Opportunity Information: Apply for PA 18 354
Healthy Habits: Timing for Developing Sustainable Healthy Behaviors in Children and Adolescents (PA-18-354) is a National Institutes of Health funding opportunity from the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) that supports Exploratory/Developmental Research Grants (R21). The purpose is to spark early-stage, innovative research focused on how healthy behaviors form and stick during childhood and adolescence, from birth through age 18. The emphasis is on understanding the mechanisms that shape behavior (the "how" and "why" behind behavior change) and on testing promising approaches that can promote positive, lasting health habits. Clinical trials are optional, meaning applicants can propose studies that do or do not involve a clinical trial, as long as the work fits the R21 exploratory, developmental nature.
The FOA is centered on the idea that the timing of influence matters. It encourages research that identifies when children and adolescents are most receptive to learning and internalizing behaviors that can carry into adulthood. Projects can focus on a wide range of positive health behaviors, including healthy sleep routines, self-regulation and impulse control strategies, better decision-making in risky situations, consistent dental hygiene, balanced nutrition, age-appropriate physical activity, and the development of healthy relationships. Rather than treating these behaviors as isolated issues, the announcement also invites work that looks for shared pathways and common mediators across multiple habitual behaviors, such as stress regulation, executive function, family routines, peer influence, or environmental cues.
A major theme is that behavior does not develop in a vacuum, so proposed interventions and studies are expected to account for social and cultural contexts. The FOA explicitly points to settings and systems that shape daily choices, including schools, families, neighborhoods and communities, population-level influences, and even the food industry. It also highlights the growing role of technology and media in youth development, encouraging applicants to consider age-appropriate learning tools, games, social media, social networking platforms, mobile and digital technology, and mass media as vehicles for understanding or promoting healthy habits. In practice, this can include work that evaluates digital interventions, examines how online environments influence norms and choices, or uses technology to deliver timely supports tailored to developmental stage.
The topics the FOA calls out are fairly specific: identifying effective and sustainable processes that help young people make healthier choices; determining the most appropriate developmental stages to intervene for lifelong impact; understanding how technology and new media can support (or undermine) healthy behavior; identifying factors that help vulnerable or underserved populations build and maintain healthy behaviors; and pinpointing mechanisms and mediators that cut across different kinds of habitual behaviors. The overarching goal is not just short-term behavior change, but research that can strengthen the processes that make positive behavior durable over time, or that can shift social and cultural norms that shape health and future health behaviors.
Because sustaining healthy habits involves multiple layers of influence, the FOA strongly encourages multidisciplinary teams, and it specifically notes that teams including nurse scientists are encouraged. This reflects NINR's interest in research that connects real-world health experiences and care settings with behavioral science, developmental science, prevention, education, and community or systems-level approaches.
On the administrative side, this is a discretionary grant mechanism under NIH, listed under CFDA 93.361, and uses the R21 funding instrument, which is designed for exploratory or early developmental work. The award ceiling is listed as $200,000. Eligible applicants are broad and include many types of U.S. government entities (state, county, city/township, special districts), 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), small businesses, and tribal governments and organizations. The FOA also explicitly recognizes additional eligible groups such as HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribal colleges and universities, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions, AANAPISIs, faith-based or community-based organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and even non-U.S. (foreign) entities and regional organizations. The original closing date shown in the source data is January 7, 2021, and the FOA was created November 22, 2017.
In plain terms, this opportunity is meant for researchers who want to test fresh ideas or build early evidence about when and how to help children and teens develop health habits that last, especially by paying attention to the environments where kids actually live and learn and by taking seriously the influence of culture, technology, and social norms.Apply for PA 18 354
- The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Healthy Habits: Timing for Developing Sustainable Healthy Behaviors in Children and Adolescents (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): 93.361.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2017-11-22.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2021-01-07. (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 $200,000.00 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.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the “Healthy Habits: Timing for Developing Sustainable Healthy Behaviors in Children and Adolescents” opportunity (PA-18-354)?
