Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 22 220
The Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) (R25 - Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed), Funding Opportunity Number PAR-22-220, is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant program administered through the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS). It supports U.S.-based, doctoral degree-granting, research-intensive institutions in building or strengthening structured postbaccalaureate research education programs. The central aim is to develop evidence-informed training and mentoring approaches that reflect the fast-changing realities of today s biomedical research enterprise and that better prepare recent college graduates to enter and succeed in rigorous, research-focused doctoral programs such as a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in biomedical fields.
This opportunity is designed around the idea that a well-built postbaccalaureate program can serve as a focused bridge between the bachelor s degree and a competitive doctoral program, particularly for individuals from diverse backgrounds who may benefit from additional research immersion, skills development, and sustained mentoring before applying to graduate school. NIGMS expects funded PREP programs to provide substantial, hands-on research experiences as a core feature, paired with thoughtfully constructed coursework or training modules that build essential research and professional skills. In practice, that typically means a combination of mentored lab or research group placement, targeted instruction in areas like quantitative skills, experimental design, scientific communication, responsible conduct of research, and other competencies that strengthen doctoral readiness. Just as importantly, PREP programs are expected to include deliberate mentoring structures, cohort-building activities that reduce isolation and increase peer support, and career development components that help participants clarify goals, prepare strong applications, and understand the expectations of doctoral training environments.
A key boundary in this FOA is the clinical trial restriction. Appointed participants in a PREP program may not lead an independent clinical trial under this award mechanism. However, participants are allowed to gain meaningful research experience within a clinical trial as long as that trial is led by a mentor or co-mentor. In other words, the program can expose trainees to clinical research settings and trial-related work, but the trainees cannot be positioned as the individual responsible for directing the trial.
Eligibility is limited in several important ways. Only domestic (U.S.) institutions may apply, and the program is explicitly limited to doctoral degree-granting, research-intensive institutions. The eligible applicant types listed include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, certain nonprofit organizations (including both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) entities, as long as they are not institutions of higher education), Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments), and other eligible organizations. The FOA also highlights that various mission-driven institution types are among the eligible applicants, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs). At the same time, the opportunity draws a hard line against foreign involvement: non-U.S. entities may not apply, non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are not eligible, and foreign components (as NIH defines them in its Grants Policy Statement) are not allowed.
From a funding classification standpoint, this is a discretionary grant opportunity in the health domain (CFDA 93.859). The listed award ceiling is $400,000, and the original closing date provided is 2025-01-31. Overall, the program is best understood as support for institutions to run robust, cohort-based postbaccalaureate research and mentoring programs that intentionally cultivate research ability, scientific identity, and doctoral preparedness, with the goal of strengthening the pipeline into biomedical Ph.D. and M.D./Ph.D. training while keeping program design aligned with current, evidence-informed education and mentoring practices.Apply for PAR 22 220
- The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP)(R25 - Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.859.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2022-08-01.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-01-31. (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 $400,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, 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, Others.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP)?
The Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) is an NIH grant program that supports U.S.-based, doctoral degree-granting, research-intensive institutions in building or strengthening structured postbaccalaureate research education programs. The program is intended to help recent college graduates become better prepared to enter and succeed in rigorous, research-focused doctoral programs in biomedical fields (for example, Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. programs).
What is the funding opportunity number and mechanism for this PREP opportunity?
The funding opportunity number is PAR-22-220. The activity code is R25, and the opportunity is labeled "Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed."
Which NIH institute administers this PREP funding opportunity?
This PREP opportunity is administered through the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
What is the main goal of the PREP program under this FOA?
The central aim is to develop evidence-informed training and mentoring approaches that reflect the fast-changing realities of today’s biomedical research enterprise and better prepare recent college graduates for successful entry into research-focused doctoral programs in biomedical fields.
Who is this PREP program intended to help (at the participant level)?
The program is designed as a bridge between the bachelor’s degree and a competitive doctoral program, particularly for individuals from diverse backgrounds who may benefit from additional research immersion, skills development, and sustained mentoring before applying to graduate school.
What types of institutions are eligible to apply?
Eligibility is limited to domestic (U.S.) institutions, and the program is explicitly limited to doctoral degree-granting, research-intensive institutions.
Are foreign institutions or international components allowed?
No. Non-U.S. entities may not apply. Non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are not eligible, and foreign components (as NIH defines them in its Grants Policy Statement) are not allowed.
What applicant organization types are listed as eligible?
The listed eligible applicant types include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, certain nonprofit organizations (including both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) entities, as long as they are not institutions of higher education), Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments), and other eligible organizations.
Does the FOA mention specific mission-driven institution types among eligible applicants?
Yes. The FOA highlights that various mission-driven institution types are among eligible applicants, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs).
What is meant by a "structured" postbaccalaureate research education program in this context?
Based on the description provided, PREP programs are expected to be intentionally designed and organized, combining substantial hands-on research experiences with thoughtfully constructed coursework or training modules, deliberate mentoring structures, cohort-building activities, and career development components.
Is hands-on research required as part of a PREP program?
Yes. NIGMS expects funded PREP programs to provide substantial, hands-on research experiences as a core feature.
What kinds of training topics or modules are typically included?
