Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA NS 18 026
The NINDS Morris K. Udall Centers of Excellence for Parkinsons Disease Research (P50 Clinical Trial Optional) funding opportunity (RFA-NS-18-026) is a National Institutes of Health grant program run through the Department of Health and Human Services, specifically the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Its main purpose is to support a coordinated national network of specialized research Centers focused on Parkinsons disease (PD). These Centers are expected to work both independently and collaboratively, with the broader objective of clarifying the causes of PD and accelerating the discovery of better treatments. Beyond producing strong science, the program is designed to create visible national leaders in PD research that can drive progress more quickly than isolated projects typically can.
A core feature of the Udall Centers model is its emphasis on synergy and interdisciplinary integration. Applicants are expected to build a Center around a clear, unifying research theme that addresses a major, high-priority challenge in PD. The theme is not meant to be a vague umbrella; it should be specific enough to shape the Center's projects and shared resources in a way that makes the whole program more impactful than the sum of its parts. NINDS explicitly prioritizes innovative and integrative work with high potential for discovery, and it expects applicants to demonstrate that the Center structure is essential. In practical terms, reviewers will look for strong scientific interdependence among projects and cores, where the research goals could not realistically be achieved without the shared infrastructure, coordination, and collaboration that a Center provides.
Structurally, the FOA requires at least three research projects as the backbone of each proposed Center. These projects should be aligned with the Center theme and collectively advance understanding of PD etiology, disease mechanisms (pathogenesis), and/or treatment approaches. Studies on related synucleinopathies can be included, but only if they directly help resolve the central PD research challenge defined by the application. In other words, related-disease work is allowed when it strengthens the PD focus rather than diluting it.
In addition to the research projects, the FOA requires a set of cores that provide shared capabilities and are demonstrably essential to the science. Each scientific core must be critical to at least two of the proposed research projects, which is a built-in way of enforcing integration and preventing cores from being add-ons that serve only one lab or aim. An Administrative Core is also required to manage governance, coordination, communication, and overall Center operations. Taken together, the projects and cores are expected to operate like a tightly connected program, with shared strategies, shared methods or resources where appropriate, and clear collaborative advantages that speed progress.
The Udall Center concept also includes responsibilities that go beyond conducting research. Each application must include a mission statement along with a concrete plan for career enhancement. This career enhancement component is meant to strengthen the development of trainees and investigators affiliated with the Center through organized activities, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. The intent is to use the Center as a training and career-advancement environment, helping build the next generation of PD researchers while also supporting the growth of current investigators within the Center.
Another required element is an outreach plan that connects the Center to the local Parkinsons patient and advocacy community. The FOA calls for effective outreach and dissemination of Udall Center research results, meaning the Center should have a practical strategy for two-way engagement: sharing findings in accessible ways and building relationships with patient and advocacy stakeholders. This positions Udall Centers not only as scientific hubs but also as local resources that help translate research progress into understandable information and foster community trust and involvement.
Leadership expectations are also clearly stated. The Udall Center Director (the PD/PI) must be an established scientific leader with demonstrated expertise, strong management ability, and visionary leadership skills. Since the program depends on coordination across multiple projects and shared cores, the PD/PI is expected to guide scientific direction, maintain integration, and ensure the Center functions as a unified enterprise rather than a loose collection of separate studies.
From an administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary NIH grant using the P50 Center mechanism, and it is labeled "Clinical Trial Optional," meaning clinical trials may be included but are not required. The activity category is Health, and the CFDA number listed is 93.853. Eligibility is broad and includes various levels of government entities, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status), for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), small businesses, tribal governments and tribal organizations, and other applicants as described in the FOA's additional eligibility language. The opportunity record indicates an expected two awards, a creation date of October 25, 2018, and an original closing date of January 4, 2019, with an award ceiling listed as 0 (which typically signals that applicants should rely on the FOA text and NIH budget guidance rather than a single posted cap in the summary field).
Overall, this FOA is aimed at building highly integrated, theme-driven Centers that can move the field forward faster through collaboration, shared resources, and coordinated leadership. The strongest applications under this model are typically those that define a focused and urgent PD research challenge, design multiple projects that truly depend on one another, justify cores that enable at least two projects each, and show serious commitment to both workforce development and meaningful patient/community outreach.Apply for RFA NS 18 026
- The Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "NINDS Morris K. Udall Centers of Excellence for Parkinsons Disease Research (P50 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.853.
- This funding opportunity was created on Oct 25, 2018.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jan 04, 2019. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
- 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 (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the NINDS Morris K. Udall Centers of Excellence for Parkinsons Disease Research funding opportunity?
