Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA MD 21 002
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity RFA-MD-21-002, titled "Promoting Viral Suppression among Individuals from Health Disparity Populations Engaged in HIV Care (R01 Clinical Trial Required)," is a discretionary grant program designed to fund intervention research projects that can measurably improve HIV outcomes among people living with HIV (PLWH) who come from health disparity populations and who are already engaged in HIV care. The core purpose is to support R01-level clinical trial interventions that increase antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, strengthen ART adherence over time, and ultimately raise the proportion of participants who reach and maintain a suppressed viral load. In practice, this means the program is looking for well-designed, real-world intervention strategies that can be implemented in clinical care settings (or closely linked service settings) and that directly address persistent gaps in treatment uptake and sustained viral suppression for populations that experience disproportionate HIV burden and worse outcomes.
This announcement is specifically for an R01 mechanism and explicitly requires a clinical trial, signaling that applicants are expected to test an intervention prospectively with a rigorous design, clear outcomes, and appropriate analytic methods. The focus on individuals already engaged in HIV care implies that the interventions should target points where people may still fall out of optimal treatment success even after being connected to care, such as delays in starting ART, inconsistent medication adherence, barriers related to stigma or discrimination, unmet mental health or substance use needs, unstable housing, transportation challenges, or structural issues that affect continuity and quality of care. The central outcome of interest is viral suppression, which is the key clinical indicator that ART is working effectively and is also critical for preventing HIV transmission.
A wide range of organizations can apply. Eligible applicant types include state, county, and city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; Native American tribal governments (federally recognized); tribal organizations other than federally recognized tribal governments; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not institutions of higher education in those nonprofit categories); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and other applicants as allowed under NIH rules. The opportunity also highlights additional eligible applicants that NIH particularly calls out for inclusion, 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 agencies, regional organizations, and U.S. territories or possessions. This breadth reflects an intention to encourage applications from institutions and community-linked organizations that are often closely connected to the populations experiencing disparities.
At the same time, there are important limits related to foreign eligibility. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations and foreign institutions) are not eligible to apply as applicant organizations, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply. However, foreign components are allowed under the NIH Grants Policy Statement definition, meaning a U.S.-based applicant may include certain defined foreign activities or collaborations as part of the project if they meet NIH requirements and are appropriately justified, even though the primary applicant must be eligible and domestic.
The funding instrument is a grant under the health funding activity category, associated with CFDA (now Assistance Listing) number 93.307. The award ceiling is listed as $500,000, which typically indicates an upper limit on annual direct costs or total costs depending on the specific NIH announcement terms (applicants usually confirm the exact interpretation in the full solicitation and NIH budget policy). The opportunity record shows an original closing date of January 15, 2021, and a creation date of November 5, 2020, which places it in a defined application window; organizations interested in similar work would generally look for reissued or related NIH funding announcements if applying now.
Overall, this grant opportunity is aimed at producing practical, evidence-based interventions that can be tested through clinical trials and that demonstrably improve ART initiation, adherence, and viral suppression among PLWH from health disparity populations who are already connected to HIV care but still face barriers to achieving and sustaining optimal treatment outcomes. It encourages participation from a broad array of academic, clinical, governmental, tribal, and community organizations, particularly those positioned to design culturally responsive and structurally informed interventions that can close persistent disparity gaps in HIV viral suppression.Apply for RFA MD 21 002
- The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Promoting Viral Suppression among Individuals from Health Disparity Populations Engaged in HIV Care (R01 Clinical Trial Required)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.307.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2020-11-05.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2021-01-15. (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 $500,000.00 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 and number of this NIH funding opportunity?
The funding opportunity is NIH RFA-MD-21-002, titled "Promoting Viral Suppression among Individuals from Health Disparity Populations Engaged in HIV Care (R01 Clinical Trial Required)."
What is the main purpose of this grant?
