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

February 25, 2026 (estimated application due date)

Estimated total program funding: $3,000,000 | Approx. 6 awards expected

Supports new collaborative research teams addressing emergent issues in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) via the P20 mechanism.

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

--- ## Description The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is planning to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to support exploratory research on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The goal is to establish new collaborative teams to address emergent issues in ME/CFS research. The opportunity will utilize the P20 activity code and is designed to encourage innovative, team-based approaches, particularly those that combine expertise in post-infectious chronic illnesses and ME/CFS. Notice is provided in advance to allow potential applicants time to develop collaborations and responsive projects. Investigators with relevant expertise are encouraged to begin planning. --- ## Due Dates - Estimated application due date: **February 25, 2026** - This is a forecasted opportunity; the final NOFO and application instructions will be released at a later date. --- ## Funding Amount - **Estimated total program funding:** $3,000,000 - **Expected number of awards:** 6 - **Award ceiling/floor:** Not specified - **Project period:** Details to be provided in the official NOFO --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - State governments - County governments - Independent school districts - Public and State controlled institutions of higher education - Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) - Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities - Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excluding higher education institutions) - Private institutions of higher education - For-profit organizations (including small businesses) - Others as specified in the forthcoming NOFO **Additional eligibility notes:** - Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. organizations are eligible. - Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grant Policy Statement, are allowed. --- ## Application Process - Applications are **not being solicited at this time**. This is a forecasted opportunity. - The official NOFO, with application instructions and requirements, will be published at a later date. - Potential applicants are encouraged to begin forming collaborations and planning projects in anticipation of the release. --- ## Additional Information - The opportunity will use the NIH P20 exploratory grant mechanism. - Collaborative investigations combining expertise in post-infectious chronic illnesses and ME/CFS are especially encouraged. - Cost sharing or matching is **not required**. --- ## External Links - [Official Grants.gov Forecast Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359136) - [NIH Home Page](https://www.nih.gov/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Affiliation | |---------------------|-----------------------------------------|---------------|--------------------------------------------------| | Vicky Whittemore, Ph.D. | [vicky.whittemore@nih.gov](mailto:vicky.whittemore@nih.gov) | 240-274-6696 | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) |

Forecast for NINDS Exploratory Grant Program in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research (P20 - Clinical Trial Optional)

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