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National Institutes of Health · Department of Health and Human Services

HEAL Initiative: Pain Research Enhancement Program (PREP) (R15 Clinical Trial Optional)

Open

Key facts

Deadline
Due Nov 23, 2026 · 47 days left
Award size
Up to $375K
Match ?
Not required · Work out your budget and match
Who can apply
Private college or university, Public college or university, and others named in the official notice
Where
Anywhere in the U.S., including Tennessee

Before you apply: federal grants require an active SAM.gov registration (Unique Entity ID) and a Grants.gov account. Registration is free but can take weeks, so start now, not when the deadline is close. Get-ready checklist

How this fits you

  • Available in Gibson County (nationwide program)
  • No match required
  • Past Tennessee awards on file: 584

Tell us who you are to see whether you're eligible.

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More from National Institutes of Health

About this grant

The purpose of this initiative is to: (1) support the efforts by R15-eligible Principal Investigators (PIs) to conduct rigorous basic and/or mechanistic pain research projects; (2) promote integrated, interdisciplinary research partnerships between R15-eligible PIs and additional investigators from U.S. domestic institutions, and (3) enhance the pain research environment at the R15-eligible institution for health professional trainees or undergraduate and/or graduate students by actively engaging them in the proposed pain research projects.

Who can apply, from the official notice

Other Eligible Applicants include the following: 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) ; Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) are not eligible to apply. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply. Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed.

Ask a partner for a letter

Your schedule, working back from the deadline

  1. Oct7
    Check that your SAM.gov registration is active (or start it now)
    Grants.gov: allow up to 10 business days for SAM registration, weeks or months if information isn't verified. It must be renewed every year. Grants.gov
  2. Nov2
    Ask partners for letters of support or commitment
    Suggested: partners need about three weeks to write and sign letters.
  3. Nov16
    Finish a complete draft for a final review
    Suggested: leave about a week for someone else to read the draft.
  4. Nov21
    Submit
    Grants.gov: submit at least 24–48 hours before the deadline: uploads fail, systems slow down, errors need fixing. Grants.gov blog
  5. Nov23
    Deadline
    From the funder.

Save this grant to put these dates in My grants and your private calendar.

Writing the need statement? Gibson County facts with citations.

Who in Tennessee has won this program

158 awards to Tennessee groups in 6 counties since 1977 · 0 in Gibson County. Largest shown:

Past Tennessee winners
Past winnerWhereAmountFiscal year
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, Davidson County$39.5M spent that year2025
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, Davidson County$37.5M2021
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, Davidson County$24.1M2011
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, Davidson County$18.6M2024
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, Davidson County$18.3M2019
St Jude Children's Research Hospital IncMemphis, Shelby County$14.9M2015
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, Davidson County$11.5M spent that year2025
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, Davidson County$10.1M1977
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, Davidson County$10M2025
Vanderbilt UniversityNashville$9.8M spent that year2025
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, Davidson County$9.5M2020
State of TennesseeNashville$9.4M spent that year2025

Source: Federal Audit Clearinghouse, USAspending.gov. Past awards show who this program funds. They don't guarantee future awards.

Tennessee groups that got this money through Tennessee Department of Education

This federal money also reaches local groups as pass-through grants. In Tennessee, Tennessee Department of Education passes it on: watch that agency for applications, not the federal agency. 426 pass-through grants on file · 0 in Gibson County. Largest shown:

Tennessee pass-through grant winners
Past winnerWhereThroughAmountFiscal year
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, Davidson CountyUniversity of Vermont & State Agricultural College$4.4M2023
University of TennesseeMemphis, Shelby CountyVirginia Polytechnic Institute & State University$1.8M2023
Vanderbilt UniversityNashville, Davidson CountyYale Univ$1.6M2023
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, Davidson CountyRegents of the University of Michigan$1.4M2024
St Jude Children's Research Hospital IncMemphis, Shelby CountyThe University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center$1.4M2026
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, Davidson CountyVanderbilt University$1.3M spent that year2025
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, Davidson CountyUniversity of California, San Diego$1.3M2024
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, Davidson CountyUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston$1.2M2026
Vanderbilt UniversityNashville, Davidson CountyVanderbilt University Medical Center$1.1M2023
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, Davidson CountyVanderbilt University$1.1M spent that year2025
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, Davidson CountyMayo Clinic$1M2026
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, Davidson CountyUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston$993K2024

Source: USAspending.gov pass-through reports (the first recipient reports each one of $30,000 or more).

