INCLUDE Project: Exploratory/Developmental Research Awards for Down syndrome (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
About
The NIH INvestigation of Co-occurring conditions across the Lifespan to Understand Down syndromE (INCLUDE) Project seeks to improve health and quality-of-life for individuals with Down syndrome. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) invites researchers to submit applications for support of new exploratory and developmental research projects that address critical needs for Down syndrome projects, as articulated in the INCLUDE Project objectives. For example, such projects could assess the feasibility of a novel area of investigation or a new experimental system that has the potential to enhance health-related research. Another example could include the unique and innovative use of an existing methodology to explore a new scientific area. These studies may involve considerable risk but may lead to a breakthrough in a particular area, or to the development of novel techniques, agents, methodologies, models, or applications that could have a major impact on a field of biomedical, behavioral, or clinical research.
The INCLUDE Project: Exploratory/Developmental Research Awards for Down syndrome (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity designed for researchers seeking to advance understanding of Down syndrome and improve health outcomes for individuals living with the condition. This grant supports new exploratory and developmental research projects that address critical gaps identified by the INCLUDE Project objectives. Researchers can use funding to assess the feasibility of novel research areas, develop new experimental systems, or apply existing methodologies in innovative ways to explore emerging scientific questions. These high-risk, high-reward projects may lead to breakthrough discoveries, novel techniques, agents, methodologies, models, or applications with significant impact on biomedical, behavioral, or clinical research fields. The program welcomes both domestic and international research teams, including non-U.S. organizations and foreign components of U.S. institutions. Researchers investigating co-occurring conditions across the lifespan in Down syndrome populations should review the official NOFO for complete eligibility requirements and project scope.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
June 15, 2028
Award Amount
Up to $200K
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Grant Amount
Up to $200K
Deadline
2028-06-15
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual (Next deadline: June 15, 2028)
Best For
Academic institutions, research organizations, and qualified researchers conducting exploratory Down syndrome research
Eligibility
Refer to Section III. Eligibility Information in the NOFO for additional information on eligibility.Foreign Organizations/International Collaborations:Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) are eligible to apply.Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are eligible to apply.Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for INCLUDE Project: Exploratory/Developmental Research Awards for Down syndrome (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)?
Eligibility criteria are detailed in Section III of the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The program welcomes domestic U.S. entities as well as foreign organizations and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations. Foreign components as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement are allowed. For specific institutional eligibility, research focus requirements, and applicant qualifications, consult the full NOFO on the NIH website.
How much funding does INCLUDE Project: Exploratory/Developmental Research Awards for Down syndrome (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) provide?
Awards typically range from N/A to $200,000. The specific funding amount for your project may vary based on the scope of research, institutional factors, and availability of funds in a given funding cycle. Contact the NIH program officer listed in the NOFO for guidance on budget expectations for your proposed research.
How do I apply for INCLUDE Project: Exploratory/Developmental Research Awards for Down syndrome (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)?
Applications are submitted through the NIH grants portal. You will need to prepare a research proposal that aligns with INCLUDE Project objectives and demonstrates the exploratory or developmental nature of your work. The application should clearly articulate how your research addresses critical needs in Down syndrome research. Visit the NIH website for the current NOFO, submission deadlines, required forms, and detailed instructions. The next deadline is June 15, 2028.
What can INCLUDE Project: Exploratory/Developmental Research Awards for Down syndrome (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) funding be used for?
Funding supports exploratory and developmental research projects addressing INCLUDE Project objectives. Eligible projects may assess the feasibility of novel research areas, develop new experimental systems, or apply existing methodologies in innovative ways. Research may investigate co-occurring conditions across the lifespan in individuals with Down syndrome and may involve considerable risk in pursuit of breakthrough discoveries. Clinical trials are not allowed under this funding mechanism. Refer to the NOFO for specific allowable uses and any restrictions on fund allocation.
Last updated: July 5, 2026