Not Verified

Advancing Global Capacity to Detect and Respond to Fungal Diseases

National Institutes of Health

Document Type:	Grants Notice
Funding Opportunity Number:	CDC-RFA-CK-26-0230
Funding Opportunity Title:	Advancing Global Capacity to Detect and Respond to Fungal Diseases
Opportunity Category:	Discretionary
Opportunity Category Explanation:
Funding Instrument Type:	Cooperative Agreement
Category of Funding Activity:	Health
Category Explanation:
Expected Number of Awards:	10
Assistance Listings:	93.318 -- Protecting and Improving Health Globally: Building and Strengthening Public Health Impact, Systems, Capacity and Security
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement:	No

Version:	Synopsis 1
Posted Date:	Jul 30, 2026
Last Updated Date:	Jul 30, 2026
Original Closing Date for Applications:	Aug 31, 2026 Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 pm ET on the listed application due date.
Current Closing Date for Applications:	Aug 31, 2026 Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 pm ET on the listed application due date.
Archive Date:	Sep 30, 2026
Estimated Total Program Funding:	$ 15,000,000
Award Ceiling:	$0

AI Based Application Success Predictor

1. Importance of the research (Significance + Innovation) (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

For most NIH Research Project Grants submitted under the current simplified review framework, reviewers first evaluate the importance of the research, combining:

Significance of the scientific problem
Innovation
Potential to advance biomedical knowledge
Potential to improve human health
Addressing important knowledge gaps

Projects that solve important biomedical problems with innovative approaches receive the strongest scores.

2. Scientific rigor and feasibility (Approach) (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

The Approach (now incorporated into the Rigor and Feasibility factor for many NIH RPGs) is widely regarded as the single most influential component.

Competitive proposals include:

Strong experimental design
Clearly defined Specific Aims
Appropriate statistical analysis
Rigorous methodology
Reproducibility
Risk mitigation strategies
Realistic milestones
Feasible timeline

Weak methodology is one of the most common reasons for poor NIH scores.

3. High overall scientific impact (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

NIH reviewers ultimately assign an Overall Impact Score, reflecting the likelihood that the project will exert a sustained, powerful influence on its field.

Reviewers consider:

Scientific importance
Innovation
Rigor
Feasibility
Investigator expertise
Research environment
Additional review criteria (when applicable)

Applications do not need to be perfect in every category to receive a strong overall impact score.

4. Outstanding investigator(s) and expertise (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Reviewers assess whether the research team has:

Appropriate expertise
Strong publication record
Relevant technical skills
Leadership experience
Ability to complete the proposed work

Under the current framework, investigator expertise contributes to the Expertise and Resources factor.

5. Strong research environment and institutional support (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Competitive applications demonstrate access to:

Appropriate facilities
Core laboratories
Clinical infrastructure
Equipment
Collaborators
Institutional commitment

The research environment should clearly support successful completion of the project.

6. Innovation and originality (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

NIH strongly favors projects that:

Challenge existing paradigms
Introduce novel concepts
Develop new methodologies
Create new technologies
Open new areas of investigation

Incremental science is generally less competitive than research with the potential for transformative advances.

7. Alignment with the specific NIH Institute/Center and Funding Opportunity (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Successful applications closely match:

The mission of the assigned NIH Institute or Center
The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
Program priorities
Strategic initiatives

Even highly rated applications may not be funded if they do not fit programmatic priorities.

8. Appropriate treatment of additional review criteria (High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

Depending on the project, reviewers also consider:

Protection of human subjects
Inclusion across the lifespan
Inclusion of women and minorities (where applicable)
Vertebrate animal welfare
Biohazards
Clinical trial timelines

Although these items may not always receive separate numerical scores, deficiencies can negatively affect the overall impact score or funding eligibility.

9. Clear writing and persuasive grantsmanship (High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

Successful NIH proposals are characterized by:

Clear Specific Aims
Logical organization
Concise writing
Strong scientific rationale
Easy-to-follow figures and diagrams
Consistent narrative

Applications should be understandable to reviewers both within and adjacent to the applicant's field.

10. Realistic budget, project management, and compliance (High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

Competitive proposals include:

Well-justified budget
Appropriate project scope
Complete documentation
Compliance with NIH policies
Timely submission
Required institutional approvals

Budget requests should align with the scientific objectives and project duration.

Specialties

Infectious Diseases

Public Health

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible Applicants:

County governments
Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
Special district governments
Private institutions of higher education
Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
Small businesses
Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
City or township governments
Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
For profit organizations other than small businesses
State governments
Independent school districts
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

Additional Information on Eligibility:

In addition to the general eligibility requirements, applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for award:Demonstrated Oversight Capacity:Eligible organizations must demonstrate the institutional infrastructure and expertise necessary for effective program implementation and sound financial management. The applicant —not a third-party or sub-recipient — must serve as the primary lead for all activities and remain fully accountable for both programmatic and financial performance. This includes independently leading, managing, and monitoring technical interventions, as well as overseeing fiscal responsibilities such as budgeting, expenditure tracking, regulatory compliance, and financial reporting. While the CDC will provide technical guidance and ensure alignment with relevant legislative and regulatory requirements, applicants are expected to manage all day-to-day operations and reporting responsibilities.Responsiveness to Application Requirements:Applicants are also reminded that adherence to application instructions is critical. The CDC will consider an application as "non-responsive" if any required documents are missing or if the request exceeds $300,000. Applications that do not conform to the outlined submission requirements —including those that omit documentation, fail to follow formatting or content instructions, or request funding above the stated limit— will not be considered for review. Applicants are strongly encouraged to carefully review all guidance to ensure completeness and compliance prior to submission.

Eligible Countries:

United States

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: National Institutes of Health

Sponsor Type: Government/Federal

Address: 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892

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