Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA MH 25 160
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is soliciting applications under the Notice of Funding Opportunity titled "Suicide Prevention Across the Life Span in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (R34 Clinical Trial Optional)" (Funding Opportunity Number RFA-MH-25-160). This is a discretionary grant opportunity in the health domain (CFDA 93.242) focused on early-stage, practical research that can lead to stronger, culturally grounded suicide prevention strategies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Applications are due by October 24, 2024, and NIH anticipates making about 8 awards. An award ceiling is not listed in the provided source data.
The core aim of the NOFO is to fund formative research and pilot testing of innovative, culturally sensitive interventions that can identify and reduce risk for suicidal ideation and behavior (SIB) and/or non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in LMIC settings. In other words, the program is designed for projects that are still in the development and testing phase rather than large, definitive effectiveness trials. The "R34" mechanism typically aligns with planning, feasibility, and pilot work: refining an intervention to fit local context, testing whether it can be delivered as intended, checking whether recruitment and retention are realistic, selecting outcome measures that make sense in the setting, and generating the preliminary data needed for a later, larger study. The listing notes "Clinical Trial Optional," meaning applicants may propose a project that includes a clinical trial component if appropriate, but they are not required to do so.
A defining requirement is that the research must be conducted in LMIC contexts and must take culture seriously, not as an add-on. Competitive projects will generally be those that show a clear understanding of local risk factors, help-seeking patterns, stigma, language, and service structures, and then translate that understanding into intervention content and delivery approaches that people in that community can realistically use. The intervention focus is broad across the life span, allowing applicants to target children, adolescents, adults, older adults, or multiple groups, depending on the local epidemiology and unmet need. Likewise, intervention settings can vary, such as community venues, schools, primary care, emergency care, faith-based or other trusted local structures, or technology-enabled approaches, as long as the plan is culturally and operationally feasible in the LMIC environment.
Another central expectation is research capacity strengthening within the LMIC community where the study will take place. This means the application should go beyond running a project in an LMIC and should include a concrete plan to build sustainable local capability to conduct suicide prevention research. In practice, this can include training and mentorship for LMIC investigators and staff, strengthening data systems and ethical oversight processes, building skills in intervention delivery and fidelity monitoring, improving measurement and analytic capacity, establishing local partnerships, and creating pathways for local leadership in publications and future grants. The intent is to leave behind lasting capacity, not just project-specific outputs.
Eligibility is broad and includes a wide range of U.S. and non-U.S. entities. Eligible applicants listed in the source include state, county, city or township governments, special district governments, independent school districts, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private 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 with and without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education), for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), small businesses, and other organizations. The NOFO also explicitly highlights additional eligible applicant types such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, U.S. territories or possessions, regional organizations, and non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities/foreign organizations. This breadth signals NIH is open to many institutional structures, including organizations that are deeply embedded in communities and may be well positioned to co-develop acceptable prevention approaches.
In practical terms, a strong application under this NOFO would typically (1) define the LMIC population and setting where suicide-related risk is a pressing concern, (2) justify why a particular intervention strategy is promising there, (3) show how the intervention will be culturally adapted or co-created, (4) outline pilot methods that test feasibility, acceptability, and early signals of impact on outcomes relevant to SIB and/or NSSI, and (5) present a specific, credible plan for strengthening LMIC research capacity and partnerships. The overall emphasis is on developing and piloting interventions that can be implemented in real-world LMIC contexts and positioned for later scale-up and rigorous evaluation.Apply for RFA MH 25 160
- The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Suicide Prevention Across the Life Span in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (R34 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.242.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2024-06-03.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-10-24. (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 8 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.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is this NIH funding opportunity?
This opportunity is the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled "Suicide Prevention Across the Life Span in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (R34 Clinical Trial Optional)" with Funding Opportunity Number RFA-MH-25-160 (CFDA 93.242). It supports early-stage, practical research to develop and pilot culturally grounded suicide prevention strategies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
What is the main purpose of the NOFO?
The core purpose is to fund formative research and pilot testing of innovative, culturally sensitive interventions that can identify and reduce risk for suicidal ideation and behavior (SIB) and/or non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in LMIC settings. The program is designed for projects that are still being developed, refined, and tested for feasibility rather than large, definitive effectiveness trials.
What does "R34" mean in this NOFO?
The R34 mechanism is typically used for planning, feasibility, and pilot work. Under this NOFO, that generally means refining an intervention for the local context, testing whether it can be delivered as intended, assessing recruitment and retention feasibility, selecting outcome measures appropriate to the setting, and generating preliminary data needed for a later, larger study.