The FOA describes targeted instruction in areas such as quantitative skills, experimental design, scientific communication, responsible conduct of research, and other competencies that strengthen readiness for doctoral training.
What mentoring expectations are described for PREP programs?
Programs are expected to include deliberate mentoring structures and sustained mentoring to support participant development and doctoral preparedness.
Why does the FOA emphasize cohort-building activities?
The FOA notes that cohort-building activities are expected to help reduce isolation and increase peer support among participants.
What career development support is expected to be part of the program?
PREP programs are expected to include career development components that help participants clarify goals, prepare strong applications, and understand expectations of doctoral training environments.
What does "Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed" mean for this program?
Appointed participants in a PREP program may not lead an independent clinical trial under this award mechanism.
Can PREP participants still be involved in clinical trials in any way?
Yes. Participants are allowed to gain meaningful research experience within a clinical trial as long as the trial is led by a mentor or co-mentor. The key limitation is that trainees cannot be positioned as the individual responsible for directing the clinical trial.
What is the funding classification and domain for this opportunity?
This is a discretionary grant opportunity in the health domain, with CFDA 93.859.
What is the listed award ceiling for this opportunity?
The listed award ceiling is $400,000.
What is the original closing date listed for this opportunity?
The original closing date provided is 2025-01-31.
In practical terms, what does this grant support an institution to do?
Overall, the program supports institutions in running robust, cohort-based postbaccalaureate research and mentoring programs designed to cultivate research ability, scientific identity, and doctoral preparedness, while keeping program design aligned with current, evidence-informed education and mentoring practices.
What doctoral pathways does the FOA specifically mention as program outcomes?
The FOA specifically mentions preparation for rigorous, research-focused doctoral programs such as a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in biomedical fields.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Health
Next opportunity: Administration of Bicentennial U.S.-Argentina Relations Small Grants Program
Previous opportunity: Children, Youth, and Families at Risk 4-H Military Partnership Professional Development and Technical Assistance Program
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for PAR 22 220
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PAR 22 220) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Data-Driven Tools to Accelerate the Clinical Translation of Novel Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Biomaterials (R42 Fast-Track - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DE 23 007 Funding Number: RFA DE 23 007 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Early-Stage Therapy Development for ADRD (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA NS 22 059 Funding Number: RFA NS 22 059 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Data-Driven Tools to Accelerate the Clinical Translation of Novel Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Biomaterials (Fast-Track - R44 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DE 23 008 Funding Number: RFA DE 23 008 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Data-Driven Tools to Accelerate the Clinical Translation of Novel Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Biomaterials (R61/R33 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DE 23 006 Funding Number: RFA DE 23 006 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Resource Centers for Minority Aging Research (RCMAR) Coordinating Center (U24 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA AG 23 027 Funding Number: RFA AG 23 027 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $800,000 |
| Alzheimer's-related Resource Centers for Minority Aging Research (AD/ADRD RCMAR) (P30 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA AG 23 025 Funding Number: RFA AG 23 025 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Resource Centers for Minority Aging Research (RCMAR) (P30 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA AG 23 026 Funding Number: RFA AG 23 026 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Connecting Machine Readable Digital Human AD/ADRD Neuropathological Library Platforms for Advanced Analytics (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA NS 22 062 Funding Number: RFA NS 22 062 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $650,000 |
| National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Clinical Data and Safety Management Center (CDSMC) (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA AI 22 058 Funding Number: RFA AI 22 058 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Allergy and Asthma Statistical and Clinical Coordinating Center (AA-SCCC) (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA AI 22 054 Funding Number: RFA AI 22 054 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Building Infrastructure for Precision Medicine Research on Minority Health and Disparities in Alzheimers Disease (AD) and AD-Related Dementias (ADRD) (UH2/UH3 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA AG 23 020 Funding Number: RFA AG 23 020 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $350,000 |
| REsearch Across Complementary and Integrative Health Institutions (REACH) Virtual Resource Centers (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA AT 23 004 Funding Number: RFA AT 23 004 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| AHRQ Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08) Apply for PA 22 232 Funding Number: PA 22 232 Agency: Agency for Health Care Research and Quality Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Identifying Host Cell Death Pathway Targets for Host-Directed Therapies for Treatment of Mtb and Mtb/HIV Co-Infection (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 22 223 Funding Number: PAR 22 223 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Transplantation Statistical and Clinical Coordinating Center (T-SCCC) (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA AI 22 057 Funding Number: RFA AI 22 057 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIAMS Clinical Trial Planning Grant (R34) - Clinical Trial Not Allowed Apply for PAR 22 205 Funding Number: PAR 22 205 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Molecular Phenotypes of Null Alleles in Cells (MorPhiC) Phase I: Data Analysis and Validation Centers (U01 Clinical trials not allowed) Apply for RFA HG 22 019 Funding Number: RFA HG 22 019 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $350,000 |
| Advancing Health and Malaria Services Apply for 72068522RFA00001 Funding Number: 72068522RFA00001 Agency: Senegal USAID-Dakar Category: Health Funding Amount: $39,500,000 |
| AD/ADRD, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and Social Determinants of Health Ancillary Studies of Existing Longitudinal Cohorts (R01 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 22 221 Funding Number: PAR 22 221 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award Extension Request (Type 4 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 23 022 Funding Number: PAR 23 022 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "PAR 22 220", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.