Early-Stage Dissemination and Implementation Research in Communication Disorders (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) | RFA DC 24 008

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA DC 24 008

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is offering a discretionary grant opportunity titled "Early-Stage Dissemination and Implementation Research in Communication Disorders (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)" under funding opportunity number RFA-DC-24-008. This opportunity supports early, formative dissemination and implementation (D and I) research, meaning projects that focus on how to effectively spread, adopt, integrate, and sustain evidence-based interventions, practices, or services in real-world settings rather than only testing whether an intervention works under ideal conditions. The scientific scope is tied directly to NIDCD mission areas, which include hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, and language, and the goal is to improve how proven approaches in these domains actually reach the people and communities who need them.

The funding mechanism is an NIH R21, which is commonly used for exploratory and developmental research. In practical terms, that usually means the institute is looking for projects that generate foundational knowledge, pilot data, or tested methods that can later support larger-scale studies. Because the announcement is labeled "Clinical Trial Optional," applicants may propose a project that includes a clinical trial component, but they are not required to do so. This flexibility is helpful for early-stage D and I work, where the most appropriate next step might be stakeholder-engaged formative research, pilot implementation strategies, feasibility testing, or other preparatory activities that do not always fit a traditional clinical trial model.

The award ceiling listed for this opportunity is $275,000, setting the maximum amount of support per award (as presented in the source data). While the total number of expected awards is not specified in the provided text, the focus is clearly on supporting a limited set of exploratory projects that can clarify implementation barriers and facilitators, refine dissemination strategies, and strengthen the evidence base for how communication-disorder interventions can be delivered effectively across varied settings. The activity category is health, and the associated CFDA (Assistance Listing) number is 93.173, which corresponds to NIDCD/NIH assistance programs.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S. organizations and governmental entities. Eligible applicants include state, county, and city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; Native American tribal governments (federally recognized); public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; Native American tribal organizations that are not federally recognized tribal governments; nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status (when not institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses. The announcement also explicitly highlights additional eligible applicant categories such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible agencies of the federal government, regional organizations, Indian/Native American tribal governments other than federally recognized entities, non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations), and U.S. territories or possessions. Taken together, this eligibility language signals that NIDCD is open to a wide range of applicants, including community-rooted groups and institutions that serve populations often underrepresented in research, which can be especially important for D and I work aimed at equitable access and real-world impact.

Key timing information in the source indicates an original closing date of 2024-10-11, and the opportunity record creation date is 2024-05-30. Applicants considering this funding would typically align their proposals with D and I research priorities, emphasizing practical pathways for moving evidence-based approaches into routine practice in clinics, schools, community programs, public health systems, or other service environments relevant to communication disorders. The central theme of the opportunity is not simply generating new clinical findings, but improving the uptake, reach, and sustained use of what is already known to work, using early-stage, carefully designed dissemination and implementation research methods.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Early-Stage Dissemination and Implementation Research in Communication Disorders (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.173.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-05-30.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-10-11. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $275,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for RFA DC 24 008

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