Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 24 235
The Tribal Undergraduate to Graduate Research Training and Leadership Experiences (TURTLE) Program (UE5/T32), Funding Opportunity Number PAR-24-235, is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) training initiative administered by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS). It is designed to help build a stronger, sustained pipeline of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) scientists who are prepared to conduct high-quality research focused on AI/AN health and health disparities. At its core, the program supports Tribal-led efforts to identify promising trainees and provide them with structured, culturally grounded training experiences that move them toward completing Ph.D. degrees in biomedical research fields and transitioning into long-term careers in the biomedical research workforce.
A key feature of TURTLE is that it uses a phased award structure that supports both program development and program implementation. The UE5 phase supports eligible Tribal Entities in planning, building, and refining an effective training and mentoring program, including the partnerships, curriculum elements, research exposure, and support systems needed to prepare trainees for doctoral study. The T32 phase then supports the actual implementation of those training and mentoring activities. This structure is meant to help ensure that programs are not only well-designed on paper, but also feasible, well-supported, and capable of producing measurable outcomes for trainees across undergraduate-to-graduate transitions.
The program emphasizes more than just technical lab skills. TURTLE is meant to cultivate researchers who can conduct AI/AN health research in a way that is culturally appropriate, ethically responsible, and scientifically rigorous. That includes preparing trainees to navigate community-engaged research contexts, respect Tribal sovereignty and research governance practices, and apply best practices in research ethics and responsible conduct of research. The intent is to develop professionals who are competent in the operational realities of research (such as study design, data management, compliance, and collaboration) and who also have the professional skills needed to succeed in graduate training environments and beyond (such as scientific communication, leadership, and career development).
Eligibility is centered on Tribal communities and Tribal-serving institutions and organizations. The primary eligible applicants include federally recognized AI/AN Tribes, tribal colleges and universities, Tribal health programs, and other Tribal organizations. The opportunity also notes additional eligible applicant types such as Indian/Native American Tribal Governments that are not federally recognized and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), with applicants expected to follow the funding announcement for the full eligibility details. While a variety of U.S.-based institutions can be eligible (including public, state-controlled, and private institutions of higher education, as well as Native American tribal governments and tribal organizations), the funding is not open to non-U.S. entities. Foreign institutions cannot apply, non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are not eligible, and foreign components as defined by the NIH Grants Policy Statement are not allowed.
From a grants mechanics standpoint, TURTLE is a discretionary funding opportunity and uses a cooperative agreement mechanism, which typically means NIH staff will have substantial involvement in helping guide or coordinate aspects of the program compared with a standard grant. The activity sits within the NIH health category and is associated with CFDA number 93.859. The opportunity was created on September 3, 2024, and lists an original closing date of January 25, 2027, indicating a multi-year window in which eligible applicants can prepare and submit applications according to the NOFO schedule and NIH submission cycles.
Overall, TURTLE is best understood as a capacity-building and workforce development program led by eligible Tribal Entities, aimed at expanding the number of AI/AN researchers with doctoral-level biomedical research training. It is specifically structured to strengthen mentoring, research training experiences, and leadership development so that trainees are prepared to pursue and complete Ph.D. programs at institutions across the United States and territories, and to bring that expertise back into the broader biomedical research ecosystem with a clear focus on AI/AN health priorities and disparities.Apply for PAR 24 235
- The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Tribal Undergraduate to Graduate Research Training and Leadership Experiences (TURTLE) Program (UE5/T32)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.859.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2024-09-03.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2027-01-25.
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Private institutions of higher education, Others.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the TURTLE Program (UE5/T32)?
The Tribal Undergraduate to Graduate Research Training and Leadership Experiences (TURTLE) Program is an NIH training initiative designed to build a stronger, sustained pipeline of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) scientists. It supports Tribal-led efforts to identify promising trainees and provide structured, culturally grounded training experiences that help trainees progress toward Ph.D. degrees in biomedical research fields and transition into long-term biomedical research careers, with a focus on AI/AN health and health disparities.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) for this program?
The Funding Opportunity Number is PAR-24-235.
Which NIH institute administers this opportunity?
This program is administered by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
What is the overall goal of the TURTLE Program?
The goal is to expand and strengthen the AI/AN biomedical research workforce by supporting Tribal-led training and mentorship programs that prepare trainees to pursue and complete Ph.D. degrees in biomedical research fields and enter sustained research careers, with emphasis on AI/AN health and health disparities.
Who is this program intended to benefit?
The program is intended to benefit AI/AN trainees moving through the undergraduate-to-graduate transition and into doctoral-level biomedical research training, with the long-term objective of increasing the number of AI/AN scientists conducting high-quality research on AI/AN health priorities and disparities.
What makes TURTLE different from a program that only provides lab training?
TURTLE emphasizes comprehensive preparation for biomedical research careers, not only technical research skills. It is intended to cultivate researchers who can conduct AI/AN health research in culturally appropriate, ethically responsible, and scientifically rigorous ways, including preparation for community-engaged research, respect for Tribal sovereignty and research governance, and best practices in research ethics and responsible conduct of research.
