Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA HD 19 015
The NIH funding opportunity titled "Development of Novel Nonsteroidal Contraceptive Methods (R61/R33 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" (Funding Opportunity Number: RFA-HD-19-015) is a discretionary grant program intended to accelerate early, multidisciplinary research that can lead to new, nonsteroidal contraceptive products for both men and women. The scientific focus is specifically on contraceptive approaches that act prior to fertilization, with the broader goal of generating the kind of rigorous, validated preclinical evidence needed to position these methods for later-stage clinical development. As stated in the title and mechanism, this program does not allow clinical trials, so projects are expected to remain in the non-clinical development space, emphasizing discovery-to-validation steps rather than testing in human participants.
This FOA uses the NIH R61/R33 phased innovation mechanism, which is designed to move projects through a milestone-driven development path. In practical terms, applicants typically propose an initial, shorter R61 phase that supports early feasibility work, optimization, and proof-of-concept, followed by an R33 phase that supports more advanced development once predefined milestones are met. The structure is meant to reduce risk and encourage translation by requiring clear, measurable technical objectives, decision points, and deliverables that demonstrate whether the approach is ready to move forward. The emphasis on "innovative and validated methods" signals that the NIH is looking for projects that do more than generate interesting basic findings; they should produce credible data packages, prototype candidates, or enabling evidence that would support subsequent clinical-stage planning outside the scope of this FOA.
Administratively, the opportunity is offered by the National Institutes of Health under CFDA 93.865 and falls within the Health, Income Security and Social Services activity category. The funding instrument is a grant, and the listed award ceiling is $500,000. The opportunity was created on June 15, 2018, with an original closing date of November 6, 2018. While the number of expected awards is not specified in the provided source data, the presence of a defined ceiling and a phased mechanism indicates the program is designed to support well-scoped development projects with clear go/no-go criteria rather than open-ended exploratory research.
Eligibility is broad and includes a wide range of domestic and non-domestic organizations. Eligible applicants include state, county, and local governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations that are not federally recognized governments; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofit organizations with and without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); small businesses; and other entities. The FOA also explicitly highlights additional eligible applicant types such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, Indian/Native American tribal governments other than federally recognized, and non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations). This breadth reflects an interest in drawing on diverse scientific, engineering, clinical-development, and product-development expertise, including institutions and communities that are often underrepresented in federally funded biomedical R&D.
Taken together, the opportunity is best understood as an NIH-backed push to expand the pipeline of contraceptive options by supporting nonsteroidal, pre-fertilization methods at a stage where strong preclinical validation and development planning can de-risk future clinical translation. The program’s milestone-based R61/R33 structure and the explicit prohibition on clinical trials reinforce that funded work should concentrate on building credible, actionable evidence and development readiness, rather than initiating or conducting studies in human subjects.Apply for RFA HD 19 015
- The National Institutes of Health in the health, income security and social services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Development of Novel Nonsteroidal Contraceptive Methods (R61/R33 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.865.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2018-06-15.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2018-11-06. (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 $500,000.00 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 title of this NIH funding opportunity?
The funding opportunity is titled "Development of Novel Nonsteroidal Contraceptive Methods (R61/R33 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)."
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FOA number)?
The Funding Opportunity Number is RFA-HD-19-015.
What is the main purpose of this grant program?
This discretionary NIH grant program is intended to accelerate early, multidisciplinary research that can lead to new, nonsteroidal contraceptive products for both men and women. The overall emphasis is on producing rigorous, validated preclinical evidence that helps position methods for later-stage clinical development (outside the scope of this FOA).
What scientific approaches are specifically targeted?
The scientific focus is on nonsteroidal contraceptive approaches that act prior to fertilization. Projects are expected to concentrate on discovery-to-validation development steps that strengthen readiness for future clinical-stage planning.
Are clinical trials allowed under this funding opportunity?
No. As stated in the FOA title and mechanism, clinical trials are not allowed. Projects are expected to remain in non-clinical development and preclinical validation rather than testing in human participants.
What funding mechanism does this FOA use?
This FOA uses the NIH R61/R33 phased innovation mechanism. This mechanism supports a milestone-driven path that typically begins with an R61 phase and can transition to an R33 phase if predefined milestones are achieved.
How does the R61/R33 phased structure work in practical terms?
Applicants generally propose a shorter R61 phase focused on early feasibility work, optimization, and proof-of-concept. If clearly defined milestones are met, the project may proceed to the R33 phase, which supports more advanced development work. The phased design emphasizes measurable technical objectives, decision points, and deliverables.
What does NIH mean by a "milestone-driven" development path in this program?
In this program, milestone-driven means that applicants are expected to propose clear, measurable technical milestones and go/no-go criteria. The intent is to reduce risk and encourage translation by requiring defined deliverables that demonstrate whether the approach is ready to move forward.
What kinds of outcomes or deliverables is NIH looking for?
Based on the FOA description, NIH is looking for more than basic findings. The emphasis is on credible, actionable development progress such as rigorous, validated preclinical evidence and data packages, prototype candidates, or enabling evidence that would support subsequent clinical-stage planning beyond this FOA.
Is this program intended for basic research or product-oriented development?
The program is oriented toward early development that bridges discovery to validation. While it supports early research, it is designed to generate validated, development-relevant evidence and readiness rather than open-ended exploratory work.
Which NIH program area or classification is associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is offered by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under CFDA 93.865 and is listed in the Health, Income Security and Social Services activity category.
