The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has issued a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) under the R21 Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant mechanism titled "Innovations to Optimize HIV Prevention and Care Continuum Outcomes (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)" (PAR-23-061). This funding opportunity aims to support innovative research that advances the optimization of HIV prevention and care. The grant encourages exploratory studies that introduce novel ideas, extend previous discoveries in new directions, or result in the development of novel techniques and models. The NIMH strongly encourages collaboration with relevant community organizations and health service providers to ensure that proposed research aligns with public health needs.

The FOA invites applications that focus on behavioral and social science research related to HIV prevention and care, particularly addressing the HIV prevention and care continuum. This includes studies that identify gaps in current prevention and treatment strategies, research to improve adherence and retention in care, and innovative interventions to improve patient outcomes. Additionally, projects may focus on overcoming social and structural barriers such as stigma, discrimination, and economic insecurities that impact HIV treatment and prevention efforts. Studies incorporating advanced modeling, machine learning, and statistical analyses to optimize HIV intervention strategies are also encouraged.

Eligible applicants for this grant include higher education institutions (both public and private), nonprofits, for-profit organizations (including small businesses), local and state governments, federally recognized and non-federally recognized tribal governments and organizations, public housing authorities, independent school districts, faith-based and community-based organizations, regional organizations, U.S. territories, and foreign institutions. Applicant organizations must complete required registrations through the System for Award Management (SAM), eRA Commons, and Grants.gov prior to submission.

The funding mechanism allows a combined budget for direct costs of up to $275,000 for a two-year project period, with no more than $200,000 requested in any single year. The number of awards granted is contingent upon NIH appropriations and the number of meritorious applications. The grant does not require cost-sharing. Applications may propose clinical trials but are not required to do so.

The grant follows a structured application and review process, with application due dates spread across multiple cycles until January 9, 2026. Applications must be submitted electronically via the NIH ASSIST system, Grants.gov Workspace, or an institutional system-to-system solution. Applicants must adhere to strict submission guidelines as outlined in the FOA and SF424 (R&R) Application Guide. The review process will evaluate applications based on criteria such as significance, innovation, investigator qualifications, research approach, and potential impact on HIV prevention and care.

For additional inquiries regarding the funding opportunity, applicants can contact program officers at the NIMH, including Dr. Gregory Greenwood (gregory.greenwood@nih.gov, 240-669-5532), Dr. Susannah Allison (allisonsu@mail.nih.gov, 240-627-3861), and Dr. Chris Gordon (cgordon1@nih.gov, 240-627-3867). Financial and grants management inquiries can be directed to Rita Sisco (siscor@mail.nih.gov, 301-443-2805). The funding opportunity remains open for applications until January 10, 2026.