Information and Practice Needs Relevant to Late Talking Children (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a key agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, administers numerous health-related funding programs and initiatives aimed at advancing scientific research and improving public health. Through its Tackling Acquisition of Language in Kids (TALK) initiative, the NIH has issued Funding Opportunity Number PAR-25-217 to address the needs surrounding children who are late in developing spoken language. This opportunity represents the agency’s commitment to ensuring caregivers and professionals who support late-talking children receive timely, evidence-based information and guidance. The purpose of this R21 grant is to support exploratory and developmental research projects that assess and address the information and practice needs relevant to late-talking children. This includes understanding whether these needs are currently being met and how scientific information is communicated to those in caregiving or professional roles. The grant encourages projects that incorporate community-engaged and qualitative research methods, seeking diverse and inclusive perspectives. Applicants are expected to analyze how knowledge about late language acquisition is disseminated and translated into practice and to identify gaps in information flow or service accessibility. As an R21 grant with “Clinical Trial Not Allowed” status, this funding mechanism targets early-stage research and novel approaches rather than implementation of established clinical practices. It is ideally suited for studies that may lead to future, more extensive investigations. Allowable costs must align with general NIH grant policies, and while no matching requirement is imposed, applicants are responsible for adhering to all federal cost principles. The absence of specified funding limits implies flexibility in budget planning, although applicants are expected to provide justification proportional to their research scope. Eligibility for this grant is broad and inclusive. It extends to a wide range of public and private institutions, including higher education institutions (both public and private), tribal organizations, school districts, local and state governments, nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status), small and large businesses, housing authorities, and various community-based or faith-based organizations. Moreover, non-U.S. entities and regional organizations are also eligible, affirming the grant's openness to global perspectives and its recognition of diverse operational contexts. The submission deadline for applications is December 9, 2025, and applicants must apply electronically via Grants.gov. While the full funding announcement provides additional application guidance and required documentation, it is essential for applicants to reference Section VII for complete agency contact details. The grant does not require pre-application steps such as letters of intent or concept papers, simplifying the process for prospective applicants. Although no specific timeline for award notifications or performance periods is outlined, the grant is part of a recurring initiative. Based on the current cycle, future iterations of the program are anticipated. Interested parties should monitor NIH funding announcements regularly to remain informed about future cycles and evolving focus areas within the TALK initiative.