The IDeA Clinical & Translational Research Development (CTR-D) Award, funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), seeks to bolster clinical and translational (C&T) research capacity in health organizations within IDeA-eligible states. This program is tailored for institutions with limited C&T research capabilities and aims to develop research expertise, infrastructure, and a workforce capable of addressing the healthcare challenges facing their respective populations. Through CTR-D grants, eligible institutions can develop foundational structures that support C&T research activities, thereby enhancing their ability to conduct disease and health-related studies relevant to their communities.

Each CTR-D program application must include a comprehensive, integrated plan involving five key cores: Administrative (AC), Professional Development (PD), Community Engagement and Outreach (CEO), Research Design, Compliance and Data Management (RDCD), and Health Research (HR). These cores are designed to establish a sustainable environment for research by building workforce expertise, engaging community health stakeholders, ensuring data compliance, and supporting initial research projects. Institutions are encouraged to leverage partnerships, especially with community-based clinics, and are required to maintain oversight through three committees—Steering, Executive, and External Advisory—to ensure alignment with program goals and efficient resource management.

Funding for CTR-D awards can reach up to $1.5 million annually in direct costs for a period not exceeding five years, contingent on NIH appropriations. This budget supports the required infrastructure, staffing, and training initiatives critical for C&T research development. Pilot projects and developmental projects are eligible for up to $100,000 annually in direct costs. These projects allow researchers to conduct feasibility studies, develop new C&T research protocols, and prepare for more extensive NIH research grants in the future. Institutions are also expected to establish a Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspectives (PEDP), which outlines strategies for inclusivity, including diverse geographic, racial, and institutional representation within the research team.

Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, and government entities within the 23 designated IDeA-eligible states, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories with limited previous NIH funding success. Applicants must also have external C&T research funding and an established administrative infrastructure. Importantly, only one application per organization is permitted, and eligibility restrictions apply based on current involvement in other CTR-D, CTR-N, or similar awards. Applications must follow strict submission guidelines, including registrations with various NIH and federal systems (SAM, eRA Commons, Grants.gov) and must be submitted electronically via ASSIST or similar systems by the posted deadlines.

Evaluation of applications will consider significance, investigator qualifications, innovation, approach, and environment. Each core will also be reviewed for its plans and efficacy in contributing to the CTR-D's goals. Community engagement, resource sharing, and collaborations with existing IDeA programs are highlighted as critical components. Applications are scored by peer review panels and are subsequently reviewed by NIH advisory councils. The CTR-D program encourages applicants to apply early to allow for error correction and aims to distribute awards based on scientific merit, geographic distribution, and alignment with IDeA program priorities.

Key submission deadlines occur annually on October 9, with review processes scheduled for the subsequent spring and award notifications in July. The deadline for the final application cycle under this NOFO is October 9, 2025. This funding opportunity aims to transform clinical research capabilities in historically underserved regions by building a network of qualified researchers and community-aligned health initiatives that are expected to yield lasting public health benefits.