This opportunity (RFA-NS-18-026) is an NIH grant program administered by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) within the Department of Health and Human Services. It supports a coordinated national network of specialized research Centers focused on Parkinsons disease (PD), designed to accelerate discovery and improve treatments through integrated, collaborative Center-based research.
What is the main purpose of the Udall Centers program?
The program is intended to clarify the causes of Parkinsons disease and speed progress toward better treatments by funding highly integrated Centers that can work both independently and collaboratively as part of a broader national network. A key goal is to create visible national leaders in PD research who can drive progress faster than isolated projects typically can.
Which NIH Institute runs this program?
The program is run through NINDS (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke), which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under the Department of Health and Human Services.
What grant mechanism is used for this opportunity?
This is a discretionary NIH grant using the P50 Center mechanism.
What does "Clinical Trial Optional" mean in this FOA?
"Clinical Trial Optional" means a proposed Center may include clinical trials, but clinical trials are not required to be part of the application.
What is the overall structure expected for an Udall Center application?
Each proposed Center is expected to function as a tightly connected program built around (1) multiple research projects and (2) cores that provide shared capabilities. Integration and synergy are emphasized, meaning the Center should be designed so that the combined program is more impactful than the same activities conducted as separate, independent projects.
How many research projects are required?
The FOA requires at least three research projects as the backbone of each proposed Center.
What should the required research projects focus on?
The projects should align with the Center theme and collectively advance understanding of Parkinsons disease etiology, disease mechanisms (pathogenesis), and/or treatment approaches.
Can research on related diseases be included?
Yes. Studies on related synucleinopathies may be included, but only if they directly help resolve the central Parkinsons disease research challenge defined by the application. Related-disease work is expected to strengthen the PD focus rather than dilute it.
What is meant by a "unifying research theme"?
The FOA expects each Center to be built around a clear, specific unifying theme that addresses a major, high-priority challenge in Parkinsons disease. The theme should be concrete enough to shape the projects and shared resources so that the Center structure is essential and produces added value beyond separate projects.
How does NINDS define or prioritize "synergy" and "integration" in a Center?
NINDS emphasizes scientific interdependence among projects and cores. Reviewers are expected to look for evidence that the research goals could not realistically be achieved without shared infrastructure, coordination, and collaboration provided by the Center model.
What types of cores are required?
The FOA requires cores that provide shared capabilities essential to the science, as well as a required Administrative Core to manage governance, coordination, communication, and overall Center operations.
What is the requirement for scientific cores in relation to the projects?
Each scientific core must be critical to at least two of the proposed research projects. This requirement is intended to ensure the cores are truly shared and integral to the Center, rather than serving only a single project.
What is the purpose of the Administrative Core?
The Administrative Core is required to manage Center governance, coordination, communication, and overall operations so that the projects and cores function as a unified, well-integrated program.
Are there required components beyond research projects and cores?
Yes. Each application must include a mission statement, a concrete plan for career enhancement, and an outreach plan connecting the Center to the local Parkinsons patient and advocacy community.
What is the mission statement expected to cover?
The FOA requires a mission statement as part of the application. Based on the description provided, the mission statement should align with the Center model and reflect the Centers overarching goals, including the focused research theme and the intent to accelerate progress through coordinated, integrated efforts.
What is the required career enhancement plan?
The FOA requires a plan for career enhancement intended to strengthen the development of trainees and investigators affiliated with the Center. It is expected to include organized activities, mentorship, and professional development opportunities, positioning the Center as a training and career-advancement environment.
What is the required outreach plan?
The FOA requires an outreach plan that connects the Center to the local Parkinsons patient and advocacy community and supports effective dissemination of Udall Center research results. The outreach component is described as two-way engagement: sharing findings in accessible ways while building relationships with patient and advocacy stakeholders.
What leadership expectations apply to the Center Director (PD/PI)?
The Udall Center Director (the PD/PI) is expected to be an established scientific leader with demonstrated expertise, strong management ability, and visionary leadership skills. The PD/PI is responsible for guiding scientific direction, maintaining integration across projects and cores, and ensuring the Center operates as a unified enterprise rather than a loose collection of studies.
What is the activity category and CFDA number listed for this opportunity?
The activity category is Health, and the CFDA number listed is 93.853.
Who is eligible to apply based on the information provided?
Eligibility is broad and includes various levels of government entities, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status), for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), small businesses, tribal governments and tribal organizations, and other applicants as described in the FOAs additional eligibility language.
How many awards were expected under this opportunity record?
The opportunity record indicates an expected two awards.
What are the key dates shown in the opportunity record?
The record lists a creation date of October 25, 2018, and an original closing date of January 4, 2019.
Is there a posted funding cap (award ceiling) for this opportunity?
