Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 23 239
The Social Disconnection and Suicide Risk in Late Life (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) funding opportunity (PAR-23-239) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) discretionary grant program designed to support early-stage, exploratory research on how social disconnection contributes to suicidal thoughts and behaviors among older adults. It focuses on two related but distinct aspects of social disconnection: objective social isolation (for example, small social networks, infrequent contact, or limited participation in community life) and perceived social isolation, commonly described as loneliness. The overall goal is to deepen understanding of why and how these factors elevate suicide risk in late life and to translate that understanding into practical prevention strategies.
A central priority of this initiative is research that clarifies the mechanisms linking isolation and loneliness to suicide risk in older populations. NIH is emphasizing both neurobiological and environmental pathways. On the neurobiological side, applicants may investigate processes such as stress physiology, inflammation, neural circuitry involved in threat detection or reward processing, sleep and circadian disruption, cognitive control and decision-making changes, or other brain-body mechanisms that could plausibly connect social disconnection to despair, perceived burdensomeness, or reduced resilience. On the environmental side, projects might examine contributors like bereavement, retirement-related role loss, caregiving strain, disability, chronic pain, mobility limitations, housing instability, transportation barriers, community resource gaps, stigma, and other contextual factors that can compound disconnection and intensify vulnerability. Competitive applications will typically make a clear case for how the proposed mechanism(s) help explain the pathway from social disconnection to suicidal ideation or behavior in late life, and how measuring those mechanisms could inform prevention.
Another major emphasis is the use of an experimental therapeutics approach. In practice, this means projects should aim not just to test whether an intervention "works," but to identify, engage, and measure specific targets that are hypothesized to reduce suicide risk. The intention is to fund studies that can pinpoint actionable targets related to social connection and then develop, refine, or test interventions that directly influence those targets. The opportunity is labeled "Clinical Trial Optional," which signals that applicants may propose either clinical trial or non-trial research designs, depending on what best fits the aims. This flexibility allows for mechanistic studies, target validation, and early intervention development, as well as pilot testing of promising strategies, as long as the project remains aligned with the R21 exploratory/developmental scope.
The notice also encourages work on service delivery models that can realistically increase social connection for older adults in ways that reduce suicide risk. This can include creating new models or modifying existing systems in health care, behavioral health, aging services, community-based organizations, faith-based settings, or public health programs. Examples of relevant directions might include improved screening and referral pathways for loneliness and isolation, integration of social connection supports into primary care or geriatric services, community health worker or peer support models, technology-facilitated connection approaches that account for older adult accessibility needs, or coordinated care models that link clinical risk identification with community resources. Importantly, the service delivery focus is not simply about increasing social activity; it is about enhancing meaningful connection and belonging in a way that can plausibly prevent suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
From an administrative standpoint, this is a grant mechanism under the NIH R21 program, which generally supports exploratory, high-impact ideas and early proof-of-concept work rather than large definitive trials. The posted award ceiling is $275,000. The original closing date listed for the opportunity is 2026-09-07, reflecting a multi-year window during which applications may be accepted according to the funding announcement schedule. The program is categorized under health (CFDA 93.242), and it is offered as a discretionary grant rather than a formula or entitlement program.
Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S.-based organizations and certain non-U.S. entities. Eligible applicants include state, county, and city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; 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 (other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses. The announcement also explicitly highlights additional eligible applicant categories such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs); Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs); faith-based or community-based organizations; eligible federal agencies; regional organizations; U.S. territories or possessions; Indian/Native American tribal governments other than federally recognized entities; and non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities, meaning foreign organizations may apply when appropriate to the research aims.
Taken together, this opportunity is aimed at advancing late-life suicide prevention by treating social disconnection as a serious, measurable, and modifiable risk factor. It supports projects that move beyond describing associations and instead explain mechanisms, identify intervention targets, and test practical strategies or service models capable of strengthening social connection and reducing suicide risk among older adults.Apply for PAR 23 239
- The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Social disconnection and Suicide Risk in Late Life (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): 93.242.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2023-07-19.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-09-07. (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 $275,000.00 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 name and number of this funding opportunity?
The opportunity is titled Social Disconnection and Suicide Risk in Late Life (R21 Clinical Trial Optional). The funding opportunity number is PAR-23-239.
Who is the funder?
This is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) discretionary grant program.
What is the main purpose of this grant?
