Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Funding Policies and Considerations

Visit NIH Fiscal Policies for NIH-wide information on appropriations and other budgetary information (salary limits, stipends, tuition/fees) and Funding Decisions to learn about NIH's consistent and unified approach for making funding decisions. The BRAIN-specific information on this page builds on that general information.

 
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Find additional grants and funding information (mission, interest areas, opportunities, and more) on the NIH Grants & Funding BRAIN Profile page.

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Fiscal Year 2026

Competing Applications

The NIH BRAIN Initiative allocates its resources across a range of programs and funding mechanisms including research project grants, center grants, cooperative agreements, and career-development and training awards. All funding decisions are made in accordance with the NIH Unified Funding Strategy. 

BRAIN considers the following factors in the funding determination process:

  • Scientific merit
  • Program relevance 
  • Portfolio balance
  • Availability of funds 

The BRAIN Initiative is committed to supporting new and early-stage investigators and gives special consideration to applications that address emerging scientific opportunities, fill critical gaps in the research portfolio, or propose innovative and promising approaches. We strongly encourage prospective applicants and recipients to discuss their proposed research ideas with the appropriate program staff before preparing an application.

Non-competing Applications 

Non-competing awards made under the NIH BRAIN Initiative will be made at 90% with the exception of R21s, R25s, R34s and SBIR/STTR, which will be funded at 100%

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