Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers

The Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers opportunity is a forecasted federal grant program administered by the National Institute on Aging, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This initiative represents a continuation of a long-standing federal investment in aging research infrastructure, specifically designed to support centers of excellence focused on improving the independence and functional capacity of older adults. The program is expected to be released as a formal Notice of Funding Opportunity using the P30 center grant mechanism, which typically supports multidisciplinary research environments and shared resources rather than standalone projects. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to establish or enhance specialized research centers dedicated to geriatrics and aging-related scientific inquiry. These centers are intended to generate new knowledge that contributes to maintaining or restoring independence among older populations. Applicants are expected to propose a unifying research theme that addresses a critical area of aging science, particularly one that has the potential to impact large populations of older individuals. In addition to advancing research, the centers are also expected to contribute to the education and training of researchers in aging-related disciplines. Funding under this program is intended to support the development and sustainability of collaborative research programs. While specific allowable costs are not detailed in the forecast, P30 center grants typically fund administrative cores, shared research resources, pilot projects, and career development activities. The program does not require cost sharing or matching contributions, which lowers the financial barrier for eligible institutions. However, applicants must demonstrate the capacity to manage complex, multi-component research programs and sustain progress over time in their chosen focus area. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive, encompassing a wide range of organizational types. These include higher education institutions (both public and private), nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, for-profit entities, small businesses, and multiple levels of government including state, county, city, and tribal governments. Additionally, federal agencies, regional organizations, faith-based organizations, and even non-domestic institutions are considered eligible. This wide eligibility scope reflects the program’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and diverse institutional participation in aging research. At the time of this forecast notice, applications are not yet being accepted. The announcement is intended to give potential applicants ample time to form collaborations, define research themes, and prepare competitive proposals. The estimated application posting date is May 1, 2027, with an anticipated submission deadline of September 25, 2027. Awards are expected to be made by July 1, 2028, with project activities beginning shortly thereafter. No pre-application requirements such as letters of intent are specified at this stage. The application process, once released, will likely follow standard NIH procedures, requiring submission through Grants.gov and including detailed research plans, administrative structures, and justification for the proposed center. Evaluation criteria are expected to include scientific merit, significance of the research theme, strength of the collaborative framework, and the potential for training and career development in aging research. Applicants are encouraged to monitor updates and direct inquiries via email to the National Institute on Aging, including the funding opportunity number in all correspondence.

Focus on developing a strong central research theme aligned with improving independence in older adults; build interdisciplinary collaborations early; align proposed activities with NIH aging research priorities