Administrative Supplements to Existing NIH Grants and Cooperative Agreements (Parent Admin Supp Clinical Trial Optional)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is offering an administrative supplement funding opportunity under the Funding Opportunity Number PA-26-001. This opportunity allows current NIH grantees to request additional funds for unforeseen costs necessary to complete their existing peer-reviewed and approved research projects. This supplemental funding does not support expansion beyond the original scope of the parent award, and requests are considered only if they align with the original project's objectives. Applicants must consult with NIH program and grants management staff before applying to confirm both eligibility and funding availability, as supplemental funds are not guaranteed. The purpose of this administrative supplement program is to enable NIH-funded researchers to address unexpected expenses within the existing scope of their funded research projects. These may include, but are not limited to, unforeseen personnel needs, equipment purchases, or other costs necessary to maintain momentum and ensure the successful completion of the project. Supplements may not be used to start new aims, fundamentally alter the direction of the project, or extend the period of performance beyond the current project end date. Awards will be made as either grants or cooperative agreements, depending on the original funding instrument. Applications may be submitted for supplements to a broad range of NIH-supported research grants and cooperative agreements. Clinical trials are optional and may be included in supplement requests, provided the supplement does not change the overall clinical trial designation of the parent award. Award budgets must not exceed the current funding level of the parent award and must reflect actual needs for the supplemental activities. The total project period for a supplement cannot extend beyond the existing project period. Notably, administrative supplements are not allowed during no-cost extensions except in rare public health emergencies. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based and non-domestic organizations that hold active NIH grants. This includes institutions of higher education, nonprofits, for-profits, tribal governments, and others as long as they currently administer an eligible NIH grant. However, NIH will not issue new or continuation awards involving foreign subawards or subcontracts; only direct foreign components or collaborations are permitted. All applicants must maintain active registrations in key federal systems including SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons. Submission must be completed using one of several approved electronic systems: NIH ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or institutional system-to-system tools. The application package must be tailored specifically for the supplemental request, with required documentation including revised budget forms, project summary, and biographical sketches for any new personnel. Where applicable, IRB or IACUC approval documentation must also be included. Additionally, applicants requesting childcare support under NRSA Institutional Training Grants must provide specific justification. Applications will not undergo peer review but will be administratively reviewed by NIH staff from the relevant awarding component. Review will focus on the justification for the supplement, budget reasonableness, and alignment with the original project scope. There are no specific deadlines; instead, due dates vary by Institute or Center (IC). However, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early and verify IC-specific requirements via the NIH Administrative Supplements webpage. This opportunity remains open through November 30, 2028, and may be reissued in future years.

Must consult with program officer before submitting; ensure strict alignment with existing project scope.