Reducing Stigma Related to Drug Use in Human Service Settings (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) | RFA DA 21 002

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the name of this NIH funding opportunity?

The opportunity is titled "Reducing Stigma Related to Drug Use in Human Service Settings (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)."

What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?

The Funding Opportunity Number is RFA-DA-21-002.

What problem is NIH trying to address through this grant?

This opportunity targets stigma related to drug use as a major barrier to effective HIV prevention and care. The description emphasizes that stigma can show up as disgrace, disapproval, or shame tied to a stigmatized identity, and can translate into discrimination that discourages people from seeking services or reduces the quality of services they receive.

What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?

The purpose is to support early-stage, exploratory research that can lead to practical interventions to reduce drug-use-related stigma in human service settings, with the aim of improving the delivery and uptake of HIV prevention and treatment services.

What grant mechanism is being used?

This announcement uses the NIH R21 mechanism, which is intended for exploratory and developmental projects.

Is this opportunity meant for large effectiveness trials?

No. The R21 mechanism is described here as supporting exploratory/developmental work that builds the foundation for later, larger studies, rather than requiring a large, fully powered effectiveness trial.

What types of projects does this opportunity support?

The opportunity specifically supports two broad types of projects: (1) formative research and (2) pilot/feasibility studies.

What is meant by "formative research" in this announcement?

Formative research can include assessing how stigma operates in a particular service environment, understanding the experiences of clients and staff, identifying key drivers of discriminatory behavior or policies, and using findings to design or refine a stigma-reduction intervention.

What is meant by "pilot" or "feasibility" studies here?

Pilot/feasibility studies may include small-scale tests of new interventions or adaptations of existing stigma-reduction approaches, with emphasis on whether the intervention is workable in the intended setting, acceptable to participants, and implementable by organizations delivering services related to HIV prevention and care.

Does the project have to include a clinical trial?

No. The opportunity is labeled "clinical trial optional," meaning applicants may propose a study that meets NIH's definition of a clinical trial, but a clinical trial is not required. Non-trial intervention development and feasibility work can also fit depending on the aims.

What settings are the focus of the proposed work?

The focus is on human service settings where people access services connected to HIV prevention and care, particularly settings where stigma tied to drug use may affect how services are delivered and whether clients use them.

How does this funding opportunity connect stigma reduction to HIV outcomes?

The rationale described is that stigma can discourage HIV testing, delay entry into care, reduce adherence to treatment or prevention tools, and push people away from supportive programs. By developing and early-testing interventions that reduce stigma, the goal is to improve HIV-related health outcomes by improving both service delivery and service utilization.

What aspects of stigma does NIH highlight in this announcement?

The description highlights stigma as an identity marked by disgrace, disapproval, or shame, and notes that it often manifests as real-world discrimination. The announcement frames stigma as interfering with both the provision of services (how organizations and providers deliver care) and utilization of services (whether clients feel safe, respected, and willing to engage).

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S.-based organizations and government entities, including state, county, city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education; Native American tribal governments (federally recognized) and Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments); public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not higher education institutions); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses) and small businesses; and other eligible entities.

Are community-based or faith-based organizations eligible?

Yes. The announcement explicitly notes that faith-based or community-based organizations may apply (if they otherwise meet eligibility requirements).

Are U.S. territories or possessions included as eligible applicants?

Yes. U.S. territories or possessions are explicitly listed among additional applicant categories that may apply.

Are specific types of higher education institutions called out?

Yes. The opportunity explicitly notes additional categories that may apply, 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), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), and other higher education categories described in the eligibility language.

Can federal agencies apply?

Yes. The opportunity notes that eligible federal agencies may apply.

Can foreign organizations apply as the main applicant?

No. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations and foreign institutions) are not eligible to apply directly.

Can a non-U.S. component of a U.S. organization apply as the applicant organization?

No. Non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply as the applicant organization.

Are any international activities allowed at all?

Yes. "Foreign components" (as defined by the NIH Grants Policy Statement) are allowed. A U.S. applicant may include structured collaboration or project elements that occur outside the U.S., as long as NIH requirements are met and the arrangement is justified and administered under the U.S.-based award.

What is the funding activity category and CFDA number?

The listing describes this as a discretionary grant opportunity under the Education and Health funding activity category, with CFDA number 93.279.

What is the maximum award amount listed (award ceiling)?

The listed award ceiling is $200,000.

When was this opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on April 9, 2020.

What is the original closing date listed?

The original closing date is listed as August 11, 2020.

How many awards does NIH expect to make?

The listing does not specify the number of expected awards.

What is NIH hoping funded projects will produce?

Based on the description, NIH aims to seed early-stage projects that generate actionable intervention concepts and feasibility evidence, positioning promising approaches for larger-scale testing and eventual implementation in real-world human service settings.