What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?
The funding instrument is a grant.
What is the award ceiling listed for this opportunity?
The listed award ceiling is $500,000.
How many awards does NIH expect to make?
The number of expected awards is not specified in the provided information.
When was this opportunity created, and what was the original closing date?
The opportunity was created on June 15, 2018, and the original closing date was November 6, 2018.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes domestic and non-domestic organizations. Eligible applicants include state, county, and local governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations that are not federally recognized governments; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofit organizations with and without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); small businesses; and other entities.
Does the FOA explicitly include foreign (non-U.S.) organizations as eligible applicants?
Yes. The FOA explicitly notes that non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations) are eligible.
Are U.S. territories or possessions included as eligible applicants?
Yes. The FOA explicitly highlights U.S. territories or possessions among eligible applicant types.
Are tribal entities and tribal-serving organizations included in eligibility?
Yes. Eligibility includes federally recognized Native American tribal governments, tribal organizations that are not federally recognized governments, and Indian/Native American tribal governments other than federally recognized. The FOA also highlights Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs).
Are minority-serving institutions explicitly highlighted as eligible?
Yes. The FOA explicitly highlights multiple minority-serving institution types, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs).
Can faith-based or community-based organizations apply?
Yes. The FOA explicitly highlights faith-based or community-based organizations among eligible applicant types.
Can for-profit organizations and small businesses apply?
Yes. The eligibility list includes for-profit organizations (other than small businesses) as well as small businesses.
Are eligible federal agencies included?
Yes. The FOA explicitly highlights eligible federal agencies as eligible applicant types.
What is the best high-level way to understand what NIH is trying to achieve with this FOA?
Based on the provided description, NIH is pushing to expand the pipeline of contraceptive options by supporting pre-fertilization, nonsteroidal methods at a stage where strong preclinical validation and milestone-based development planning can de-risk future clinical translation. The R61/R33 structure and the prohibition on clinical trials reinforce that funded work should focus on credible evidence and development readiness rather than human-subject testing.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Health, Income Security and Social Services
Next opportunity: Superfund Hazardous Substance Research and Training Program (P42 Clinical Trial Optional)
Previous opportunity: Innovative Approaches to Studying Cancer Communication in the New Media Environment (R01 - Clinical Trial Optional)
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 HD 19 015
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (RFA HD 19 015) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Enhancing Developmental Biology Research at Academic Research Enhancement Award Eligible Institutions (R15 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 18 834 Funding Number: PAR 18 834 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Role of Gut Microbiome in Regulating Reproduction and Its Impact on Fertility Status in Women Living with and Without HIV (R01 - Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 838 Funding Number: PA 18 838 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $499,999 |
| Role of Gut Microbiome in Regulating Reproduction and Its Impact on Fertility Status in Women Living with and Without HIV (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 839 Funding Number: PA 18 839 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Pediatric Critical Care and Trauma Scientist Development Program (K12 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA HD 19 008 Funding Number: RFA HD 19 008 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| Novel Approaches to Safe, Non-Invasive, Real Time Assessment of Human Placenta Development and Function Across Pregnancy (R21 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 18 885 Funding Number: PAR 18 885 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Novel Approaches to Safe, Non-Invasive, Real Time Assessment of Human Placenta Development and Function Across Pregnancy (R01 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 18 884 Funding Number: PAR 18 884 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Clinical Trial Readiness for Rare Diseases, Disorders, and Syndromes (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 18 953 Funding Number: PAR 18 953 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Clinical Trial Readiness for Rare Diseases, Disorders, and Syndromes (R03 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 18 952 Funding Number: PAR 18 952 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Reproductive Medicine Collaborative Clinical Trials Program (Collaborative R01 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for RFA HD 19 022 Funding Number: RFA HD 19 022 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| HEAL Initiative: Antenatal Opioid Exposure Longitudinal Study Consortium (PL1 Clinical Trials Not Allowed) Apply for RFA HD 19 025 Funding Number: RFA HD 19 025 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Contraception Research Centers Program (U54 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA HD 19 023 Funding Number: RFA HD 19 023 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Womens HIV Epidemiology Cohort Studies (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA HD 19 024 Funding Number: RFA HD 19 024 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| HIV Vaccines Clinical Trials Network Leadership and Operations Center (UM1 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for RFA AI 19 006 Funding Number: RFA AI 19 006 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| HIV/AIDS Maternal, Adolescent and Pediatric Therapeutics Clinical Trials Network Leadership and Operations Center (UM1 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for RFA AI 19 004 Funding Number: RFA AI 19 004 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Biological Measures for Prognosing and Monitoring of Persistent Concussive Symptoms in Early and Middle Adolescents: Center Without Walls (PCS-EMA CWOW) (U54 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA NS 19 022 Funding Number: RFA NS 19 022 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $2,250,000 |
| Chemical Screening and Optimization Facility (X01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 19 261 Funding Number: PAR 19 261 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Population Dynamics Centers Research Infrastructure Program FY 2020 (P2C Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA HD 20 015 Funding Number: RFA HD 20 015 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| The Role of Stem/Progenitor Cells in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Gynecologic Disorders (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA HD 20 007 Funding Number: RFA HD 20 007 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Technologies to Advance Precision Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility, Reproductive Tract and Gynecologic Disorders Affecting Fertility (R43/R44 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA HD 20 010 Funding Number: RFA HD 20 010 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 20 020 Funding Number: RFA HD 20 020 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
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 HD 19 015", 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.