NIMH Short Courses for Mental Health-Related Research Education (R25) | PAR 17 082

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 17 082

The NIMH Short Courses for Mental Health-Related Research Education (R25) grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number PAR-17-082) is a discretionary NIH grant designed to support research education activities that fall within the National Institute of Mental Health mission. It sits under the NIH Research Education Program (R25), which focuses on building and strengthening the research workforce through structured educational offerings rather than traditional, full-time degree training. In practical terms, this program is aimed at developing and delivering short, targeted courses that help expand the skills of people engaged in, or preparing for, mental health-related research across biomedical, behavioral, and clinical domains.

The central purpose of this funding is workforce development: NIMH wants to support educational activities that complement and/or enhance existing training pathways so the United States has a stronger pipeline of researchers equipped to meet national mental health research needs. The emphasis on "short courses" typically means intensive, focused instruction (often workshops, institutes, boot camps, modular courses, or other time-limited learning experiences) that can quickly build competency in specific methods, approaches, or emerging areas relevant to mental health research. The overall intent is to improve research readiness and capability by providing well-designed educational content that fills gaps not fully addressed by standard academic curricula or existing institutional training programs.

This opportunity is categorized as a grant (FundingInstrumentType: Grant) within the health funding activity category, associated with CFDA number 93.242. The listing indicates an award ceiling of $200,000, which suggests the program is meant to fund a defined educational effort at a scale appropriate for course development, course delivery, participant support costs where allowable, evaluation, and related administrative needs (specific allowable costs and budget structure would be detailed in the full FOA and NIH policy guidance). The source data also notes an original closing date of 2019-05-24 and a creation date of 2016-12-13, so anyone considering applying would need to confirm whether the FOA remains active, has been reissued, or has updated due dates and requirements.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S.-based organizations and governments that can credibly carry out high-quality research education. Eligible applicants include state, county, city or township governments, special district governments, independent school districts, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, and private institutions of higher education. The eligibility list also includes Native American tribal governments (federally recognized), public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, and Native American tribal organizations that are not federally recognized tribal governments. In addition, nonprofits are eligible whether or not they have 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not institutions of higher education in those categories), and for-profit organizations (other than small businesses) and small businesses are also listed as eligible. The FOA also highlights additional eligible applicant types such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs), 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 broad eligibility reflects an intent to reach diverse training environments and communities, including institutions that serve populations historically underrepresented in biomedical and behavioral research.

At the same time, there are clear restrictions related to foreign involvement. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations) and non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign institutions) are explicitly not eligible to apply. In addition, non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply, and foreign components (as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement) are not allowed. In other words, the applicant organization and the supported program activities must be structured in a way that complies with NIH restrictions on foreign components for this specific opportunity, and prospective applicants are directed to consult the FOA for the full eligibility details and definitions.

Overall, PAR-17-082 is best understood as NIMH support for high-impact, time-limited educational programming that strengthens the mental health research workforce. It is geared toward organizations that can design and deliver rigorous short courses with clear learning objectives, strong instructional expertise, and an evaluation approach that demonstrates the course improves participants knowledge and skills in areas that matter to mental health-related research. For definitive requirements on course structure, participant populations, allowable costs, review criteria, and application instructions, the FOA and NIH Grants Policy Statement are the controlling sources.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "NIMH Short Courses for Mental Health-Related Research Education (R25)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.242.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2016-12-13.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2019-05-24. (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 $200,000.00 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.

Apply for PAR 17 082

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