Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA MH 24 331
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is offering a discretionary grant opportunity titled "Improving Choice, Use, and Equitable Implementation of Biomedical HIV Prevention for Women (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)" under Funding Opportunity Number RFA-MH-24-331. This call supports exploratory, early-stage research (R21) focused on improving real-world uptake and sustained use of the biomedical HIV prevention vaginal ring among women, with an emphasis on equitable access and practical delivery outside tightly controlled clinical trial settings. Clinical trials are allowed but not required, giving applicants flexibility to propose observational, behavioral, mixed-methods, or implementation-focused projects depending on the research question.
The central goal is to address persistent knowledge gaps about why women do or do not start using the vaginal ring, how consistently they use it once they start, and what influences whether they continue using it over time (persistence). NIH is specifically looking for studies that move beyond clinical or open-label extension trials and examine what happens in everyday contexts such as community clinics, public health programs, family planning settings, or other routine care environments. This includes understanding how personal beliefs and experiences, relationship dynamics, community norms, and broader structural conditions shape decision-making and sustained use.
The opportunity encourages research across multiple levels of influence. At the individual level, proposed studies could examine factors like risk perception, product preferences, side effect concerns, comfort with insertion and removal, privacy, stigma, trust in healthcare systems, and practical challenges such as remembering replacement schedules. At the interpersonal level, applicants might investigate partner influence, communication and negotiation in relationships, reproductive goals, social support, or fear of disclosure. At the structural and systems level, NIH is interested in barriers and facilitators such as clinic workflows, provider knowledge and attitudes, counseling practices, service integration (for example with contraception or STI services), cost and coverage, supply chain and stocking, transportation, appointment availability, and policy or regulatory constraints. Equity is a core theme, so projects that directly address disparities in access and outcomes for populations disproportionately affected by HIV are particularly aligned with the intent of the announcement.
A major emphasis is on developing and testing behavioral interventions designed to improve three key outcomes: uptake (starting the ring), adherence (using it as intended), and persistence (continuing use over time). Interventions could include counseling approaches, peer or community health worker support, digital or mobile adherence supports, tailored education and risk communication, partner or couples-based strategies where appropriate, and approaches that reduce stigma or improve confidence and skills for consistent use. NIH is looking for rigorous but appropriately scoped R21 projects that generate actionable insights, feasibility data, and signals of promise that can be scaled or tested in larger follow-on studies.
In addition, the announcement highlights implementation science studies aimed at improving delivery and distribution of the ring. This includes identifying real-world implementation barriers and facilitators and testing strategies to optimize delivery, such as provider training models, differentiated service delivery, pharmacy-based distribution, community-based access points, integration into reproductive health services, and strategies to improve follow-up and continuity. Projects might evaluate implementation outcomes like reach, acceptability, feasibility, adoption, fidelity, sustainability, and cost considerations, with attention to how implementation strategies perform across different settings and populations.
Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S. organizations and government entities, such as state, county, and city governments; public and private institutions of higher education; independent school districts; special district governments; tribal governments (federally recognized) and tribal organizations (including those other than federally recognized tribal governments); public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status; for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); and small businesses. The announcement also explicitly calls out additional eligible applicants to encourage diverse leadership and community-rooted implementation, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs). Faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, U.S. territories or possessions, regional organizations, and non-U.S. (foreign) entities are also listed as eligible, reflecting an interest in partnerships and settings that can credibly study real-world delivery and equity challenges.
Key administrative details include an award ceiling of $275,000 and an original closing date of November 22, 2023, with the opportunity created on September 20, 2023. The activity category is Health, Income Security, and Social Services, and the CFDA numbers associated with the funding include 93.242, 93.310, 93.313, and 93.865. Overall, this opportunity is designed to strengthen the evidence base for how the vaginal ring can be offered and supported in ways that are practical, acceptable, and equitable, so that more women who could benefit from it are able to access it, choose it, and use it consistently over time in real-world conditions.Apply for RFA MH 24 331
- The National Institutes of Health in the health, income security and social services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Improving Choice, Use, and Equitable Implementation of Biomedical HIV Prevention for Women (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.242, 93.310, 93.313, 93.865.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2023-09-20.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2023-11-22. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $275,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the name of this NIH grant opportunity?
The opportunity is titled "Improving Choice, Use, and Equitable Implementation of Biomedical HIV Prevention for Women (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)."
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?
The Funding Opportunity Number is RFA-MH-24-331.
