List of Medical Grants in 2023
Medical grants are offered to shape the healthcare system. A medical grant is financial assistance from a federal agency offered to pay for medical bills or cover medical treatments.
It is also provided to the researcher for performing novel work.
Grants serve those who have limited resources and are out of options to address medical needs.
Medical Grants – Healthcare Costs
Federal grants are economic aid that is issued to individuals, benefits, or entitlements by the United States government to carry out public support.
In the U.S., investment in medical and health research and development (R&D) has increased.
The purpose is to drive improvements in healthcare delivery. Medical grants are provided to medical service providers or patients who are suffering from some disease.

Medical Grants – Federal Grants for Public Support
Federal Medical Grants
There are various funding agencies. Each agency has its approach, priorities, and goals. It is essential to understand its mission as it helps in crafting a specific and accurate grant application.
Let’s discuss in detail these federal organizations.
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
NIH is the largest federal funding agency, dedicating millions of dollars every year to health research.
NIH’s mission is to support translational and exploratory research encompassing medicine, health, and other life sciences to find a cure, reduce disease threats and lengthen life.
It is considered the most sought funding agency because of the following reasons:
- It surpasses all other grant institutes.
- It supports various scientific experiments.
- It provides the most suitable professional portfolio for medical researchers.
NIH – Types of Medical Grants & Opportunities
There is a myriad of grant opportunities at the NIH. It is appealing to chase the one that is offering a large amount with a convenient deadline.
However, NIH award-success rate is low! It means that your application and your project must excel in all aspects to seal the deal. Submitting the wrong application can be a major career mistake.
Different projects fall under different categories. After a thorough search and gaining advanced knowledge, you can identify the funding opportunity for your project.
NIH comprises 27 institutes and centers, of which 24 award grants. The grant proposals are announced every year for new and seasoned investigators.
Here are the types of NIH grants and the ways to obtain them.
Research Grants (R Series)
Research grants can be in the form of salaries, research costs, sponsors, or equipment and supplies. These grants fund professional institutes or independent health investigators. It includes:
- Research Project Grant – R01
- NIH Small Grant Program – R03
- Scientific Meeting Grants – R13
- NIH Research Enhancement Award – R15
- Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Program – R21
- Early Career Research (ECR) Award – R21
- NIH Planning Grant Program – R34
- Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Grants – R41/R42
- Small Business Innovation Research Grant (SBIR) – R43/R44
- NIH High Priority, Short-Term Project Award – R56
Career Development Awards (K series)
The purpose of the Career Development Awards (K series) is to pave the way for faculty-level scientists or senior post-doctors to conduct independent research. It includes:
- Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award – K01
- Independent Research Scientist Development Award – K02
- Senior Research Scientist Award – K05
- Academic Career Development Award – K07
- Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award – K08
- Clinical Scientist Institutional Career Development Program Award – K12
- Research Career Enhancement Award for Established Investigators – K18
- Career Transition Award – K22
- Midcareer Investigator Award in Patient-Oriented Research – K24
- Mentored Quantitative Research Career Development Award – K25
- Midcareer Investigator Award in Biomedical & Behavioral Research – K26
- Emerging Global Leader Award – K43
- Emerging Leaders Career Development Award – K76)
- Pathway to Independence Award – K99/R00
Research Training and Fellowships (T & F series)
T grants provide institutional support to predoctoral and research candidates. It offers an opportunity for trainees to gain experience and expertise from the research team.
The senior-level candidates generally apply for these medical grants at research institutes.
F awards are individual fellowship awards. They are applied by undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral scientists who seek institutional research training opportunities. It includes:
- International Research Fellowships – F05
- Ruth L. Kirschstein Individual Predoctoral NRSA for MD/Ph.D. and other Dual Degree Fellowships – F30
- Ruth L. Kirschstein Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award – F31
- Ruth L. Kirschstein Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award – F32
- Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards for Senior Fellows – F33
- Individual Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Fellow Transition Award – F99/K00
Program Project/Center Grants (P series)
These are multi-project grants that include an array of research activities. It includes:
- Research Program Projects – P01
- Exploratory Grant – P20
- Center Core Grants – P30
- Specialized Center – P50
Resource Grants (various series)
Resource grants offer research-related support to institutes and investigators. It includes:
- Resource-Related Research Projects – R24
- Education Projects – R25
- Resource Access Program – X01
Trans-NIH Programs
These grants support clinical and biomedical studies such as social sciences (OppNet), stem cell information (Stem cells), neuroscience research (Blueprint), and countermeasures against chemical threats (CounterACT), etc.
- Inactive Programs – Archive
- These inactive grant programs serve information and background only. It includes:
- Clinical Research Curriculum Award – K30
- First Independent Research Support and Transition – R29
- Short-Term Courses in Research Ethics – T15
For more details on the grants funding schedule, application due dates, and project start and end dates, visit https://grants.nih.gov/grants/how-to-apply-application-guide/
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense office of the (CDMRP) Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs offers grants to control, prevent, and cure disease.
Medical grants are offered for autism, Epilepsy, lupus, melanoma, etc.
Apply for these programs at https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/index.htm
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
The CMS is an agency within the U.S. The CMS programs include Medicaid, Medicare, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the state & federal health insurance marketplaces.
CMS collects and analyzes healthcare data, produces research reports, and works continuously to eliminate fraud and abuse instances within the healthcare system.
The aim is to provide the healthcare system with improved health and better access to coverage and care.
Types of CMS Programs
CMS plays a significant role in federal and state health insurance marketplaces. It implements the Affordable Care Act’s laws about private health insurance and provides educational materials to the public.
1. Medicare
It is a taxpayer-funded program for seniors (65 and older). Medicare also offers health coverage for people with specific end-stage diseases or recognized disabilities, as confirmed by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
2. Medicaid
It is a government-sponsored program providing health care coverage to people with low incomes. Patients are assisted with paying for doctor visits, hospital stays, long-term care costs, and more.
Applicants can apply directly through the state’s Medicaid agency or online through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
3. CHIP
The Children’s Health insurance Program (CHIP) is provided to parents of children under age 19 who can’t afford regular health insurance. Each state has a variation of the program; therefore, eligibility requirements vary.
Services like vaccinations, doctor visits, hospital care, etc., are free.

