Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA AG 21 003
The New/Unconventional Animal Models of Alzheimers Disease (R24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) opportunity, listed as RFA-AG-21-003, is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services focused on building better experimental tools for studying late-onset (sporadic) Alzheimers disease. The central aim is to fund projects that create, deeply characterize, and validate new or unconventional non-rodent mammalian models that more faithfully reproduce key features of late-onset AD. In practice, this means the NIH is looking for models that can capture important molecular and cellular changes, brain pathology, and measurable behavioral or cognitive impairments that resemble what is seen in humans with sporadic AD, rather than relying on traditional rodent models or models primarily driven by rare familial mutations.
A major emphasis of this FOA is innovation in model choice and model development. Applicants are expected to propose mammalian species other than rodents and to justify why the chosen organism is likely to reveal aspects of sporadic AD biology that current models miss. The supported work is intended to go beyond simply generating a model; it should establish a convincing evidence base that the model is relevant and useful. That generally implies careful phenotyping across multiple levels of analysis, such as mapping disease-relevant molecular pathways, documenting cellular dysfunction, demonstrating Alzheimer-like neuropathological signatures, and showing behavioral or cognitive readouts that align with late-life neurodegeneration and memory decline. The overall expectation is that these models will become broadly valuable research platforms that help the field test hypotheses that are difficult to answer in existing systems.
The scientific rationale behind the funding is that gaps remain in understanding the molecular mechanisms driving sporadic AD, and those gaps may persist partly because many commonly used models do not reflect the complex, age-related, multifactorial nature of late-onset disease. By enabling new non-rodent mammalian models, the NIH aims to provide investigators with tools that can illuminate underexplored biology, clarify which mechanisms are truly central to disease initiation and progression, and uncover or prioritize potential therapeutic targets. In other words, the output is not only a new animal model, but also a clearer roadmap of what pathways and processes matter most in sporadic AD and where intervention might be effective.
Administratively, this is a discretionary grant using the R24 activity code, and it explicitly states that clinical trials are not allowed under this announcement, meaning the funded research must be preclinical and model-focused rather than involving human participants in a clinical trial framework. The listing includes CFDA number 93.866 and indicates an expected total of four awards. No award ceiling is specified in the provided source data (listed as 0), which typically means applicants must rely on the FOA text and NIH budget guidance to determine appropriate budget levels and to justify costs based on the scope of work.
Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S. domestic organizations. Eligible applicants include state, county, and city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments and other tribal organizations; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding higher education institutions in those specific nonprofit categories); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and other entities as clarified in the FOA. The opportunity was created on January 13, 2020, with an original closing date of October 7, 2020, indicating it was a time-bound solicitation aimed at accelerating model development in an area NIH considered high priority.
Taken together, this FOA is best viewed as a targeted push to expand the toolbox for Alzheimers research by investing in non-rodent mammalian systems that can better mimic the biology of sporadic, age-associated AD. The intended impact is to strengthen mechanistic understanding and improve the preclinical foundation for identifying and evaluating therapeutic targets, by grounding that work in models that more closely reflect the human disease course and complexity.Apply for RFA AG 21 003
- The Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "New/Unconventional Animal Models of Alzheimers Disease (R24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.866.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jan 13, 2020.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Oct 07, 2020. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 4 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
FAQs: New/Unconventional Animal Models of Alzheimers Disease (R24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) - RFA-AG-21-003
What is the funding opportunity called?
The opportunity is titled "New/Unconventional Animal Models of Alzheimers Disease (R24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)."
What is the FOA number for this grant?
The Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) number is RFA-AG-21-003.
Which agency is offering this grant?
This is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grant under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
What is the main goal of this FOA?
The central goal is to fund projects that create, deeply characterize, and validate new or unconventional non-rodent mammalian animal models that more faithfully reproduce key features of late-onset (sporadic) Alzheimers disease.
What type of Alzheimers disease is this FOA focused on?
The focus is on late-onset (sporadic) Alzheimers disease, emphasizing the age-related, multifactorial nature of the most common form of AD.
What kinds of animal models is NIH looking for under this FOA?