Which agency is offering this funding?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is offering this discretionary grant opportunity.
What type of grant mechanism is this?
This is an R21 grant mechanism, intended for exploratory, early-stage research.
Are clinical trials required under this opportunity?
No. Clinical trials are allowed but not required (clinical trial optional), which means applicants can propose clinical trial or non-clinical trial studies depending on the research question.
What is the primary prevention product being studied?
The focus is on the biomedical HIV prevention vaginal ring for women, specifically improving real-world uptake and sustained use.
What is the central goal of the funding announcement?
The central goal is to address knowledge gaps about why women do or do not start using the vaginal ring (uptake), how consistently they use it once they start (adherence), and what influences continued use over time (persistence), especially in everyday real-world contexts rather than tightly controlled clinical trial settings.
What does NIH mean by "real-world" settings in this announcement?
NIH is encouraging studies that examine what happens in routine care and community contexts, such as community clinics, public health programs, family planning settings, and other environments outside traditional clinical or open-label extension trials.
What kinds of research approaches are encouraged?
The announcement supports exploratory, early-stage projects that can include observational, behavioral, mixed-methods, implementation-focused studies, and (optionally) clinical trials, as long as they are aligned with improving uptake, adherence, persistence, and equitable delivery in real-world conditions.
What outcomes are emphasized for intervention development and testing?
NIH highlights three key outcomes for behavioral intervention work: uptake (starting the ring), adherence (using it as intended), and persistence (continuing use over time).
What types of behavioral interventions does NIH mention as examples?
Examples include counseling approaches, peer or community health worker support, digital or mobile adherence supports, tailored education and risk communication, partner or couples-based strategies where appropriate, and interventions that reduce stigma or build confidence and skills for consistent use.
What kinds of factors can be studied at the individual level?
Individual-level factors described in the announcement include risk perception, product preferences, concerns about side effects, comfort with insertion and removal, privacy needs, stigma, trust in healthcare systems, and practical issues such as remembering replacement schedules.
What kinds of interpersonal influences are relevant to this funding call?
Interpersonal influences noted include partner influence, communication and negotiation within relationships, reproductive goals, social support, and fear of disclosure.
What structural or systems-level issues does NIH want applicants to consider?
The announcement notes barriers and facilitators such as clinic workflows, provider knowledge and attitudes, counseling practices, service integration (for example with contraception or STI services), cost and coverage, supply chain and stocking, transportation, appointment availability, and policy or regulatory constraints.
How important is equity in this opportunity?
Equity is a core theme. Projects that directly address disparities in access and outcomes for populations disproportionately affected by HIV are especially aligned with the intent of the announcement.
Does the opportunity support implementation science?
Yes. The announcement highlights implementation science studies aimed at improving delivery and distribution of the vaginal ring in real-world settings.
What types of implementation strategies are mentioned?
Examples include provider training models, differentiated service delivery, pharmacy-based distribution, community-based access points, integration into reproductive health services, and strategies to improve follow-up and continuity.
What implementation outcomes might projects evaluate?
The announcement lists outcomes such as reach, acceptability, feasibility, adoption, fidelity, sustainability, and cost considerations, including how these outcomes vary across settings and populations.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S. organizations and government entities, such as state/county/city governments; public and private institutions of higher education; independent school districts; special district governments; tribal governments (federally recognized) and tribal organizations (including those other than federally recognized tribal governments); public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status; for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); and small businesses.
Are specific institution types explicitly encouraged or called out as eligible?
Yes. The announcement explicitly lists HBCUs, Hispanic-serving Institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) among eligible applicants.
Can faith-based or community-based organizations apply?
Yes. Faith-based and community-based organizations are listed as eligible applicants.
Are federal agencies eligible to apply?
Yes. Eligible federal agencies are listed among eligible applicants.
Are U.S. territories or possessions eligible?
Yes. U.S. territories or possessions are listed as eligible.
Are non-U.S. (foreign) entities eligible?
Yes. Non-U.S. (foreign) entities are listed as eligible applicants.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling listed is $275,000.
What was the original closing date for this opportunity?
The original closing date is November 22, 2023.
When was the opportunity created?
The opportunity was created on September 20, 2023.
What is the activity category for this funding opportunity?
The activity category is Health, Income Security, and Social Services.
Which CFDA numbers are associated with this funding?
The CFDA numbers associated with the opportunity include 93.242, 93.310, 93.313, and 93.865.