The purpose is to fund intervention research projects that can measurably improve HIV outcomes for people living with HIV (PLWH) from health disparity populations who are already engaged in HIV care. The emphasis is on interventions that increase antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, strengthen ART adherence over time, and raise the proportion of participants who achieve and maintain viral suppression.
What kind of projects is NIH looking to support under this opportunity?
This opportunity supports well-designed, real-world intervention strategies that can be implemented in clinical care settings (or closely linked service settings) and that directly address persistent gaps in treatment uptake and sustained viral suppression among health disparity populations.
Who is the intended population for the interventions?
The intended population is people living with HIV who come from health disparity populations and who are already engaged in HIV care, but who may still face barriers to starting ART promptly, adhering consistently, or maintaining viral suppression.
Does this opportunity focus on people who are already in HIV care, or people not yet connected to care?
It focuses specifically on individuals who are already engaged in HIV care. The interventions should target why treatment success may still fall short even after someone is connected to care (for example, delayed ART initiation, inconsistent adherence, or challenges that disrupt continuity of care).
What outcomes are most important for this program?
The central outcome of interest is viral suppression. The opportunity also emphasizes ART initiation and sustained ART adherence as key intervention targets because they are directly tied to achieving and maintaining a suppressed viral load.
Why is viral suppression emphasized in this announcement?
Viral suppression is described as the key clinical indicator that ART is working effectively and is also critical for preventing HIV transmission. This opportunity is designed to increase the proportion of participants who reach and maintain suppressed viral load.
Is a clinical trial required?
Yes. The announcement explicitly requires a clinical trial, meaning applicants are expected to test an intervention prospectively using a rigorous design, clear outcomes, and appropriate analytic methods.
What grant mechanism does this opportunity use?
This is an R01 funding opportunity. The R01 mechanism is used here to support R01-level clinical trial intervention research.
What kinds of barriers or gaps are interventions expected to address?
Based on the description, interventions may address issues such as delays in starting ART, inconsistent medication adherence, stigma or discrimination, unmet mental health or substance use needs, unstable housing, transportation challenges, and other structural issues affecting continuity and quality of care.
Where should the intervention be implemented?
The opportunity emphasizes interventions that can be implemented in clinical care settings or in service settings that are closely linked to clinical care.
What types of organizations are eligible to apply?
A wide range of organizations can apply, including state, county, city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; Native American tribal governments (federally recognized); tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments); public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (with the noted limitation that the nonprofit categories specified are "not institutions of higher education"); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and other applicants as allowed under NIH rules.
Does NIH specifically encourage certain types of applicants for this opportunity?
Yes. The opportunity highlights additional eligible applicants NIH calls out for inclusion, 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 agencies; regional organizations; and U.S. territories or possessions.
Are foreign organizations eligible to apply as the main applicant?
No. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations and foreign institutions) are not eligible to apply as applicant organizations.
Can a non-domestic component of a U.S. organization apply?
No. Non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply as the applicant.
Are foreign components allowed in any way?
Yes. The opportunity indicates that foreign components are allowed under the NIH Grants Policy Statement definition. This means a U.S.-based eligible applicant may include appropriately justified foreign activities or collaborations as part of the project, as long as NIH requirements are met.
What is the funding instrument and funding activity category?
The funding instrument is a grant, and it falls under the health funding activity category.
What is the CFDA (Assistance Listing) number associated with this opportunity?
The associated CFDA (now called Assistance Listing) number is 93.307.
What is the award ceiling for this opportunity?
The award ceiling is listed as $500,000. The description notes that this typically indicates an upper limit on annual direct costs or total costs depending on the specific NIH announcement terms, and applicants would confirm the exact interpretation in the full solicitation and NIH budget policy.
When was this opportunity created and when did it close?
The opportunity record shows a creation date of November 5, 2020, and an original closing date of January 15, 2021.
If the closing date has passed, what should an organization do if it wants to pursue similar work?
