uses the NIH R34 mechanism, which is intended to support short, focused planning and feasibility work.
What is the main purpose of the TargetedBCPP (R34) award?
The central purpose is to fund exploratory projects with a limited set of aims that generate technical proof points needed for a later, larger research application. In practical terms, it supports work that de-risks and validates key concepts, tools, and approaches before a team commits to a more comprehensive full-scale project.
How does this R34 relate to a future R01 application?
This R34 is positioned as a stepping-stone toward a later R01 application under the companion "Targeted Brain Circuits Projects (TargetedBCP)" announcement. The expected trajectory is: complete targeted feasibility and validation work under the R34, then use the results to justify and strengthen a subsequent R01 submission.
Is this funding intended for full-scale research projects?
No. The R34 is specifically described as supporting short, focused planning and feasibility work rather than a large multi-year research program.
Are clinical trials allowed under this announcement?
No. Clinical trials are not allowed. Proposed activities must remain within non-clinical-trial research boundaries.
What scientific emphasis does this program have?
The program emphasizes integrated, innovative approaches to understanding how brain circuit activity relates to mental experience and behavior. Projects are expected to do more than collect descriptive data; they should use methodologically connected strategies that link circuit dynamics to function in a meaningful way.
What does NIH mean by a "planning project" in this context?
"Planning project" signals that reviewers will be looking for clear rationale, strong experimental design, and measurable milestones demonstrating feasibility, validity, and technical readiness for a later full-scale project.
What kinds of outcomes are expected from a successful TargetedBCPP project?
Successful projects should produce concrete outcomes that demonstrate readiness to scale, such as validated methods, demonstrated signal quality, workable pipelines for data acquisition and analysis, evidence that an approach can answer the motivating circuit-level question, or other qualifying results that justify moving to an R01.
What is the funding opportunity number?
The funding opportunity number is RFA-NS-18-014.
What is the award ceiling for this opportunity?
The listed award ceiling is $225,000. This cap aligns with the intent to support targeted planning and feasibility work rather than large programs.
When was this announcement created, and what closing date is shown?
The announcement was created on December 14, 2017. The original closing date shown is April 5, 2021.
What agency is offering this grant?
This is an NIH funding opportunity offered as a discretionary grant under the NIH BRAIN Initiative.
Which CFDA listings are associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity references multiple CFDA listings: 93.173, 93.213, 93.242, 93.273, 93.279, 93.286, 93.853, 93.865, 93.866, and 93.867.
What activity categories does this opportunity span?
The activity categories are described as spanning education, health, and social services-related domains, as reflected by the multiple CFDA listings.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes many standard NIH-eligible institution types, including state, county, and local governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments; tribal organizations that are not federally recognized; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not higher education institutions in those categories); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses.
Are minority-serving institutions explicitly highlighted as eligible?
Yes. The announcement explicitly highlights several categories of minority-serving institutions as eligible, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs).
Are faith-based or community-based organizations eligible?
Yes. Faith-based or community-based organizations are explicitly highlighted as eligible applicant types.
Are U.S. territories or possessions eligible to apply?
Yes. U.S. territories or possessions are explicitly listed among the eligible applicant types.
Are foreign (non-U.S.) organizations eligible?
Yes. The opportunity explicitly includes non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations) among eligible applicant types.
Are federal government agencies eligible?
Yes. Eligible federal government agencies are explicitly highlighted as eligible applicant types.
What is the program looking for in terms of project approach?
The program expects integrated, innovative, and methodologically connected strategies that link circuit activity (dynamics) to mental experience and behavior. The approach should be framed around feasibility and validation, with milestones that demonstrate technical readiness for a larger project.
How should applicants think about scope and aims for an R34 under this announcement?
Based on the description, applicants should keep the project tightly scoped with a limited set of aims, focusing on generating technical proof points (feasibility, validity, signal quality, and workable acquisition/analysis pipelines) that support a later R01 under the companion TargetedBCP announcement.
What is the key "fit" test for a strong application?