The purpose is to support early-stage, exploratory research that explains how social disconnection contributes to suicidal thoughts and behaviors among older adults, and to translate that understanding into practical prevention strategies.
What populations are the focus of the research?
The focus is on late life, meaning older adults, in the context of suicide risk related to social disconnection.
What does NIH mean by "social disconnection" in this opportunity?
The opportunity highlights two related but distinct aspects:
- Objective social isolation: measurable indicators such as small social networks, infrequent contact, or limited participation in community life.
- Perceived social isolation (loneliness): the subjective experience of feeling isolated or lacking meaningful connection.
What kinds of research questions are encouraged?
Projects are encouraged to move beyond describing associations and instead clarify why and how objective isolation and/or loneliness elevate suicide risk in late life, including identifying mechanisms and targets that can inform prevention strategies.
What is a central scientific priority of the program?
A central priority is research that clarifies the mechanisms linking isolation/loneliness to suicide risk in older populations, with emphasis on both neurobiological and environmental pathways.
What neurobiological mechanisms does the opportunity mention as examples?
Examples include studying:
- Stress physiology
- Inflammation
- Neural circuitry involved in threat detection or reward processing
- Sleep and circadian disruption
- Cognitive control and decision-making changes
- Other plausible brain-body mechanisms linking disconnection to despair, perceived burdensomeness, or reduced resilience
What environmental or contextual factors are mentioned as examples?
Examples include:
- Bereavement
- Retirement-related role loss
- Caregiving strain
- Disability
- Chronic pain
- Mobility limitations
- Housing instability
- Transportation barriers
- Community resource gaps
- Stigma
- Other contextual factors that compound disconnection and intensify vulnerability
What makes an application "competitive" according to the description?
Competitive applications will typically make a clear case for:
- How the proposed mechanism(s) explain the pathway from social disconnection to suicidal ideation or behavior in late life
- How measuring those mechanisms could inform prevention
What is the "experimental therapeutics approach" referenced here?
It means projects should aim not only to test whether an intervention works, but to identify, engage, and measure specific targets hypothesized to reduce suicide risk. The goal is to pinpoint actionable targets related to social connection and develop, refine, or test interventions that directly influence those targets.
Are clinical trials required?
No. The opportunity is labeled Clinical Trial Optional, meaning applicants may propose either clinical trial or non-trial research designs, depending on what best fits the project aims and the exploratory/developmental scope.
What kinds of study designs fit this funding opportunity?
The description indicates flexibility for mechanistic studies, target validation, early intervention development, and pilot testing of promising strategies, as long as the work aligns with the R21 exploratory/developmental scope.
What is the emphasis on service delivery models?
The opportunity encourages research on service delivery models that can realistically increase social connection for older adults in ways that reduce suicide risk. This includes creating new models or modifying existing systems across settings such as health care, behavioral health, aging services, community-based organizations, faith-based settings, or public health programs.
What are examples of service delivery directions mentioned?
Examples include:
- Improved screening and referral pathways for loneliness and isolation
- Integrating social connection supports into primary care or geriatric services
- Community health worker or peer support models
- Technology-facilitated connection approaches that address older adult accessibility needs
- Coordinated care models linking clinical risk identification with community resources
Is the goal simply to increase social activity for older adults?
No. The service delivery focus is explicitly not just about increasing social activity. It is about enhancing meaningful connection and belonging in a way that can plausibly prevent suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
What grant mechanism is being used?
This opportunity uses the NIH R21 mechanism, which generally supports exploratory, high-impact ideas and early proof-of-concept work rather than large, definitive trials.
What is the maximum award amount listed?
The posted award ceiling is $275,000.
What is the closing date listed in the opportunity information provided?
The original closing date listed is 2026-09-07, reflecting a multi-year window during which applications may be accepted according to the funding announcement schedule.
Is this a formula/entitlement program or a discretionary grant?
It is offered as a discretionary grant, not a formula or entitlement program.
What is the CFDA number and program category?
The program is categorized under health with CFDA 93.242.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S.-based organizations and certain non-U.S. entities. 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
- Private institutions of higher education
- Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
- 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 (other than institutions of higher education)
- For-profit organizations other than small businesses
- Small businesses
Are minority-serving institutions specifically mentioned as eligible?
Yes. The announcement explicitly highlights eligibility for several categories, including:
- Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions
- Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs)
- Hispanic-serving Institutions
- Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
- Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs)
Are faith-based or community-based organizations eligible?
