National Institutes of Health · Department of Health and Human Services
NIH Director's Early Independence Award (DP5 Clinical Trial Optional)
Key facts
- Deadline
- Opens Mar 15, 2027 · due about Sep 10, 2027 (estimate)
- Award size
- Up to $350K
- Total available
- $5.7M · about 10 awards
- Cost share / match ?
- Not required · Work out your budget and match
- Who can apply
- Tribal government, Special district (utility, fire, etc.), Nonprofit with 501(c)(3), Larger business, County government, City or town government, Small business, School district, Other (see eligibility), Private college or university, State government, Tribal organization, Nonprofit without 501(c)(3), Public college or university
- 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. Grant-ready checklist
How this fits you
- Available in Tennessee (nationwide program)
- No cost share required
- Past Tennessee awards on file: 33
Tell us who you are to see whether you're eligible.
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Official notice: https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/838c6c1e-d795-4c0c-b1c7-855a05a6d532 · Printed from grantme.click/grants/e652b7b5-d2d0-4d12-bb66-37f383e8d442
Read the official notice View on Grants.gov Add dates to my calendar Sign in to save
About this grant
The NIH Director's Early Independence Award supports outstanding early-career investigators who are ready to pursue independent research soon after completing their doctoral degree or post-graduate clinical training, without following the traditional postdoctoral path. The award is designed to accelerate the transition to an independent research career. Applications are welcome across all fields relevant to the NIH mission. The Early Independence Award is part of the NIH Common Fund's High-Risk, High-Reward Research Program.
Eligibility (from the notice)
Other Eligible ApplicantsIndian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized);Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government;U.S. Territory or Possession;Faith-based or Community-based Organizations;Regional Organizations;Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions).
Should we apply? (2-minute check) Ask a partner for a letter
Who in Tennessee has won this program
23 awards to Tennessee recipients in 2 counties since 1996. Largest shown:
| Recipient | Where | Amount | FY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | $143.7M | 2016 |
| Meharry Medical College | Nashville, Davidson County | $45.7M | |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | $32.8M | 2023 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | $27.5M | 1997 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | $22M | 2016 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | $19.6M | 2011 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | $12.6M | 2016 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | $9.3M | 2021 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | $8.5M | 2022 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | $8M | 2025 |
| University Of Memphis | Memphis, Shelby County | $7.7M | 2020 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | $7.4M | 2002 |
Source: USAspending.gov. Past awards show who this program funds; they don't guarantee future awards.
Tennessee groups that got this money through a state agency or another grantee
This federal money also reaches local groups as subawards. 10 subawards on file. Largest shown:
| Recipient | Where | Through | Amount | FY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | Yale Univ | $3.4M | 2023 |
| Vanderbilt University | Nashville, Davidson County | Vanderbilt University Medical Center | $2.6M | 2025 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | University of Wisconsin System | $2.2M | 2023 |
| Vanderbilt University | Nashville, Davidson County | Vanderbilt University Medical Center | $2M | 2024 |
| University Of Tennessee | Knoxville, Knox County | University of Washington | $945K | 2023 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | University of Wisconsin System | $620K | 2023 |
| Vanderbilt University | Nashville, Davidson County | Vanderbilt University Medical Center | $582K | 2026 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | Oregon Health & Science University | $492K | 2024 |
| St. Jude Children'S Research Hospital Graduate School Of Biomedical Sciences, Llc | Memphis, Shelby County | Baylor College of Medicine | $491K | 2026 |
| Vanderbilt University | Nashville, Davidson County | Vanderbilt University Medical Center | $421K | 2024 |
Source: USAspending.gov subaward reports (prime recipients report subawards of $30,000 or more).
About the program (93.310)
Trans-NIH Research Support — NIH-wide Research Support
How applications are judged
Funding decisions are based on scientific merit (42 CFR 52h) and program relevance. Scientific merit review encompasses: the peer review criteria detailed in the specific funding announcement, as well as the significance, approach, and innovation of the proposed research; the competency of the principal investigator; the adequacy of the resources and environment; the proposed budget and requested period of support; and, where applicable, the adequacy of the measures for protecting against adverse effects upon humans, animals, or the environment.
Matching requirements
This program has no statutory formula.
Matching requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.
MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.
Examples of funded projects
Not Applicable.