The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has announced a forecasted funding opportunity titled "Reaching Equity at the Intersection of HIV and Substance Use: Novel Approaches to Address HIV Related Health Disparities in Underserved Racial and/or Ethnic Populations." This initiative, referenced by opportunity number NOT-DA-24-052, signals the agency’s intent to issue a formal Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) under the R01 grant mechanism. The opportunity is part of NIDA's REI (Reaching Equity Initiative) and targets health disparities related to HIV and substance use, particularly in underserved racial and ethnic communities.

The primary objective of this initiative is to encourage the development of innovative research approaches that effectively tackle the dual burden of HIV and substance use among marginalized populations. The NOFO aims to promote health equity by supporting projects that integrate scientific innovation with a focus on community engagement and culturally relevant interventions. The forecast is being issued in advance to provide applicants with ample time to establish partnerships and prepare robust, responsive research proposals.

The total estimated funding available for this program is $2,000,000. However, details regarding the maximum and minimum amounts for individual awards have not yet been disclosed. The NOFO will follow the R01 activity code, which generally supports health-related research and development based on the mission of the NIH. There are no matching or cost-sharing requirements associated with this grant, making it more accessible for a broader range of applicants.

Eligible applicants include a diverse spectrum of organizations such as public housing authorities, federally and non-federally recognized tribal governments, nonprofit entities with 501(c)(3) status, small businesses, and institutions of higher education (both public and private). Additionally, state and county governments, independent school districts, and certain for-profit entities are eligible to apply. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the full eligibility criteria provided in the forthcoming NOFO for more details.

The forecasted NOFO is expected to be published on June 2, 2025, with an estimated application deadline of December 15, 2025. The anticipated award and project start dates are July 1, 2026. This lead time allows applicants to build collaborations and develop proposals that are scientifically rigorous and aligned with the goals of the initiative. No early deadlines for letters of intent or other pre-application requirements are specified at this time.

While evaluation criteria are not explicitly provided in the forecast, applicants should expect to be assessed on their proposed project's scientific merit, potential to reduce health disparities, feasibility, and cultural relevance. Submission requirements and application questions will be outlined in the NOFO upon its release. For further assistance or technical queries, applicants may contact the NIH OPERA DGSI Systems Policy Branch via the provided email.