What kind of evidence is NIH looking for from an R21 project in this area?
The announcement emphasizes appropriately scoped, rigorous R21 studies that generate actionable insights, feasibility data, and signals of promise that can be scaled or tested in larger follow-on studies.
Does NIH want studies confined to clinical trials or open-label extension trials?
No. NIH specifically calls for studies that move beyond clinical or open-label extension trials to examine uptake and sustained use in everyday contexts.
What practical delivery challenges are within scope?
Within scope are practical delivery and access challenges such as clinic workflow constraints, provider training and counseling practices, service integration, cost/coverage issues, supply chain and stocking, transportation barriers, appointment availability, and policy or regulatory constraints.
Can projects focus on decision-making and social context around vaginal ring use?
Yes. The opportunity specifically highlights the importance of personal beliefs and experiences, relationship dynamics, community norms, and broader structural conditions in shaping decision-making and sustained use.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Health, Income Security and Social Services
Next opportunity: Mechanistic Research on Neuromodulation for Substance Use Disorders Treatment (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
Previous opportunity: Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program Youth Support and Internship Program
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for RFA MH 24 331
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (RFA MH 24 331) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Opportunities for HIV Cure Strategies at the Time of ART Initiation (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 23 297 Funding Number: PAR 23 297 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Improving Choice, Use, and Equitable Implementation of Biomedical HIV Prevention for Women (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA MH 24 330 Funding Number: RFA MH 24 330 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Centers (MDSRC) (P50 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA NS 23 032 Funding Number: RFA NS 23 032 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Leveraging Extant Data to Understand Developmental Trajectories of Late Talking Children (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 24 045 Funding Number: PAR 24 045 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $275,000 |
| HEAL Initiative: Limited Competition: Data Coordinating Center for Completion of the Outcomes of Babies with Opioid Exposure (OBOE) Study (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA HD 24 015 Funding Number: RFA HD 24 015 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Information and Practice Needs Relevant to Late Talking Children (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 24 046 Funding Number: PAR 24 046 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $275,000 |
| HEAL Initiative: Limited Competition: Clinical Centers for Completion of the Outcomes of Babies with Opioid Exposure (OBOE) Study (UG1 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA HD 24 014 Funding Number: RFA HD 24 014 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Down Syndrome Cohort Research Sites (DS-CRS) for the Down Syndrome Cohort Study Program (DS-CDP) across the lifespan for the INCLUDE Project (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA OD 24 003 Funding Number: RFA OD 24 003 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Long-Acting Drug Delivery Systems for ART Optimization in Children Living with HIV-1 II (LADDS II) (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA AI 23 061 Funding Number: RFA AI 23 061 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $850,000 |
| Development of Novel Nonsteroidal Contraceptive Methods (R61/R33 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA HD 25 008 Funding Number: RFA HD 25 008 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Omics Phenotypes Related to Down Syndrome for the INCLUDE Project (X01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 24 081 Funding Number: PAR 24 081 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BRAIN Initiative: Research on the Ethical Implications of Advancements in Neurotechnology and Brain Science (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA MH 25 171 Funding Number: RFA MH 25 171 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $275,000 |
| INCLUDE (INvestigation of Co-occurring conditions across the Lifespan to Understand Down syndromE) Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Fellow Transition Award (F99/K00 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA OD 24 007 Funding Number: RFA OD 24 007 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Optimizing Health of Children and Adolescents with Perinatal HIV Exposure (U19 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA HD 25 004 Funding Number: RFA HD 25 004 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Using Archived Data and Specimen Collections to Advance Maternal and Pediatric HIV/AIDS Research (R21 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA HD 25 009 Funding Number: RFA HD 25 009 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $275,000 |
| Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Centers (MDSRC) (P50 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA AR 25 002 Funding Number: RFA AR 25 002 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| NIH HEAL Initiative: Coordinated Approaches to Pain Care in Health Care Systems (UG3/UH3 - Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA NS 24 041 Funding Number: RFA NS 24 041 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Centers for Collaborative Research in Fragile X and FMR1-Associated Conditions (P50 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA HD 25 002 Funding Number: RFA HD 25 002 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Advancement and Innovation in Measurement of Language Development and Predictors (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 24 243 Funding Number: PAR 24 243 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Advancement and Innovation in Measurement of Language Development and Predictors (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 24 244 Funding Number: PAR 24 244 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $275,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "RFA MH 24 331", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.