medical research grant proposal sample

Sample Grant Applications Serve as Exemplary Guides

Funding News Edition: May 1, 2024 See more articles in this edition

NIH’s grant application process can be onerous, and it helps to have access to successful sample applications. NIAID shares sample applications—posted with permission from grant recipients—to provide examples of good grantsmanship and successful approaches to presenting a Research Strategy and Specific Aims.  

It’s worth noting that although these sample applications are good examples of what works and what doesn’t, they may not reflect the latest application format or rules. As a result, it’s critical that you always follow the instructions in your chosen notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) or notice of special interest (NOSI) and adhere to the latest NIH  SF 424 Application Guide .  

Explore Successful Applications  

Our  Sample Applications and More page offers an extensive list of full applications and summary statements for awards covering a range of activity codes. We have applications for research project grants, small business grants, fellowship awards, and career development awards, cooperative agreements, and more!  

The sample applications page also contains NIAID and NIH Sample Forms, Plans, Letters, Emails, and More.  

We recently posted two new sample applications, for a Small Business Technology Transfer Phase II (R42) grant and a Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23), respectively: 

We thank Dr. Harty and Dr. Friedman-Klabanoff for allowing us to share their work. 

While sample applications include substantial redactions to protect confidential commercial or financial information, reviewer comments and deliberations, and personal privacy information, they have been reformatted to improve accessibility for people with disabilities and users of assistive technology.  

Additional Considerations  

When reviewing sample applications, make note of reviewer comments and feedback including their critique on each application with regard to factors like significance, innovation, and approach. Consider the approach each investigator takes in providing a description of their research and its relevance to public health. Also observe the evidence and support provided by the applicants, as well as the level of technicality used in explanations.  

While NIAID's samples are examples of successful applications, you can also find telling examples of unsuccessful applications on the  National Institute on Aging’s K99/R00 Sample Applications page.  

Also compare samples with advice from NIAID’s  Apply for a Grant guidance, NIH’s  Important Writing Tips , and NIH’s  Write Your Application .

Email us at [email protected] for help navigating NIAID’s grant and contract policies and procedures.

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NIH & NIAID Sample Applications & Other Documents

Several NIAID investigators have graciously agreed to share their exceptional applications and summary statements as samples to help the research community. Refer to  NIAID's Application Samples webpage to see the full list of available sample applications, attachments, summary statements, forms, sharing plans, letters, emails, and more.  

The text of these applications is copyrighted. You may use it only for nonprofit educational purposes provided the document remains unchanged and the PI, the grantee organization, and NIAID are credited.

• Sample Cancer Epidemiology Grant Applications
• Sample Behavioral Research Grant Applications
• Sample Implementation Science Research Applications
• Annotated SF 424 Grant Application Forms
• Biosketch Format Pages, Instructions and Samples
• Reference Letters 
• Sample Data Tables for Training Grant Applications
• Additional Senior/Key Person Profile Format   – for over 100 senior/key people
• Additional Performance Site Format   – for over 300 performance sites
• Other Support Format Page
• Scientific Rigor Examples
• Authentication Plan Examples
• Examples of Data Sharing Plans
• Examples of Project Leadership Plans for Multiple PI Grant Applications
• Example calculations in the  Usage of Person Months  questions and answers
• Examples of Allowable Appendix Materials
• Sample Project Outcomes Description  for RPPR
• Worksheet for Review of the Vertebrate Animal Section (VAS)
• Sample Animal Study Proposal

NIAID Samples

• Sample Data Sharing Plan
• Genomic Data Sharing Plan (GDS) Examples and Templates  and  Complex Sample Data Sharing Plans
• Complex Model Organisms Sharing Plan
• Model Organisms Sharing Plan for Mice
• Simple Model Organisms Sharing Plan
• Sample Letter to Document Training in the Protection of Human Subjects
• Withdrawal of an Application Sample Form Letter
• Sample Just-in-Time Email From NIH
• Sample NIAID Request for Just-in-Time Information
• Preparing for a Foreign Organization System (FOS) Review
• Subaward Agreement Forms   from the Federal Demonstration Partnership
• DMID Quality Management Guidance and Tools
• Find Funding
• Funding Sources
• Proposal Deadlines
• PI Eligibility
• Limited Submissions
• Letters of Support
• Statement of Work (SOW)
• eRA Commons
• NIH Submission Systems
• NSF Applications

Redirect Notice

Write application.

Find the official grant application instructions, preview application forms, get advice on grant writing, check out sample grant applications, and read our tips on specific application attachments and sections. This guidance can help you develop a strong application that allows reviewers to better evaluate the science and merit of your proposal.

• Notices that modify a specific opportunity are listed in the Related Notices section of that opportunity.
• Specific instructions in your notice of funding opportunity are secondary.
• General instructions in the How to Apply – Application Guide are tertiary.

How to Apply – Application Guide

How to Apply serves as our comprehensive official application instructions, providing steps to get you through the grant application process. Complete required registrations, find a funding opportunity, access the application forms, format your application, find due dates and submission policies, and more.

Forms Directory

Find reference copies of essential NIH forms, instructions, and format pages used to apply for, manage, and close out grant awards.

General Grant Writing Tips

A well-written, well-formatted application is key to your success. Find crosscutting advice for the narrative sections of your grant application. As you consider how to write, choose the approaches you consider optimal for your unique application.

Advice on Application Sections

Find writing advice on specific narrative attachments and sections, such as the Research or Program Plan, Specific Aims, Budget, Biographical Sketches, and more.

Sample Applications and Documents

As you gain experience writing your own applications and progress reports, examples of how others presented their ideas can help. NIH also provides attachment format examples, sample language, and more resources below.

Once you are sure that your application is ready, complete any other final steps that your organization requires. Let the appropriate staff in your organization’s Office of Sponsored Programs know it is time to finalize and Submit .

• News & Events – updates, webinars, and resources for applicants and awardees
• NIH Tips for Applicants – YouTube
• Communicating Research Intent & Value
• Research Methods Resources

Check online guidance and direct your questions to staff in your organization's sponsored programs office. If you still need assistance, find NIH contacts at Need Help?