PA-18-354 is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity administered by the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR). It supports exploratory and early developmental research on how healthy behaviors form and become lasting habits during childhood and adolescence.
What grant mechanism does this funding opportunity use?
This opportunity uses the NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant mechanism (R21), which is intended for early-stage, innovative, and exploratory studies.
What is the main purpose of this FOA?
The purpose is to spark innovative, early-stage research focused on when and how healthy behaviors are learned and sustained from birth through age 18. The emphasis is on understanding mechanisms (the “how” and “why” behind behavior change) and testing promising approaches that could promote durable healthy habits.
What age range is the FOA focused on?
The focus is on children and adolescents from birth through age 18.
Why does “timing” matter in this funding opportunity?
A central idea of the FOA is that the timing of influence matters. It encourages research that identifies when children and adolescents may be most receptive to adopting and internalizing healthy behaviors that can carry into adulthood.
What kinds of behaviors are considered “healthy habits” under this FOA?
The FOA includes a wide range of positive health behaviors, such as healthy sleep routines, self-regulation and impulse control strategies, improved decision-making in risky situations, consistent dental hygiene, balanced nutrition, age-appropriate physical activity, and the development of healthy relationships.
Does the FOA expect applicants to study behaviors as isolated issues?
No. While projects may focus on specific behaviors, the FOA also invites research that looks for shared pathways and common mediators across multiple habitual behaviors (for example, stress regulation, executive function, family routines, peer influence, or environmental cues).
What does the FOA mean by studying “mechanisms” and “mediators” of behavior change?
Within this FOA, mechanisms and mediators refer to the underlying processes that explain how and why healthy behaviors form, stick, or change over time. The goal is to understand what drives durable behavior, not just whether a short-term change happens.
Are clinical trials required?
No. Clinical trials are optional. Applicants may propose studies that do or do not include a clinical trial, as long as the work fits the exploratory/developmental nature of an R21.
What research topics does the FOA specifically encourage?
The FOA calls out topics such as identifying effective and sustainable processes that help youth make healthier choices; determining the best developmental stages to intervene for lifelong impact; understanding how technology and new media can support or undermine healthy behavior; identifying factors that help vulnerable or underserved populations build and maintain healthy behaviors; and identifying mechanisms and mediators that cut across different habitual behaviors.
How important are social and cultural contexts in proposed projects?
They are a major emphasis. The FOA states that behavior does not develop in a vacuum and expects studies and interventions to account for social and cultural contexts that shape daily choices.
What settings and systems are considered relevant to healthy habit development?
The FOA points to multiple settings and systems, including schools, families, neighborhoods and communities, population-level influences, and the food industry, among others that shape daily environments and choices.
How does the FOA address technology and media influences on youth behavior?
The FOA highlights the growing role of technology and media in youth development and encourages research that considers age-appropriate learning tools, games, social media, social networking platforms, mobile/digital technology, and mass media as ways to understand or promote healthy habits.
Can a project evaluate a digital or technology-delivered approach?
Yes. The FOA explicitly encourages considering digital technology and media. Examples mentioned include evaluating digital interventions, examining how online environments influence norms and choices, or using technology to deliver timely supports tailored to developmental stage.
Does the FOA include attention to vulnerable or underserved populations?
Yes. One of the specifically noted topics is identifying factors that help vulnerable or underserved populations build and maintain healthy behaviors.
What is the overall long-term goal of the research supported by this FOA?
The overarching goal is not only short-term behavior change, but research that strengthens the processes that make positive behaviors durable over time and/or shifts social and cultural norms that shape health and future health behaviors.
Are multidisciplinary teams encouraged?
Yes. The FOA strongly encourages multidisciplinary teams because sustaining healthy habits involves multiple layers of influence.
Is there any specific encouragement related to nurse scientists?
Yes. The FOA specifically notes that teams including nurse scientists are encouraged, reflecting NINR’s interest in linking real-world health experiences and care settings with behavioral and developmental science and prevention approaches.
Who is the sponsoring NIH institute?