A strong fit aligns a compelling circuits-and-behavior question with a practical, milestone-driven plan that validates the core methods needed for a subsequent full-scale project, while staying clearly outside the definition of a clinical trial.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services
Next opportunity: Resident Instruction Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas
Previous opportunity: Human Tumor Atlases (HTA) Precancer Atlas Research Centers (U2C)
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for RFA NS 18 014
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (RFA NS 18 014) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| BRAIN Initiative: Development, Optimization, and Validation of Novel Tools and Technologies for Neuroscience Research (SBIR)(R43/R44 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 18 501 Funding Number: PAR 18 501 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN): Small Molecule Drug Discovery and Development for Disorders of the Nervous System (U44) - Clinical Trial Optional Apply for PAR 18 541 Funding Number: PAR 18 541 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BRAIN Initiative: Next-Generation Invasive Devices for Recording and Modulation in the Human Central Nervous System (UG3/UH3 - Clinical Trial Required) Apply for RFA NS 18 021 Funding Number: RFA NS 18 021 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BRAIN Initiative: Next-Generation Invasive Devices for Recording and Modulation in the Human Central Nervous System (U44 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for RFA NS 18 022 Funding Number: RFA NS 18 022 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BRAIN Initiative: Clinical Studies to Advance Next-Generation Invasive Devices for Recording and Modulation in the Human Central Nervous System (UH3 - Clinical Trial Required) Apply for RFA NS 18 023 Funding Number: RFA NS 18 023 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN): Small Molecule Drug Discovery and Development of Disorders of the Nervous System (UG3/UH3) - Clinical Trial Optional Apply for PAR 18 546 Funding Number: PAR 18 546 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| PHS 2018-02 Omnibus Solicitation of the NIH, CDC, and FDA for Small Business Innovation Research Grant Applications (Parent SBIR [R43/R44] Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PA 18 573 Funding Number: PA 18 573 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| PHS 2018-02 Omnibus Solicitation of the NIH, CDC, and FDA for Small Business Technology Transfer Grant Applications (Parent STTR [R41/R42] Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PA 18 576 Funding Number: PA 18 576 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BRAIN Initiative: New Concepts and Early - Stage Research for Large - Scale Recording and Modulation in the Nervous System (R21) (Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA EY 18 001 Funding Number: RFA EY 18 001 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| BRAIN Initiative: New Technologies and Novel Approaches for Large-Scale Recording and Modulation in the Nervous System (R01 Clinical Trials Not Allowed) Apply for RFA NS 18 020 Funding Number: RFA NS 18 020 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BRAIN Initiative: Optimization of Transformative Technologies for Large Scale Recording and Modulation in the Nervous System (U01-Clinical Trials Not Allowed) Apply for RFA NS 18 019 Funding Number: RFA NS 18 019 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Reducing Stigma to Improve HIV/AIDS Prevention, Treatment and Care in Low and Middle- Income Countries (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 732 Funding Number: PAR 18 732 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $125,000 |
| Addressing the Challenges of the Opioid Epidemic in Minority Health and Health Disparities Research in the U.S. (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 745 Funding Number: PAR 18 745 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Addressing the Challenges of the Opioid Epidemic in Minority Health and Health Disparities Research in the U.S. (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 747 Funding Number: PAR 18 747 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BRAIN Initiative: Targeted BRAIN Circuits Projects- TargetedBCP (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA NS 18 030 Funding Number: RFA NS 18 030 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BRAIN Initiative: Development and Validation of Novel Tools to Probe Cell-Specific and Circuit-Specific Processes in the Brain (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA MH 19 136 Funding Number: RFA MH 19 136 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BRAIN Initiative Advanced Postdoctoral Career Transition Award to Promote Diversity (K99/R00 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 18 814 Funding Number: PAR 18 814 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BRAIN Initiative Advanced Postdoctoral Career Transition Award to Promote Diversity (K99/R00 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PAR 18 813 Funding Number: PAR 18 813 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| The Role of Epitranscriptomics in Development and Disease (R01 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 18 830 Funding Number: PAR 18 830 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $499,999 |
| BRAIN Initiative: Standards to Define Experiments Related to the BRAIN Initiative (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA MH 19 146 Funding Number: RFA MH 19 146 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "RFA NS 18 014", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.