The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is planning to release a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for research projects aimed at firearm injury prevention. This opportunity, titled "NINR Resources and Related Research Projects in Firearm Injury Prevention" and identified under number NOT-NR-24-012, falls under the R24 grant mechanism. It is anticipated to focus on resource development and related research that can support firearm injury prevention efforts without involving clinical trials. The projected release date for this FOA is November 29, 2024, with applications due by January 28, 2025. Funded projects are expected to start by July 1, 2025.

The NINR’s initiative will focus on building and strengthening resources that can aid in the understanding and prevention of firearm-related injuries, prioritizing studies that offer innovative approaches to nursing and public health research in this domain. The program’s intent is to support non-clinical research efforts that might include data collection, analysis tools, or educational resources contributing to reducing firearm injuries. By fostering collaborative and multi-disciplinary projects, the program aims to enrich the research landscape with data-driven insights and preventive strategies that can be integrated into community and health care practices.

The total funding available for this FOA is estimated at $2 million, with an award ceiling of $500,000 per project. This funding does not require cost-sharing or matching contributions, providing flexibility for applicants to allocate resources directly toward the proposed research activities. Eligible applicants span a wide range of entities, including but not limited to nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, state and local governments, Native American tribal governments and organizations, public and private higher education institutions, independent school districts, public housing authorities, and both small and larger for-profit organizations.

This FOA underscores NINR's commitment to addressing public health challenges through nursing research and non-clinical support systems. By enhancing the data, resources, and community partnerships available to researchers, NINR hopes to drive impactful, scalable solutions for firearm injury prevention. Prospective applicants are encouraged to begin preparations by exploring potential partnerships, especially within interdisciplinary and community-oriented frameworks, to craft proposals that align closely with NINR’s goals for this program.

Institutions interested in applying should monitor the NINR and NIH announcements for the official FOA release and prepare applications that highlight innovative approaches to resource development and injury prevention research. The initiative does not support clinical trials, so projects should be designed to focus on educational, analytical, or systemic interventions.