Research to Improve Native American Health (R21 Clinical Trials Optional) | PAR 20 214

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the name of this NIH funding opportunity?

The funding opportunity is titled "Research to Improve Native American Health (R21 Clinical Trials Optional)" with the funding opportunity number PAR-20-214.

What is the main purpose of PAR-20-214?

The purpose is to support early-stage, developmental, and exploratory research intended to improve health outcomes in Native American populations. The program is designed to help generate preliminary data, rapidly test promising ideas, and build a foundation for larger future studies related to health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, and treatment services.

What grant mechanism does this opportunity use?

This opportunity uses the NIH R21 mechanism, which is generally intended for exploratory and developmental research projects.

Are clinical trials required under this FOA?

No. Clinical trials are optional. Applicants may propose studies that include clinical trials or studies that do not involve clinical trials.

What kinds of health issues is this FOA aiming to address?

The FOA focuses on persistent and well-documented health inequities affecting Native American communities, including both acute and chronic conditions. It also notes that these inequities can be worsened by unique sociopolitical, historical, and environmental stressors.

Does the FOA emphasize cultural relevance or community context?

Yes. The FOA emphasizes culturally informed research rooted in community knowledge and resources. It encourages study designs that reflect community priorities and translate into culturally appropriate, science-based solutions.

How does the FOA describe Native communities in relation to health research?

In addition to acknowledging inequities and stressors, the FOA highlights that Native communities have distinct strengths, cultural assets, and resiliencies that can protect health and support effective solutions.

What does the FOA mean by "Native American" for eligibility and focus?

For this announcement, "Native American" is defined broadly to include Alaska Natives, American Indians whose ancestral lands fall at least partially within the U.S. mainland borders, and Native Hawaiians.

What project types does this FOA encourage?

The FOA encourages multiple categories of projects, including: (1) etiologic research to fill major gaps in knowledge when that gap directly informs intervention development or adaptation; (2) creation and pilot testing of new or adapted interventions with attention to feasibility, acceptability, and scalability; (3) short-term efficacy testing of interventions; and (4) implementation-oriented studies for interventions with an established evidence base, focusing on adoption, integration, scale-up, and long-term sustainability in real-world settings.

Can this funding be used for purely descriptive studies?

The FOA emphasizes practical, culturally appropriate solutions and implies that competitive projects will typically include strong community engagement and a clear plan for how findings will improve programs, services, or practices rather than remaining purely descriptive.

What is meant by etiologic research in the context of this FOA?

Etiologic research is welcomed when there is a major knowledge gap and when filling that gap would directly guide the development of an intervention or meaningful adaptation of an existing intervention.

What does the FOA prioritize when supporting pilot intervention projects?

The FOA highlights feasibility (whether an intervention can realistically be delivered), acceptability (whether communities and participants view it as appropriate and useful), and scalability (whether the approach can be expanded beyond a small pilot).

What is "short-term efficacy testing" as described here?

Short-term efficacy testing refers to smaller or early tests that examine whether an intervention shows near-term benefits under controlled or semi-controlled conditions.

Does the FOA support implementation research?

Yes. When an intervention already has a solid evidence base, the FOA encourages implementation-oriented studies focused on overcoming real-world barriers to adoption, integrating interventions into existing systems, supporting scale-up, and achieving long-term sustainability.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes many U.S.-based organizations and governmental units. Examples listed include state, county, and city governments; federally recognized tribal governments; tribal organizations that are not federally recognized; public housing/Indian housing authorities; independent school districts; public and private institutions of higher education; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status; for-profit organizations (other than small businesses) and small businesses; and other eligible entities.

Are tribal entities eligible applicants?

Yes. Federally recognized tribal governments are eligible, and the FOA also lists tribal organizations that are not federally recognized as eligible.

Are higher education institutions specifically mentioned as eligible?

Yes. Public and private institutions of higher education are eligible, and the FOA also calls out additional institution types such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, AANAPISIs, Hispanic-serving institutions, HBCUs, TCCUs, and other categories.

Are community-based organizations eligible?

Yes. The FOA specifically mentions faith-based and community-based organizations as eligible applicant types.

Are U.S. territories or possessions eligible?

Yes. U.S. territories or possessions are listed among eligible applicant types.

Are eligible federal agencies allowed to apply?

Yes. Eligible federal agencies are listed among eligible applicant types.

Are non-U.S. (foreign) organizations eligible to apply?

No. Non-U.S. (foreign) institutions and non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply.

Are any foreign activities allowed at all?

Foreign components may be permitted as defined under NIH policy. This generally means specific project elements may occur abroad if they are well-justified and compliant with NIH rules, even though foreign institutions themselves are not eligible to apply.

What is the maximum award amount mentioned for this opportunity?

The posted award ceiling is $200,000, reflecting the smaller, exploratory scope typical of R21 projects.

Which agency is offering this opportunity?

The opportunity is offered through the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Is this described as a discretionary grant program?

Yes. The opportunity is described as a discretionary NIH grant program.

Are CFDA listings mentioned for this FOA?

Yes. The FOA references multiple NIH CFDA listings, including 93.113, 93.121, 93.213, 93.242, 93.273, 93.279, 93.307, 93.350, 93.361, 93.399, 93.846, and 93.879.

When was this FOA created?

The FOA was created on August 17, 2020.

What closing date is listed in the provided information?

The original closing date listed is September 7, 2023.

What is the broader goal of funding projects under this FOA?

The overall goal is to generate practical evidence that supports culturally grounded, scalable, and sustainable improvements in morbidity and mortality in Native American communities, and to strengthen the case for larger trials or implementation efforts.

How does this FOA position R21 projects in a longer research pathway?

It is presented as a pathway for teams to develop, refine, and de-risk intervention ideas, build early evidence, and prepare for larger future studies, including larger trials or implementation efforts.