New NCCIH Funding: Feasibility Clinical Trials for Mind & Body Interventions

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) has issued a funding opportunity (PAR-25-274) to support early-stage clinical research. This R34 Planning Grant is specifically designed for investigators who need to gather feasibility data before launching a full-scale efficacy or effectiveness trial.

Scope and Purpose

The goal of this program is to support feasibility clinical trials of mind and body interventions—such as meditation, yoga, acupuncture, or other physical/psychological therapeutic inputs. Projects should focus on NCCIH high-priority research topics.

Crucially, this grant is not for full efficacy studies. Instead, it funds the collection of preliminary data scientifically necessary to design a future trial. Key areas of focus include:

Testing recruitment and retention strategies.

Refining intervention protocols and fidelity.

Assessing data collection feasibility.

Tailoring interventions to specific populations or settings.

Eligibility & Funding

Budget: Applicants may request up to $450,000 in direct costs over the entire 3-year project period, with no more than $225,000 in direct costs in any single year.

Who Can Apply?

Higher Education Institutions (Public & Private).

Nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status).

For-profit organizations (excluding small businesses).

State, County, and Local Governments.

Native American Tribal Governments and Organizations.

Note: Foreign institutions are not eligible to apply, though foreign components are allowed.

Key Deadlines

June 22, and October 20, 2026