The opportunity is from the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) under the NIH.
What is the CFDA number listed for this opportunity?
The opportunity is listed under CFDA 93.361.
What is the maximum award amount mentioned?
The award ceiling listed is $200,000.
What types of applicants are eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S. government entities (state, county, city/township, special districts), 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), small businesses, and tribal governments and organizations.
Are minority-serving institutions and community-based organizations recognized as eligible?
Yes. The FOA explicitly recognizes eligibility for groups such as HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribal colleges and universities, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions, AANAPISIs, and faith-based or community-based organizations.
Are U.S. territories or possessions included in eligibility?
Yes. The FOA notes U.S. territories or possessions among eligible groups.
Can non-U.S. (foreign) entities apply?
Yes. The FOA explicitly includes non-U.S. (foreign) entities and regional organizations as eligible applicants.
When was this FOA created, and what closing date is shown?
The FOA was created on November 22, 2017. The original closing date shown in the provided source data is January 7, 2021.
What kind of projects are a good fit in plain terms?
Projects that fit well are early-stage, innovative efforts that build evidence about when and how to help children and teens develop healthy habits that last, especially when they take into account real-world environments (where kids live and learn), culture, technology/media, and social norms.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Education, Health
Next opportunity: Mentored Quantitative Research Development Award (Parent K25 - No Independent Clinical Trials)
Previous opportunity: NCI Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award to Promote Diversity (K08 - Clinical Trials Required)
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 PA 18 354
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PA 18 354) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Healthy Habits: Timing for Developing Sustainable Healthy Behaviors in Children and Adolescents (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 355 Funding Number: PA 18 355 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Tobacco Use and HIV in Low and Middle Income Countries (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 023 Funding Number: PAR 18 023 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Tobacco Use and HIV in Low and Middle Income Countries (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 022 Funding Number: PAR 18 022 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Intervening with Cancer Caregivers to Improve Patient Health Outcomes and Optimize Health Care Utilization (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 246 Funding Number: PAR 18 246 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Evaluating the NIDA Standardized Research E-Cigarette in Risk Reduction and Related Studies (U01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 220 Funding Number: PAR 18 220 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Predicting Behavioral Responses to Population-Level Cancer Control Strategies (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 024 Funding Number: PAR 18 024 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Intervening with Cancer Caregivers to Improve Patient Health Outcomes and Optimize Health Care Utilization (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 247 Funding Number: PAR 18 247 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Innovations in Mechanisms and Interventions to Address Mental Health in HIV Prevention and Care Continuum (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 274 Funding Number: PA 18 274 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Quantitative Imaging Tools and Methods for Cancer Therapy Response Assessment (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 248 Funding Number: PAR 18 248 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Innovations in Mechanisms and Interventions to Address Mental Health in HIV Prevention and Care Continuum (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 275 Funding Number: PA 18 275 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Increased Knowledge and Innovative Strategies to Reduce HIV Incidence-iKnow Projects (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 254 Funding Number: PAR 18 254 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Multidisciplinary Studies of HIV/AIDS and Aging (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 189 Funding Number: PAR 18 189 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Multidisciplinary Studies of HIV/AIDS and Aging (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 190 Funding Number: PAR 18 190 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Targeted Implementation Science to Achieve 90/90/90 Goals for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 279 Funding Number: PA 18 279 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Targeted Implementation Science to Achieve 90/90/90 Goals for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 280 Funding Number: PA 18 280 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Quantitative Imaging Tools and Methods for Cancer Response Assessment (U01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 249 Funding Number: PAR 18 249 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Health Services Research on Minority Health and Health Disparities (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 286 Funding Number: PAR 18 286 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Health Services Research on Minority Health and Health Disparities (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 287 Funding Number: PAR 18 287 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| NIDA Program Project Grant Applications (P01, Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 425 Funding Number: PAR 18 425 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Building Evidence: Effective Palliative/End of Life Care Interventions (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 173 Funding Number: PAR 18 173 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, 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 "PA 18 354", 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.