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NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Program (Parent R21) is sponsored by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). This program encourages exploratory and developmental research projects in all NIMH-relevant scientific areas by providing support for the early and conceptual stages of these projects. Universities can utilize this for pilot studies or innovative approaches to school-based mental health.
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NIH Websites Are Changing Opportunities & Announcements Funding Strategy for Grants Grant Writing & Approval Process Non-Clinical trial R21 applications NIMH accepts non-clinical trial R21 applications under the following opportunities: PA-25-304: NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Program (Parent R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) PA-25-150: Joint NINDS/NIMH Exploratory Neuroscience Research Grant (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Applications must support exploratory and foundational research projects aligned with the NIMH scientific mission .
Clinical trial R21 applications NIMH accepts mechanistic clinical trial R21 applications under the following opportunities: PA-25-306: NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Project Grant (Parent R21 Clinical Trial Required) PA-25-307: NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Project Grant (Parent R21 Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required) See the Consolidated Notice on NIMH Clinical Trials Policies (NOT-MH-23-375 ), for a summary of NIMH’s polices on support for mechanistic and other clinical trials.
Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Agency Contacts listed in the targeted funding opportunity before applying. NIMH Extramural Research Programs: Review to understand the broad range of scientific fields supported by NIMH.
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Open to applicants throughout their research careers, including those applying for the first time. Universities are eligible. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows $275,000 over 2 years, with no single year exceeding $200,000. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Program (Parent R21) is funded by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Yes — this listing is flagged as national in scope, so applicants across the U.S. may apply, subject to the sponsor's other eligibility criteria.
Applications go through the funder's official portal — the Apply Now link on this page goes there directly.
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