NIH is specifically looking for non-rodent mammalian models that can better capture important aspects of sporadic AD biology than traditional rodent systems or models primarily driven by rare familial mutations.
Are rodent models responsive to this FOA?
Based on the provided description, applicants are expected to propose mammalian species other than rodents, with a clear justification for why the selected organism is advantageous for studying sporadic AD.
What does "new or unconventional" mean in this context?
It refers to innovation in both species choice and model development, using mammalian organisms outside traditional rodent models to reveal disease biology that current models may miss.
Is the FOA only about creating a model, or is additional work expected?
It goes beyond simply generating a model. The work should build a convincing evidence base that the model is relevant and useful, including deep characterization and validation.
What types of evidence are expected to support that a model is relevant to sporadic AD?
The FOA emphasizes careful phenotyping across multiple levels, such as disease-relevant molecular pathways, cellular dysfunction, Alzheimer-like neuropathological signatures, and measurable behavioral or cognitive impairments that align with late-life neurodegeneration and memory decline.
What specific Alzheimer-like features should the model aim to reproduce?
The model is expected to reproduce key features seen in humans with sporadic AD, including molecular and cellular changes, brain pathology, and behavioral or cognitive impairments consistent with late-onset neurodegeneration.
Why is NIH funding non-rodent mammalian models for sporadic AD?
The rationale is that major gaps remain in understanding the molecular mechanisms driving sporadic AD, and those gaps may persist partly because many commonly used models do not reflect the complex, age-related, multifactorial nature of late-onset disease.
What is the intended scientific impact of awards made under this FOA?
The intended impact is to expand the toolbox for Alzheimers research, strengthen mechanistic understanding of sporadic AD, clarify which mechanisms are central to disease initiation and progression, and help uncover or prioritize potential therapeutic targets using models that better reflect the human disease course.
What is the activity code for this grant?
The activity code is R24.
Are clinical trials allowed under this FOA?
No. The FOA explicitly states "Clinical Trial Not Allowed," meaning the funded research must be preclinical and model-focused rather than involving human participants in a clinical trial framework.
What does "Clinical Trial Not Allowed" mean for project design?
It means the proposed work should focus on preclinical research and animal model development/validation, and should not be structured as a human clinical trial.
How many awards are expected?
The listing indicates an expected total of four awards.
Is there a maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
No award ceiling is specified in the provided source data (listed as 0). This generally implies budgets should be determined based on the scope of work and aligned with the FOA text and NIH budget guidance.
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The CFDA number listed is 93.866.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S. domestic organizations, including various government entities, higher education institutions (public and private), tribal governments and tribal organizations, public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status in the categories listed), for-profit organizations other than small businesses, small businesses, and other entities as clarified in the FOA.
Are state and local governments eligible applicants?
Yes. Eligible applicants include state governments, county governments, and city or township governments, as well as special district governments.
Are colleges and universities eligible to apply?
Yes. Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education are listed as eligible.
Are tribal governments or tribal organizations eligible?
Yes. Federally recognized Native American tribal governments and other tribal organizations are included in the eligible applicant types.
Are nonprofit organizations eligible?
Yes. Nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status are listed among eligible applicants in the categories provided (excluding higher education institutions in those specific nonprofit categories).
Are for-profit organizations eligible?
Yes. For-profit organizations other than small businesses and small businesses are both listed as eligible.
When was this opportunity created?
The opportunity was created on January 13, 2020.
What was the original closing date?
The original closing date was October 7, 2020.
Is this a time-bound solicitation?
Yes. The provided information indicates it had an original closing date, reflecting a time-bound solicitation aimed at accelerating model development in a high-priority area.
What kinds of research outputs are expected from funded projects?
Expected outputs include a newly developed non-rodent mammalian model of sporadic AD and a robust body of characterization and validation data demonstrating its relevance and utility for the research community.
How does this FOA differ from efforts focused on familial (genetic mutation-driven) AD models?
This FOA emphasizes models that resemble sporadic, late-onset AD rather than models primarily driven by rare familial mutations, with the aim of better reflecting the age-associated complexity observed in most human cases.
