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

October 16, 2025

Up to $1,000,000 per award (annual ceiling); duration and total funding depend on project scope and funds available.

Supports collaborative, multi-site consortia to advance diagnosis, management, and treatment of rare diseases through translational and clinical research.

--- ## Description This opportunity invites applications for new and renewal Rare Diseases Clinical Research Consortia (RDCRC) as part of the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network (RDCRN). The objective is to accelerate progress in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of rare diseases by supporting highly collaborative, multi-site, patient-centric translational and clinical research. Special emphasis is placed on early identification of individuals with rare diseases and improving clinical trial readiness. Each consortium is expected to focus on at least three distinct rare diseases and include at least two (but no more than four) clinical research projects, with at least one being a longitudinal study (e.g., a natural history study). Additional projects may include biomarker studies, early-stage clinical trials, or other studies that enhance trial readiness. All projects must be focused exclusively on rare diseases, defined as those affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. Consortia are required to incorporate multidisciplinary collaborations, including patients, clinicians, researchers, and stakeholders, and to propose activities in resource development, career enhancement, and outreach on a national or international level. Patient and stakeholder engagement in research planning and execution is required. --- ## Due Dates - Application Deadline: October 16, 2025 --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award ceiling: $1,000,000 per year - No minimum award floor - Award duration and total number of awards depend on available funds and project merit --- ## 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 (other than institutions of higher education) - For-profit organizations (including small businesses) - 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 - Regional organizations - U.S. territories and possessions - Faith-based or community-based organizations - Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations) are eligible to apply - Federal agencies **Note:** Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. organizations are not eligible. Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are not allowed. --- ## Application Process - Review the full Notice of Funding Opportunity and program details at the [NIH Grants Guide](https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-TR-25-008.html). - Prepare a multi-project application including at least two clinical research projects (one must be longitudinal). - Engage multidisciplinary teams and include patient/stakeholder engagement. - Submit applications electronically via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/358818) by the deadline. --- ## Additional Information - No cost sharing or matching is required. - Consortia at varying stages of scientific development are encouraged to apply, including those without established registries or with knowledge gaps. - Animal studies are not permitted. - Projects must focus on human clinical research as defined by NIH. - Early-stage proof-of-concept trials (Phase I) are allowed. --- ## External Links - [Full Funding Announcement & Details (NIH Grants Guide)](https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-TR-25-008.html) - [Official Grants.gov Listing and Application Portal](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/358818) - [NIH Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network (RDCRN)](https://www.rarediseasesnetwork.org/) - [NCATS (National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences)](https://ncats.nih.gov/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Affiliation | |---------------------|------------------------------|--------------|--------------------------------------------------| | Tiina K. Urv, Ph.D. | [urvtiin@mail.nih.gov](mailto:urvtiin@mail.nih.gov) | 301-827-2746 | National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) |

Rare Diseases Clinical Research Consortia (RDCRC) for the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network (RDCRN) (U54 Clinical Trial Optional)

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