Medical Grants – What are the grants for small businesses and start-ups?
4. National Science Foundation (NSF)
NSF awards nearly $190 million every year to small businesses and startups. The medical grants support research and development across areas of science and technology for commercial success.
The National Science Foundation Seed Fund provides Phase I and Phase II funding to small businesses. You need to submit a short, 3-page pitch before submitting your full proposal. You can also pitch your idea before you even have a company setup.
After submitting the pitch, get set up as a legal U.S. corporation that meets ownership guidelines to submit a full proposal. To learn more, visit https://seedfund.nsf.gov.
5. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
VA supports various healthcare benefits to help you stay healthy. Each Veteran’s medical benefits package is unique. The care services are offered to help:
- Treat illnesses and injuries
- Improve your ability to function
- Enhance your quality of life
- Prevent future health problems
To learn more about VA dental care or VA vision care services, visit https://www.va.gov/health-care/.
6. Veterans Transportation program
Department of Veterans Affairs has established the Veterans Transportation Program (VTP) to address veterans’ issues of needed care.
The VTP generates innovative approaches for Veterans who have difficulty in arranging transportation to their VA medical appointments.
Apply for Veterans Service Organization (VSO) through www.grants.gov during the period of the Notice of Funding Availability.
7. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The Food and Drug Administration works with US government partners to support medical innovations.
FDA activities include detecting and responding to human health emergencies, addressing existing health challenges, and managing drug shortages, foodborne illnesses, and infectious diseases.
It also involves continuous surveillance of issues that could cause human harm, determining potential risks to human health, inspections of regulated facilities, etc.
Recently, the FDA awarded six medical grants to fund new clinical trials to advance research to treat rare diseases. These grants were awarded through the congressionally-funded Orphan Products Grants Program.
To stay updated with funding opportunities, visit www.grants.gov.
8. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
AHRQ grants funds for research to improve the healthcare system’s safety and quality.
AHRQ Mission
The mission of AHRQ is to make health care safer, more accessible, equitable, and affordable.
Grant Application Basics
http://www.ahrq.gov/funding/process/index.html
How Are AHRQ Grants Funded?
http://www.ahrq.gov/funding/process/award-process/
9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention grant funds to research and non-research public health programs. The mission is to keep Americans safe and healthy.
How to Apply for CDC Grant?
- Review the eligibility criteria found in the Notice on Funding Opportunity(NOFO)
- Find the funding opportunities posted on grants.gov.
- Prepare grant application. For tips, visit https://www.cdc.gov/grants/applying/
- Submit your application

Medical Grants – Eligibility Criteria for CER
10. Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI)
PCORI funds focus on patient-centered outcomes rather than focusing on comparative effectiveness research alone.
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Patient-Centered Outcomes Research (PCOR)
PCOR helps patients and other healthcare stakeholders, like clinicians, caregivers, insurers, and policymakers, to make well-informed decisions about their health and healthcare options.
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Comparative Clinical Effectiveness Research (CER)
CER compares outcomes to examine their risks and benefits. These findings assist clinicians and patients in making informed decisions that improve health care.
Eligibility Criteria for CER
- Private Sector – Profit and nonprofit research organizations
- Public Sector – Universities and colleges, hospitals and healthcare systems, laboratories and manufacturers, and units of state, local, or federal government
- US Organizations – Must be recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
- Foreign Organizations & Non-domestic Components of US Organizations can operate under certain conditions. There should be a demonstrable benefit to the US healthcare system, and scientific needs should be met. The engagement plans should include US patients and be relevant to the US healthcare system.
- Individuals – Not permitted to apply.
11. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
HRSA grants are given to support health care for people who are geographically isolated or medically vulnerable.
Various programs are offered for service providers, pregnant women, HIV/AIDS patients, rural families, and people who otherwise cannot access high-quality health care.
You can find HRSA grants at https://data.hrsa.gov/tools/find-grants.
HRSA – Grant Application
To receive HRSA medical grants, you should consider taking the following steps:
- Complete mandatory registrations
- Determine your eligibility
- Manage your grant
- Become a great reviewer
For more information, visit https://www.hrsa.gov/grants/index.html.
12. U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
The United States Agency for International Development is a federal grant program to assist humanitarian or economic development.
US-based nonprofit entities, local, state, or regional governments, private voluntary organizations, or foreign-based nonprofit entities can apply for USAID grant opportunities.
How to Apply for a USAID Grant?
- Review available grant announcements at grants.gov, usaid.gov, or the USAID bureau website. Get registered!
- When there is an announcement for an available grant, follow all the instructions thoroughly in the announcement’s Request For Application (RFA).
- Submit your complete proposal at grants.gov by the due date.
- The proposal should cover project goals, objectives, and a detailed budget. Required certifications and agreements must be attached.
- Once the proposal is approved, a USAID Agreement Officer will negotiate a grant award.
For more information, visit https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/find-a-funding-opportunity.
Conclusion
Finding relevant medical grants can be stressful as well as time-consuming. Once you find them, take care of the application process and final submission.
The federal grants keep on updating! Check them today, as you might get additional opportunities.
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