What is the overarching reason NIH is investing in these models?
The overarching reason is to provide better experimental tools that can illuminate underexplored biology, improve understanding of disease initiation and progression, and strengthen the preclinical foundation for identifying and evaluating therapeutic targets in sporadic AD.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Health
Next opportunity: Inter-Community Activity
Previous opportunity: Notice of Intent: Pacific Northwest Seismic Network Operations - EHP
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for RFA AG 21 003
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (RFA AG 21 003) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Limited Competition: National Centralized Repository for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (NCRAD) (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA AG 21 005 Funding Number: RFA AG 21 005 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $4,000,000 |
| Disaster Response Grant Program – School-Based Services Apply for FG 20 003 Funding Number: FG 20 003 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminis Category: Health Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Disaster Response Grant Program – Services for Adults Apply for FG 20 004 Funding Number: FG 20 004 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminis Category: Health Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Improving Timely Documentation, Reporting, and Analysis of Diagnostic and Intervention Data through Optimization of EHDI Surveillance Practices and Information Systems Apply for CDC RFA DD20 2006 Funding Number: CDC RFA DD20 2006 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control - NCBDDD Category: Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Public Health and Health Systems Partnerships to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening in Clinical Settings Apply for CDC RFA DP20 2002 Funding Number: CDC RFA DP20 2002 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control - NCCDPHP Category: Health Funding Amount: $900,000 |
| Implementation of Programs for the Prevention, Care and Treatment of HIV/AIDS in the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Apply for CDC RFA GH20 2016 Funding Number: CDC RFA GH20 2016 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control - CGH Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Increasing Capacity and Quality of Strategic Information, Prevention, Treatment, and Human Resources for Health Related to HIV, TB, STIs, and Other Diseases in the Dominican Republic under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Apply for CDC RFA GH20 2021 Funding Number: CDC RFA GH20 2021 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control - CGH Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Minority Fellowship Program Apply for SM 20 013 Funding Number: SM 20 013 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminis Category: Health Funding Amount: $1,925,000 |
| Optimizing Human Resources for Health to Sustain Epidemic Control in Malawi under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Apply for CDC RFA GH20 2049 Funding Number: CDC RFA GH20 2049 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control - CGH Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Achieving Sustained HIV Epidemic Control through Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Prevention, Care and Treatment Services in Major Public Hospitals, and a Mix of Public and Private Health Facilities in Nine Departments of Haiti under PEPFAR Apply for CDC RFA GH20 2031 Funding Number: CDC RFA GH20 2031 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control - CGH Category: Health Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Medications Development for the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) or Alcohol-Related Organ Damage (AROD), or the Combination of AUD and AROD (U01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA AA 20 007 Funding Number: RFA AA 20 007 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (CARB) Interdisciplinary Research Units (U19 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA AI 20 001 Funding Number: RFA AI 20 001 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Limited Competition: Microphysiological Systems Database Center (MPS DC) (U24 Clinical Trials Not Allowed) Apply for RFA TR 20 002 Funding Number: RFA TR 20 002 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Scaling Capacity in Strategic and Health Information Systems in Mozambique under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Apply for CDC RFA GH20 2057 Funding Number: CDC RFA GH20 2057 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control - CGH Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Emergency Department Alternatives to Opioids Demonstration Program Apply for TI 20 005 Funding Number: TI 20 005 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminis Category: Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers Apply for TI 20 006 Funding Number: TI 20 006 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminis Category: Health Funding Amount: $850,000 |
| Children’s Healthy Weight State Capacity Building Program Apply for HRSA 20 043 Funding Number: HRSA 20 043 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Technical Assistance to Government of Tanzania (GOT) and Public Health Institutions (PHIs) toward Sustained Health Systems Strengthening in Tanzania under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Apply for CDC RFA GH20 2063 Funding Number: CDC RFA GH20 2063 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control - CGH Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Grants to Implement the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention Apply for SM 20 014 Funding Number: SM 20 014 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminis Category: Health Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Opioid-Impacted Family Support Program Apply for HRSA 20 014 Funding Number: HRSA 20 014 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: $600,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "RFA AG 21 003", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.