What does "Clinical Trial Optional" mean?
"Clinical Trial Optional" means applicants may propose a project that includes a clinical trial component if it fits their pilot-stage goals, but a clinical trial is not required. Projects without a clinical trial component can still be responsive if they align with the formative and pilot-testing aims described in the NOFO.
When are applications due?
Applications are due by October 24, 2024.
How many awards does NIH expect to make?
NIH anticipates making about 8 awards under this NOFO.
Is there an award ceiling (maximum budget amount)?
An award ceiling is not listed in the provided source information.
What countries or settings must the research focus on?
The research must be conducted in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) contexts. The work should be grounded in the realities of the local environment, including local service structures, community norms, and practical delivery constraints.
Is cultural adaptation required or just encouraged?
Cultural grounding is a defining requirement. The NOFO emphasizes that culture must be taken seriously and not treated as an add-on. Competitive projects are expected to demonstrate understanding of local risk factors, help-seeking patterns, stigma, language, and service structures, and to translate that understanding into intervention content and delivery approaches that are realistic for the community.
What outcomes or behaviors is the program trying to address?
The NOFO focuses on interventions that identify and reduce risk for suicidal ideation and behavior (SIB) and/or non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in LMIC settings.
Who can the intervention target (age groups)?
The NOFO is across the life span. Applicants may focus on children, adolescents, adults, older adults, or multiple groups, depending on the local epidemiology and unmet needs.
What types of intervention settings are allowed?
The intervention setting is flexible as long as it is culturally and operationally feasible in the LMIC environment. Examples mentioned include community venues, schools, primary care, emergency care, faith-based or other trusted local structures, and technology-enabled approaches.
Is this NOFO intended for large-scale effectiveness trials?
No. The emphasis is on early-stage development, refinement, feasibility, acceptability, and pilot testing. The aim is to generate the kind of preliminary data and implementation knowledge needed to justify and design a later, larger study.
What makes an application "strong" under this NOFO?
Based on the information provided, a strong application would typically: (1) define the LMIC population and setting where suicide-related risk is a pressing concern; (2) justify why the proposed intervention strategy is promising in that context; (3) explain how the intervention will be culturally adapted or co-created; (4) outline pilot methods to test feasibility, acceptability, and early signals of impact on outcomes relevant to SIB and/or NSSI; and (5) include a specific, credible plan for strengthening LMIC research capacity and partnerships.
What is meant by "formative research" in this NOFO?
Formative research refers to early work that builds understanding needed to design an intervention that fits the local context. In this NOFO, it aligns with learning about local risk factors, help-seeking patterns, stigma, language considerations, and service structures, and using that information to develop or adapt intervention content and delivery.
What is meant by "pilot testing" in this NOFO?
Pilot testing refers to small-scale testing to see whether the intervention can be delivered as intended in the LMIC setting and whether key study procedures are workable. Examples described include assessing feasibility of delivery, recruitment and retention, selecting appropriate outcome measures, and looking for early signals that the intervention could impact SIB and/or NSSI outcomes.
Does the NOFO require building local research capacity in the LMIC site?
Yes. A central expectation is research capacity strengthening within the LMIC community where the study will take place. The application should include a concrete plan to build sustainable local capability to conduct suicide prevention research, not just complete the proposed project.
What are examples of LMIC research capacity strengthening activities?
Examples mentioned include training and mentorship for LMIC investigators and staff; strengthening data systems and ethical oversight processes; building skills in intervention delivery and fidelity monitoring; improving measurement and analytic capacity; establishing local partnerships; and creating pathways for local leadership in publications and future grants.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes U.S. and non-U.S. entities. Eligible applicant types listed include state, county, city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private 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 with and without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); small businesses; and other organizations.
Are foreign (non-U.S.) organizations eligible to apply?
Yes. The NOFO explicitly includes non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities/foreign organizations among eligible applicants.
Are community-based or faith-based organizations eligible?
Yes. The NOFO explicitly highlights faith-based or community-based organizations as eligible applicant types.
Are minority-serving institutions and Tribal colleges eligible?
Yes. The NOFO explicitly highlights Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs); Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) as eligible applicant types.
Are U.S. territories or possessions eligible applicants?
Yes. The NOFO explicitly highlights U.S. territories or possessions as eligible applicant types.
Are federal agencies eligible to apply?
Yes. The NOFO explicitly highlights eligible federal agencies as eligible applicant types.
