Policy Watchtower/Funding available
NIH forecasts Early Independence Award; non-federally recognized tribes can apply
National Institutes of HealthFunding availableSep 3, 2026
Check: NIH expects to post a forecasted early-career research award, -RM-28-004, that lists non-federally recognized tribal governments as eligible applicants, with no money reserved for tribes (a ).
What it does
Non-federally recognized tribal governments may apply for the NIH Director's Early Independence Award, which supports early-career researchers (DP5) moving to independent research soon after a doctoral degree or post-graduate clinical training. The award is part of the NIH Common Fund's High-Risk, High-Reward Research Program. The forecast gives an estimated posting date of 2027-03-15 and an estimated application due date of 2027-09-10.
Why it matters for tribal funding
Tribes eligible. Tribes or Native organizations are among those who can apply or are covered, alongside others.
Who it covers: Tribal governments.
: 93.310
What to do next
- Check for the posted -RM-28-004 on or after the estimated 2027-03-15 posting date.
- Note the estimated application due date of 2027-09-10 and confirm eligibility for any researchers your office would sponsor.
Sources
Every signal is built from public records. The highlighted words appear in the source exactly as shown.
- Grants.gov: forecasted opportunitiesforecastSep 3, 2026
NIH Director's Early Independence Award (DP5 Clinical Trial Optional)
Quoted from the source: “The award is designed to accelerate the transition to an independent research career.”
Quoted from the source: “Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized)”
Read the originalU.S. government record, public domain.
Terms with a dotted underline open a plain-language definition. This is guidance, not legal advice: the official text always controls. A free public service from GrantsPath, a Native-owned business.