Yes. The opportunity explicitly includes faith-based or community-based organizations among the highlighted eligible applicant categories.
Can federal agencies apply?
Yes. The description includes eligible federal agencies among the explicitly highlighted categories.
Can organizations in U.S. territories apply?
Yes. The description explicitly mentions U.S. territories or possessions as eligible applicant categories.
Are foreign (non-U.S.) organizations eligible to apply?
Yes. The announcement notes that non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities may apply when appropriate to the research aims.
What is the overarching take-home message of this opportunity?
The program aims to advance late-life suicide prevention by treating social disconnection as a serious, measurable, and modifiable risk factor, supporting projects that explain mechanisms, identify intervention targets, and test practical strategies or service models to strengthen social connection and reduce suicide risk among older adults.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Health
Next opportunity: FY24 Bureau of Land Management Wild Horse and Burro Resource Management - Off Range
Previous opportunity: Enhancing Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans Competitive Grants Program
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 PAR 23 239
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PAR 23 239) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| The Role of Sleep Deficiency in Persons with Type 1 Diabetes: Sleep, Glycemic Control, and Cardiovascular Risk (R34 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA HL 24 009 Funding Number: RFA HL 24 009 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $225,000 |
| The Role of Sleep Deficiency in Persons with Type 1 Diabetes: Sleep, Glycemic Control, and Cardiovascular Risk (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA HL 24 008 Funding Number: RFA HL 24 008 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $420,000 |
| Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) Studies of mTOR Inhibitors on Aging-Related Indications (U01 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for RFA AG 24 044 Funding Number: RFA AG 24 044 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Pilot Projects Enhancing Utility and Usage of Common Fund Data Sets (R03 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA RM 23 015 Funding Number: RFA RM 23 015 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Supporting Vaccine Confidence Apply for NV VSR 24 001 Funding Number: NV VSR 24 001 Agency: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Role of Environmental Stress in the Health Inequities of Alzheimer's Disease-Related Dementias (ADRD) (R01 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA NS 24 024 Funding Number: RFA NS 24 024 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $499,999 |
| National Centers for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NCBIB) (P41 Clinical Trials Optional) Apply for PAR 23 235 Funding Number: PAR 23 235 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Network of Genomics-Enabled Learning Health Systems (gLHS) Coordinating Center (U01 Clinical Trials Required) Apply for RFA HG 23 042 Funding Number: RFA HG 23 042 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $900,000 |
| Network of Genomics-Enabled Learning Health Systems (gLHS) Clinical Sites (U01 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for RFA HG 23 041 Funding Number: RFA HG 23 041 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $450,000 |
| Alcohol and Other Substance Use Research Education Programs for Health Professionals (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 23 240 Funding Number: PAR 23 240 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Public Health Communication Messaging about the Continuum of Risk for Tobacco Products (U01 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for RFA OD 23 021 Funding Number: RFA OD 23 021 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $2,500,000 |
| Validating digital health technologies for monitoring biomarkers in ADRD clinical trials (R61/R33 - Clinical Trials Optional) Apply for RFA NS 24 026 Funding Number: RFA NS 24 026 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Alcohol Health Services Research (R34 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 23 252 Funding Number: PAR 23 252 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $450,000 |
| Alcohol Health Services Research (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 23 251 Funding Number: PAR 23 251 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Elucidating Variability of Physiologic and Functional Responses to Exercise Training in Older Adults (R01 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for RFA AG 24 045 Funding Number: RFA AG 24 045 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Alcohol Treatment, Pharmacotherapy, and Recovery Research (R01 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PAR 23 250 Funding Number: PAR 23 250 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Alcohol Treatment, Pharmacotherapy, and Recovery Research (R34 Clinical Trial required) Apply for PAR 23 249 Funding Number: PAR 23 249 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $450,000 |
| Community-Engaged Health Equity Research in Neuroscience Initiative (R01 CT Not Allowed) Apply for RFA NS 24 006 Funding Number: RFA NS 24 006 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Behavioral and Social Research on the Role of Immigration on Life Course Health and Aging, including AD/ADRD?(R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA AG 24 028 Funding Number: RFA AG 24 028 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Behavioral and Social Research on the Role of Immigration on Life Course Health and Aging, including AD/ADRD?(R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA AG 24 029 Funding Number: RFA AG 24 029 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $275,000 |
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 "PAR 23 239", 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.