FIC Funding Policies and Considerations

The Fogarty International Center (FIC) distributes its resources among many grant programs. FIC is committed to funding the largest number of meritorious projects possible, while allowing the flexibility needed to support selected program priorities and to respond to emerging scientific opportunities. FIC establishes general guidelines for funding based on the overall appropriation. During the course of any given fiscal year, multiple factors could affect the implementation of the FIC funding strategy. 

Strategy and guidelines: Funding decisions are based on the number of high-quality applications, the overall number of applications, and the availability of funds. FIC funds a large number of initiatives with collaborating funding partners that include other NIH Institutes, Centers and Offices, other government agencies, and non-government organizations.  In certain programs, the program relevance of FIC's funding partners can also be a factor that affects the selection of grants to be funded. Awarded budgets are assessed individually, taking into consideration review group and FIC Advisory Board feedback as one factor.  Funding decisions take into account program relevance and overall portfolio consideration, including responsiveness to the FIC Strategic Plan. Final funding decisions are made by the FIC Director.

Non-competing research project grants and research training awards: In general, FIC will issue non-competing research grant awards at the recommended levels for the fiscal year

New and recompeting awards: To provide adequate funds for new and recompeting grants, funds awarded may be slightly less than the amounts requested in the application or recommended by the Initial Review Group (IRG). 

Unfunded applications: Competing applications submitted and reviewed during a fiscal year that are not funded will be considered in NIH eRA Commons as deactivated at the end of the following year.

Research funding opportunities: FIC solicits applications for research and research training programs through institute-initiated notices of funding opportunities. FIC does not accept investigator initiated unsolicited grants.