About the federal program

Oral Diseases and Disorders Research, also called “Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Research.”
Program number 93.121 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Cooperative agreement (a grant with close agency involvement), project grant

How applications are judged

The primary criteria for evaluating grant applications include assessment of: (1) the scientific merit, significance and overall impact of the proposed study and its objectives; (2) the competency of the proposed investigator(s) to successfully pursue the project; (3) the innovation and novelty of the concepts, approaches, or methodologies; (4) the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; (5) the adequacy of the available proposed facilities and resources; (6) the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and (7) the relevance and importance to the posted institute program objectives. Also evaluated, where applicable, but not scored are: (1) protections for human subjects; (2) inclusion of women, minorities, and children; (3) vertebrate animal welfare; and (4) adequate protection of research personnel and/or the environment, biosafety, biocontainment and the security of select agents; (5) resource sharing plans; (6) authentication of key biological and/or chemical resources, (7) budget and period of support. In addition, the following criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR/STTR Phase I grant applications: the potential of the proposed research for commercial application. Phase II grant applications will reviewed based upon the following criteria: (1) The degree to which the Phase I objectives were met and feasibility demonstrated; (2) the scientific and technical merit of...

Match

None required (federal program listing).

This program on SAM.gov

About the federal program

Research and Training in Complementary and Integrative Health, also called “National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health”
Program number 93.213 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Project grant, training

How applications are judged

The major elements in evaluating proposals include assessments of: (1) the scientific merit innovation and general significance of the proposed study and its objectives; (2) the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; (3) the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; (4) the adequacy of the available and proposed facilities and resources; (5) the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; (6) the relevance and importance to the announced program objectives and when applicable,and (7) the adequacy of assurances detailing the proposed means for safeguarding human or animal subjects. The following criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR/STTR Phase I grant applications: (1) The soundness and technical merit of the proposed approach; (2) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (3) the technological innovation of the proposed research; (4) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application; (5) the appropriateness of the budget requested; (6) the adequacy and suitability of the facilities and research environment; and (7) where applicable, the adequacy of assurances detailing the proposed means for (a) safeguarding human or animal subjects, and/or (b) protecting against or minimizing any adverse effect on the environment. Phase II grant applications will be reviewed...

Match

None required (federal program listing).

This program on SAM.gov

About the federal program

Alcohol Research Programs
Program number 93.273 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Project grant

How applications are judged

The following considerations will be used in determining projects to be funded: (1) Scientific and technical merit of the proposal; (2) program balance; and (3) relevance to NIAAA priorities and public health issues. The following criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR/STTR Phase I grant applications: (1) The soundness and technical merit of the proposed approach; (2) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (3) the technological innovation of the proposed research; (4) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application; (5) the appropriateness of the budget requested; (6) the adequacy and suitability of the facilities and research environment; and (7) where applicable, the adequacy of assurances detailing the proposed means for (a) safeguarding human of animal subjects, and/or (b) protecting against or minimizing any adverse effect on the environment. Phase II grant applications will be reviewed based upon the following criteria: (1) The degree to which Phase I objectives were met and feasibility demonstrated; (2) the scientific and technical merit of the proposed approach for achieving the Phase II objectives; (3) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (4) the technological innovation, originality, or societal importance of the proposed research; (5) the potential of the proposed research for commercial...

Match

None required (federal program listing).

This program on SAM.gov

About the federal program

Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research, also called “NIAMS”
Program number 93.846 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Project grant

How applications are judged

The major elements in evaluating proposals include assessments of: (1) The scientific merit and general significance of the proposed study and its objectives; (2) the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; (3) the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; (4) the adequacy of the available and proposed facilities and resources; (5) the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and (6) the relevance and importance to announced program objectives. The following criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR/STTR Phase I grant applications: (1) The soundness and technical merit of the proposed approach; (2) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (3) the technological innovation of the proposed research; (4) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application; (5) the appropriateness of the budget requested; (6) the adequacy and suitability of the facilities and research environment; and (7) where applicable, the adequacy of assurances detailing the proposed means for (a) safeguarding human or animal subjects and/or (b) protecting against or minimizing any adverse effect on the environment. Phase II grant applications will be reviewed based upon the following criteria: (1) The degree to which the Phase I objectives were met and feasibility demonstrated; (2) the scientific...

