[National Institutes of Health (NIH)](https://www.nih.gov/)

November 2, 2026 (estimated, forecasted)

Estimated total program funding: $10,000,000; ~3 awards expected; P50 Center grants.

Supports multidisciplinary research centers advancing autism research using cutting-edge technologies and collaborative approaches.

This is a forecasted opportunity; applications are not yet being accepted.

--- ## Description The Autism Centers of Excellence (ACE) program, led by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) in partnership with several other NIH institutes, aims to support innovative, multidisciplinary research centers focused on autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The upcoming Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will use the P50 Research Program Projects and Centers mechanism to fund collaborative research that builds on over two decades of ACE progress, leveraging new technologies and scientific methods. The program encourages meaningful collaborations across scientific disciplines to address complex questions in autism research. This forecast is issued to provide researchers with time to develop responsive, collaborative projects before the formal solicitation is released. --- ## Due Dates - Estimated application due date: November 2, 2026 *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Estimated total program funding: $10,000,000 - Expected number of awards: 3 - Funding mechanism: P50 Research Program Projects and Centers - Award ceiling and duration details will be specified in the forthcoming NOFO --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - Public and State controlled institutions of higher education - Private institutions of higher education - Nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding higher education institutions) - State, county, city, township, and special district governments - Independent school districts - Native American tribal governments (federally recognized and other) - Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities - For-profit organizations (including small businesses) - U.S. territories and possessions - Faith-based or community-based organizations - Regional organizations - Eligible agencies of the federal government See the full [eligibility details on Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360644) for clarifications. --- ## Application Process - This is a forecasted opportunity; applications are not yet being accepted. - Researchers are encouraged to begin developing collaborative, multidisciplinary proposals. - The official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will be published with detailed application instructions and requirements. - The funding mechanism is the P50 Center grant, which supports integrated, multi-project research programs. --- ## Additional Information - The ACE program is a long-standing initiative supporting research on ASD, with an emphasis on scientific collaboration and technological innovation. - The opportunity is jointly supported by NICHD, NIDCD, NIEHS, NIMH, and NINDS. - Cost sharing or matching is not required. - For more details, monitor the [Grants.gov opportunity page](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360644) and the [NICHD ACE program page](https://www.nichd.nih.gov/research/supported/ace). --- ## External Links - [Grants.gov Opportunity Page](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360644) - [NICHD Autism Centers of Excellence](https://www.nichd.nih.gov/research/supported/ace) - [NIH Grants & Funding](https://grants.nih.gov/) - [P50 Activity Code Information](https://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/ac_search_results.htm?text_curr=p50&Search_Type=Activity) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | |----------------|-----------------------------|--------------| | Alice Kau, Ph.D. | [Kaua@mail.nih.gov](mailto:Kaua@mail.nih.gov) | 301-496-1385 |

Autism Centers of Excellence P50

Sign in to see full grant listing