Because this opportunity reflects a defined application window (with a January 15, 2021 closing date), organizations interested in similar projects would generally look for reissued or related NIH funding announcements if applying now.
What is NIH trying to achieve overall through this program?
NIH is aiming to produce practical, evidence-based interventions that can be tested through clinical trials and that demonstrably improve ART initiation, adherence, and viral suppression among PLWH from health disparity populations who are already connected to HIV care but still face barriers to optimal treatment outcomes.
Does the opportunity emphasize culturally responsive or community-linked approaches?
Yes. The description notes an intention to encourage applications from institutions and community-linked organizations closely connected to populations experiencing disparities, and it emphasizes culturally responsive and structurally informed interventions that can help close disparity gaps in HIV viral suppression.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Health
Next opportunity: Service-Ready Tools for Identification, Prevention, and Treatment of Individuals at Risk for Suicide (R34 Clinical Trial Optional)
Previous opportunity: Feed the Future Bangladesh Livestock and Nutrition Activity
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 MD 21 002
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (RFA MD 21 002) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Exploring the Scientific Value of Existing or New Sepsis Human Biospecimen Collections (R21/R33 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 21 077 Funding Number: PAR 21 077 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIAMS Clinical Trial Implementation Cooperative Agreement (U01 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PAR 21 036 Funding Number: PAR 21 036 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Exploratory Clinical Trial Grants in Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (R21 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PAR 21 045 Funding Number: PAR 21 045 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Service-Ready Tools for Identification, Prevention, and Treatment of Individuals at Risk for Suicide (R43/R44 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA MH 21 112 Funding Number: RFA MH 21 112 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIAAA Resource-Related Research Projects (R24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 21 072 Funding Number: PAR 21 072 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Clinical Observational (CO) Studies in Musculoskeletal, Rheumatic, and Skin Diseases (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 21 053 Funding Number: PAR 21 053 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Service-Ready Tools for Identification, Prevention, and Treatment of Individuals at Risk for Suicide (R34 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA MH 21 111 Funding Number: RFA MH 21 111 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Service-Ready Tools for Identification, Prevention, and Treatment of Individuals at Risk for Suicide (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA MH 21 110 Funding Number: RFA MH 21 110 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Social Drivers of Mental Illnesses in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Mechanisms and Pathways of Interventions for Youth (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA MH 21 160 Funding Number: RFA MH 21 160 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| NEI Collaborative Clinical Vision Project: Resource Center Grant (UG1- Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PAR 21 043 Funding Number: PAR 21 043 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Mood and Psychosis Symptoms during the Menopause Transition (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA MH 21 105 Funding Number: RFA MH 21 105 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NEI Collaborative Clinical Vision Research : Chair's Grant (UG1-Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PAR 21 041 Funding Number: PAR 21 041 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NHLBI Clinical Trial Pilot Studies (R34 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 21 079 Funding Number: PAR 21 079 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $225,000 |
| NEI Collaborative Clinical Vision Research Project: Coordinating Center Grant (UG1 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PAR 21 042 Funding Number: PAR 21 042 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Analytical Validation of a Candidate Biomarker for Neurological or Neuromuscular Disorders(U01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 21 056 Funding Number: PAR 21 056 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Mood and Psychosis Symptoms during the Menopause Transition (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA MH 21 106 Funding Number: RFA MH 21 106 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Clinical Validation of a Candidate Biomarker for Neurological or Neuromuscular Disorders (U44 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 21 059 Funding Number: PAR 21 059 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Analytical Validation of a Candidate Biomarker for Neurological or Neuromuscular Disorders (U44 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 21 057 Funding Number: PAR 21 057 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD) (T32 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 21 025 Funding Number: PAR 21 025 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Clinical Validation of a Candidate Biomarker for Neurological or Neuromuscular Disorders (U01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 21 058 Funding Number: PAR 21 058 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health 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 MD 21 002", 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.