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

February 20, 2026 (Forecasted)

$3,500,000–$4,000,000 per award | 1 expected award | Total program funding: $6,200,000

Supports research into novel therapeutic interventions and testing strategies for neurological disorders, with a focus on epilepsy treatment, modification, and prevention.

Forecasted opportunity; details may change—check for updates.

--- ## Description This upcoming funding opportunity from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is intended to support research on innovative therapeutic interventions and testing strategies for neurological disorders, with a particular emphasis on epilepsy. The program encourages proposals that explore a variety of intervention modalities and human-focused testing approaches. Applications from investigators with expertise in preclinical therapy testing and model development are especially welcomed. The ultimate goal is to advance methods for treating, modifying, or preventing epilepsy and related neurological conditions. --- ## Due Dates - Estimated application due date: February 20, 2026 *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Expected number of awards: 1 - Award ceiling: $4,000,000 - Award floor: $3,500,000 - Estimated total program funding: $6,200,000 - Funding instrument: Cooperative Agreement --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - State, county, city, or township governments - Special district governments - Independent school districts - Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education - Native American tribal governments (federally recognized and other) - Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities - Nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education) - Private institutions of higher education - For-profit organizations (including small businesses) - Eligible agencies of the federal government - U.S. territories or possessions - Faith-based or community-based organizations - Regional organizations - Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign institutions) No cost sharing or matching is required. --- ## Application Process - This is a forecasted opportunity; the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is expected to be published December 19, 2025. - The application package and detailed instructions will be available on [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360649) once the NOFO is released. - Prepare to demonstrate expertise in preclinical therapy testing and model development, with a strong focus on human-relevant testing strategies for neurological disorders. --- ## Additional Information - Clinical trials are **not** allowed under this funding mechanism (U24). - The anticipated project start date is December 1, 2026. - This opportunity is a cooperative agreement, indicating substantial NIH involvement in project oversight. --- ## External Links - [Grants.gov Listing (RFA-NS-26-002)](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360649) - [National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)](https://www.ninds.nih.gov/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | |----------------|-------------------------------|---------------| | Brian Klein, PhD | [brian.klein@nih.gov](mailto:brian.klein@nih.gov) | (301) 496-0981 |

Investigate Novel Therapeutic Interventions and Testing Strategies for Neurological Disorders Including to Treat, Modify and Prevent the Development of Epilepsy (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Sign in to see full grant listing