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:
| PI and Recipient Institution | Application Resources |
| Ronald Harty, Ph.D., of the University of Pennsylvania “Development of Small Molecule Therapeutics Targeting Hemorrhagic Fever Viruses” (STTR Phase II / R42, Forms-F) | Full Application Summary Statement |
| DeAnna Friedman-Klabanoff, M.D., of University of Maryland, Baltimore “Serological markers of natural immunity to Plasmodium falciparum infection” (K23, Forms-F) | Full Application Summary Statement |
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.