NEI Clinical Research Study Planning Grant Program (R34 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
About
The NEI supports large-scale clinical vision research projects, including randomized clinical trials and epidemiologic studies on eye/vision conditions. At the time of submission, applications requesting support for these activities are expected to provide detailed information regarding the study rationale, design, analytic methods, protocols and procedures, facilities and environment, organizational structure, and collaborative arrangements. This information is best conveyed in a study protocol and Manual of Procedures (MOP), the development of which represents a costly and time-consuming activity. This clinical research planning grant funding opportunity supports applicants in their planning efforts to conduct collaborative clinical research. The grant may be used to support the development of a study protocol and MOP, as well as to conduct preliminary studies to refine study procedures or document recruitment potential. The grant must not be used to generate data on the effects of a proposed intervention. This NEI NOFO is applicable to both epidemiologic and clinical trial research studies.
The NEI Clinical Research Study Planning Grant Program (R34 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) is a federal funding opportunity designed to support researchers and organizations planning large-scale clinical vision research projects. This grant is ideal for applicants preparing to conduct collaborative clinical research on eye and vision conditions, including randomized clinical trials and epidemiologic studies. The program recognizes that developing comprehensive study protocols and Manuals of Procedures (MOPs) requires substantial time and financial investment. Rather than funding the actual research implementation, this planning grant supports the critical preparation phase—helping applicants develop detailed study designs, analytic methods, organizational structures, and collaborative arrangements. Eligible applicants include HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian serving institutions, AANAPISIs, faith-based and community-based organizations, and eligible federal agencies. Researchers and institutions committed to advancing vision research through rigorous clinical investigation should consider this opportunity to strengthen their grant applications and ensure project readiness. Funding supports protocol development, MOP creation, and preliminary studies to document recruitment potential and refine procedures—but cannot be used to generate intervention outcome data.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
January 7, 2028
Award Amount
Up to $150K
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Grant Amount
Up to $150K
Deadline
2028-01-07
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual
Best For
Research institutions, universities, and organizations planning large-scale clinical vision research and epidemiologic studies on eye and vision conditions
Eligibility
Other Eligible Applicants include the following: Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs); Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government; Faith-based or Community-based Organizations; Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Indian/Native American Tribal Govern
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for NEI Clinical Research Study Planning Grant Program (R34 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)?
Eligible applicants include Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian serving institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), faith-based and community-based organizations, and eligible federal agencies. For a complete and current list of eligible entity types, applicants should consult the official NIH/NEI announcement.
How much funding does NEI Clinical Research Study Planning Grant Program (R34 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) provide?
Funding is available up to $150,000. Actual award amounts may vary based on the specific needs of approved planning activities. Applicants should check the official NEI funding opportunity announcement for the most current funding information.
What can NEI Clinical Research Study Planning Grant Program (R34 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) funding be used for?
Funding supports the planning phase of clinical vision research, including: development of detailed study protocols; creation of Manuals of Procedures (MOPs); preliminary studies to refine study procedures; and documentation of recruitment potential. Importantly, this grant cannot be used to generate data on the effects of a proposed intervention. It is applicable to both epidemiologic and clinical trial research studies on eye and vision conditions.
How do I apply for NEI Clinical Research Study Planning Grant Program (R34 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)?
Applications are submitted through the NIH grants system. Applicants should review the official NEI Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for detailed submission requirements, including required components such as study rationale, design, analytic methods, protocols, facilities information, organizational structure, and collaborative arrangements. The next deadline is January 7, 2028. Visit the official NIH/NEI website for complete application instructions and to submit your proposal.
Last updated: July 5, 2026