What does NIH mean by interventions being "culturally sensitive" and "culturally grounded"?
Based on the NOFO description, this means the intervention should be built around the local context, including local risk factors, stigma and help-seeking patterns, language needs, and real-world service structures. The cultural component should influence both the content and delivery approach so that people in the community can realistically use it.
Can a project use technology-enabled approaches?
Yes. Technology-enabled approaches are listed as a possible intervention setting or delivery approach, as long as the plan is culturally and operationally feasible in the LMIC environment.
What is the overall long-term intent of the program?
The overall intent is to develop and pilot interventions that can be implemented in real-world LMIC contexts and be positioned for later scale-up and rigorous evaluation, while also strengthening sustainable local research capacity in the LMIC community.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Health
Next opportunity: Film Makers Capacity Workshops and Festival
Previous opportunity: Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part A HIV Emergency Relief Grant Program
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 MH 25 160
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (RFA MH 25 160) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| REsearch Across Complementary and Integrative Health Institutions (REACH) Virtual Resource Centers (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA AT 24 009 Funding Number: RFA AT 24 009 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $850,000 |
| Service Area Competition – Additional Area Apply for HRSA 25 087 Funding Number: HRSA 25 087 Agency: Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| T32 Training Program for Institutions That Promote Diversity (T32 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 24 199 Funding Number: PAR 24 199 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Mechanistic Investigations into ADRD Associated Protein Structures in Biological Settings (R01 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 24 234 Funding Number: PAR 24 234 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| PEPFAR Uganda Community Grants to Combat HIV/AIDS Apply for DOS UGA SMGCG FY25 Funding Number: DOS UGA SMGCG FY25 Agency: Bureau of African Affairs Category: Health Funding Amount: $15,000 |
| Service Area Competition Apply for HRSA 25 014 Funding Number: HRSA 25 014 Agency: Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Service Area Competition Apply for HRSA 25 015 Funding Number: HRSA 25 015 Agency: Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Community Level Interventions to Improve Minority Health and Reduce Health Disparities (R01 - Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 24 231 Funding Number: PAR 24 231 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Clinical Trial Readiness to Understand and Develop Solutions to Social, Ethical, Behavioral Implications and Barriers to Health Equity in ADRD (R01 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA NS 25 013 Funding Number: RFA NS 25 013 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Ensuring Accessibility to Quality HIV Services in Kazakhstan (SAPA) Apply for 72011524RFA00008 Funding Number: 72011524RFA00008 Agency: Kazakhstan USAID-Almaty Category: Health Funding Amount: $800,000 |
| Research Collaboration Network in Structural Racism Measurement and Modeling (U24 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA AG 25 003 Funding Number: RFA AG 25 003 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Delta Health Care Service Grant Program Apply for RDBCP DHCS 2024 Funding Number: RDBCP DHCS 2024 Agency: Rural Business-Cooperative Service Category: Health Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| USAID The Gambia Malaria Elimination Activity Apply for 72068524RFA00016 Funding Number: 72068524RFA00016 Agency: Senegal USAID-Dakar Category: Health Funding Amount: $13,000,000 |
| Pilot Research Opportunities in Crisis Response Services for Suicide Prevention (R34 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA MH 25 136 Funding Number: RFA MH 25 136 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Research Opportunities in Crisis Response Services for Suicide Prevention (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA MH 25 135 Funding Number: RFA MH 25 135 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Assessing Use of Health IT by U.S. Physicians Providing Outpatient Care Apply for NAP AX 24 001 Funding Number: NAP AX 24 001 Agency: Office of the National Coordinator Category: Health Funding Amount: $425,000 |
| Ending the HIV/HCV/Syphilis Epidemics in Indian Country II (ETHIC II): A Syndemic Elimination Program for American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes and Urban Indian Communities Apply for HHS 2024 IHS ETHIC 0001 Funding Number: HHS 2024 IHS ETHIC 0001 Agency: Indian Health Service Category: Health Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Mechanisms of Inducing HIV Immunity in Early Life (MIEL) (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA AI 24 029 Funding Number: RFA AI 24 029 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Limited Competition: NIMHD Initiative for Improving American Indian and Alaska Native Cancer Outcomes (U19 - Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA MD 24 009 Funding Number: RFA MD 24 009 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| PEPFAR Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) Grant Apply for 2025 PECO GRANT01 Funding Number: 2025 PECO GRANT01 Agency: U.S. Mission to Ethiopia 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 MH 25 160", 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.