Match

None required (federal program listing).

This program on SAM.gov

About the federal program

Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders
Program number 93.853 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Project grant

How applications are judged

The major elements in evaluating proposals include assessments of: (1) the scientific merit and general significance of the proposed study and its objectives; (2) the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; (3) the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; (4) the adequacy of the available and proposed facilities and resources; (5) the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and (6) the relevance and importance to announced program objectives. The following criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR/STTR Phase I grant applications: (1) the soundness and technical merit of the proposed approach; (2) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (3) the technological innovation of the proposed research; (4) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application; (5) the appropriateness of the budget requested; (6) the adequacy and suitability of the facilities and research environment; and (7) where applicable, the adequacy of assurances detailing the proposed means for (a) safeguarding human or animal subjects, and/or (b) protecting against or minimizing any adverse effect on the environment. Phase II grant applications will be reviewed based upon the following criteria: (1) the degree to which the Phase I objectives were met and feasibility demonstrated; (2) the scientific...

Match

None required (federal program listing).

This program on SAM.gov

About the federal program

Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research, also called “Child Health and Human Development”
Program number 93.865 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Project grant

How applications are judged

The major elements in evaluating proposals include assessments of the significance of the proposed research; approach; innovation; investigators; and environment. The following criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR/STTR Phase I grant applications: (1) The soundness and technical merit of the proposed approach; (2) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (3) the technological innovation of the proposed research; (4) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application; (5) the appropriateness of the budget requested; (6) the adequacy and suitability of the facilities and research environment; and (7) where applicable, the adequacy of assurances detailing the proposed means for (a) safeguarding human or animal subjects, and/or (b) protecting against or minimizing any adverse effect on the environment. Phase II grant applications will be reviewed based upon the following criteria: (1) The degree to which the Phase I objectives were met and feasibility demonstrated; (2) the scientific and technical merit of the proposed approach for achieving the Phase II objectives; (3) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (4) the technological innovation originality, or societal importance of the proposed research; (5) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application; (6) the reasonableness of the budget...

Match

None required (federal program listing).

Examples of funded projects

Fiscal year 2025: The following is a tiny sample of fiscal year 2025 NICHD funded grants within the discretionary award class type. 1) Understanding the role of early life social determinants and sex-specific pubertal pathways in the development of adolescent chronic pain. 2) Improving In Vitro Fertilization Success through Multiplexed Optical Metabolic Imaging. 3) Genetic Studies of Large Palindromes. 4) A Safe, Fast, and Cost-Effective System for Tissue Removal in Laparoscopic Hysterectomy and Other Minimally Invasive Surgery. The following is a tiny sample of fiscal year 2025 NICHD funded grants within the cooperative agreement award class type. 1) Study of Treatment and Reproductive outcomes. 2) Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study (PHACS): Research on Immune Aging, Sexual and Reproductive Health, and Perinatal Acquisition: Elucidating Relationships in HIV (RISE). 3) Pelvic Floor Disorders Network Data Coordinating Center. 4) NICHD Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units (MFMU) Network: Data Coordinating Center. Fiscal year 2026: The following is a tiny sample of fiscal year 2026 NICHD funded grants within the discretionary award class type. 1) Placental Proteins and Prematurity. 2) In...

This program on SAM.gov

About the federal program

Aging Research, also called “(Aging)”
Program number 93.866 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Project grant

How applications are judged

The major elements in evaluating proposals include assessments of: the scientific merit and general significance of the proposed study and its objectives; the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; the adequacy of the available and proposed facilities and resources; the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and the relevance and importance to announced program objectives. The following criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR/STTR Phase I grant applications: (1) The soundness and technical merit of the proposed approach; (2) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (3) the technological innovation of the proposed research; (4) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application; (5) the appropriateness of the budget requested; (6) the adequacy and suitability of the facilities and research; and (7) where applicable, the adequacy of assurances detailing the proposed means for (a) safeguarding human or animal subjects, and/or (b) protecting against or minimizing any adverse effect on the environment. Phase II grant applications will be reviewed based upon the following criteria: (1) The degree to which the Phase I objectives were met and feasibility demonstrated; (2) the scientific and technical merit of the proposed...

Match

None required (federal program listing).

This program on SAM.gov

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