The opportunity summary lists an award ceiling of 0. As described in the provided information, this typically signals that applicants should rely on the FOA text and NIH budget guidance rather than a single posted cap in the summary field.
What kinds of applications are likely to be most competitive under this model?
Based on the description provided, the strongest applications are typically those that (1) define a focused and urgent PD research challenge as the theme, (2) design multiple projects that truly depend on one another, (3) justify cores that are essential and support at least two projects each, and (4) demonstrate serious commitment to career enhancement and meaningful patient/community outreach.
Does the program emphasize collaboration beyond a single institution?
The program is described as supporting a coordinated national network of specialized Centers that work both independently and collaboratively. This indicates that collaboration is a central expectation, both within each Center and across the broader Udall Centers network.
Why does NINDS emphasize Center-based research rather than isolated projects?
The FOA is designed around the idea that integrated Centers with shared infrastructure, coordinated leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration can make progress more quickly and effectively than isolated projects, especially when addressing major, high-priority challenges in Parkinsons disease.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Health
Next opportunity: Disaster Management Studies Course
Previous opportunity: Head Start and/or Early Head Start Grantee -- Butler County, Ohio
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 NS 18 026
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (RFA NS 18 026) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Autism Secondary Data Analysis Research Program Apply for HRSA 19 090 Funding Number: HRSA 19 090 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Quality Health Initiative Apply for 72065619RFA00001 Funding Number: 72065619RFA00001 Agency: Agency for International Development, Mozambique USAID-Maputo Category: Health Funding Amount: $39,000,000 |
| Health Center Controlled Networks Apply for HRSA 19 011 Funding Number: HRSA 19 011 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Surveillance for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Other Viral Respiratory Infections Among Native Americans/Alaska Natives Apply for RFA IP 19 001 Funding Number: RFA IP 19 001 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - ERA Category: Health Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| USAID’s Physical Rehabilitation Activity Apply for 72036719RFA00001 Funding Number: 72036719RFA00001 Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Health Funding Amount: $4,000,000 |
| Understanding and Improving Immunization Services among Adult Hospital Inpatient and Observation/Clinical Decision Unit Settings Apply for RFA IP 19 003 Funding Number: RFA IP 19 003 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - ERA Category: Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Building Capacity for HIV Elimination in Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part A Jurisdictions Apply for HRSA 19 034 Funding Number: HRSA 19 034 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| USAID/West Africa: “Community HIV/AIDS Investments for Longer and healthier Lives (CHILL) in Cameroon Apply for RFI 624 18 CHILL Funding Number: RFI 624 18 CHILL Agency: Agency for International Development, Ghana USAID-Accra Category: Health Funding Amount: $28,086,275 |
| Increasing Influenza and Tdap Vaccination of Pregnant Women in Obstetric/Gynecologic Practices in Large Health Systems through Quality Improvement Interventions Apply for RFA IP 19 002 Funding Number: RFA IP 19 002 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - ERA Category: Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Primary Care Training and Enhancement - Physician Assistant Program Apply for HRSA 19 087 Funding Number: HRSA 19 087 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| AIDS Education and Training Centers – National HIV Curriculum e-Learning Platform: Technology Operations and Maintenance Apply for HRSA 19 041 Funding Number: HRSA 19 041 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA) (Clinical Trial Not Allowed U10) Apply for RFA AA 19 001 Funding Number: RFA AA 19 001 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Tribal Behavioral Health Grant Program Apply for SM 19 005 Funding Number: SM 19 005 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminis Category: Health Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| CDC Resident Postdoctoral Program in Microbiology Apply for CDC RFA CK19 1901 Funding Number: CDC RFA CK19 1901 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control - NCEZID Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Statewide Family Network Apply for SM 19 004 Funding Number: SM 19 004 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminis Category: Health Funding Amount: $95,000 |
| Grants to Expand Substance Abuse Treatment Capacity in Adult Treatment Drug Courts and Adult Tribal Healing to Wellness Courts Apply for TI 19 002 Funding Number: TI 19 002 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminis Category: Health Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Grants to Expand Substance Abuse Treatment Capacity in Family Treatment Drug Courts Apply for TI 19 001 Funding Number: TI 19 001 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminis Category: Health Funding Amount: $425,000 |
| Prevention and Control of Chronic Disease and Associated Risk Factors in the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico Apply for CDC RFA DP19 1901 Funding Number: CDC RFA DP19 1901 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control - NCCDPHP Category: Health Funding Amount: $1,400,000 |
| Announcement of Availability of Funds for Title X Family Planning Services Grants Apply for PA FPH 19 001 Funding Number: PA FPH 19 001 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $22,000,000 |
| Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program Apply for HRSA 19 008 Funding Number: HRSA 19 008 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
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 NS 18 026", 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.