What kinds of skills and competencies does TURTLE emphasize?
Based on the description provided, TURTLE emphasizes a blend of research and professional development skills, including: culturally grounded training; ethical and responsible conduct of research; community-engaged research contexts; respect for Tribal sovereignty and research governance practices; study design; data management; compliance; collaboration; scientific communication; leadership; and career development aligned with success in graduate training environments and beyond.
What is the phased award structure (UE5 and T32) and why does it matter?
TURTLE uses a phased award structure to support both planning and implementation. The UE5 phase supports eligible Tribal Entities in planning, building, and refining a training and mentoring program (including partnerships, curriculum elements, research exposure, and support systems). The T32 phase supports implementation of the training and mentoring activities. The intent is to help ensure programs are feasible, well-supported, and capable of producing measurable outcomes for trainees across the undergraduate-to-graduate transition.
What activities are supported during the UE5 phase?
The UE5 phase supports program development activities such as planning, building, and refining the training and mentoring program. This includes developing or strengthening partnerships, defining curriculum elements, creating research exposure opportunities, and establishing trainee support systems designed to prepare trainees for doctoral study.
What activities are supported during the T32 phase?
The T32 phase supports the implementation of the training and mentoring activities that were developed and refined during the UE5 phase.
What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement?
This opportunity uses a cooperative agreement mechanism, which typically indicates NIH staff will have substantial involvement in helping guide or coordinate aspects of the program compared with a standard grant.
Is this a discretionary funding opportunity?
Yes. TURTLE is described as a discretionary funding opportunity.
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is associated with CFDA number 93.859.
What health category does this opportunity fall under?
This opportunity sits within the NIH health category.
Who can apply as the primary eligible applicants?
Eligibility is centered on Tribal communities and Tribal-serving institutions and organizations. The primary eligible applicants include federally recognized American Indian/Alaska Native Tribes, tribal colleges and universities, Tribal health programs, and other Tribal organizations.
Are Indian/Native American Tribal Governments that are not federally recognized mentioned as eligible?
Yes. The opportunity notes additional eligible applicant types such as Indian/Native American Tribal Governments that are not federally recognized, with applicants expected to follow the funding announcement for full eligibility details.
Are Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) included in eligibility?
Yes. Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) are specifically mentioned as an additional eligible applicant type, with applicants expected to consult the funding announcement for full eligibility requirements.
Are other U.S.-based institutions eligible to apply?
The description notes that a variety of U.S.-based institutions can be eligible, including public, state-controlled, and private institutions of higher education, as well as Native American tribal governments and tribal organizations. Applicants should follow the funding announcement for full eligibility details.
Are non-U.S. entities eligible to apply?
No. The funding is not open to non-U.S. entities.
Can a foreign institution apply?
No. Foreign institutions cannot apply.
Are non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations eligible?
No. Non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are not eligible.
Are foreign components allowed under this opportunity?
No. Foreign components, as defined by the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are not allowed.
When was this opportunity created?
The opportunity was created on September 3, 2024.
What is the original closing date listed for this opportunity?
The original closing date listed is January 25, 2027.
Does the opportunity suggest there is a multi-year window to apply?
Yes. The dates provided indicate a multi-year window in which eligible applicants can prepare and submit applications according to the NOFO schedule and NIH submission cycles.
What is the main research focus area supported by TURTLE?
The program is focused on building researchers prepared to conduct high-quality biomedical research focused on AI/AN health and health disparities.
How does TURTLE address culturally appropriate and ethical research practices?
The program explicitly aims to prepare trainees to navigate community-engaged research contexts, respect Tribal sovereignty and Tribal research governance practices, and apply best practices in research ethics and responsible conduct of research, alongside scientific rigor.
What is meant by "Tribal-led efforts" in this program?
Based on the provided description, TURTLE is designed to support efforts led by eligible Tribal Entities to identify trainees and provide structured, culturally grounded training and mentoring experiences, rather than relying solely on externally led training models.
What outcome is TURTLE trying to produce for trainees?
TURTLE is intended to move trainees toward completing Ph.D. degrees in biomedical research fields and transitioning into long-term careers in the biomedical research workforce, with preparation that spans undergraduate-to-graduate transitions.
Where are trainees expected to pursue Ph.D. training?
The program description indicates that trainees are intended to be prepared to pursue and complete Ph.D. programs at institutions across the United States and territories.
What is the long-term impact TURTLE is aiming for in the biomedical research ecosystem?
The long-term intent is to expand the number of AI/AN researchers with doctoral-level biomedical research training and strengthen the broader biomedical research workforce, with expertise that remains clearly focused on AI/AN health priorities and disparities.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Health
Next opportunity: Bidirectional Influences Between Adolescent Social Media Use and Mental Health (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)
Previous opportunity: Multidisciplinary Approaches for Developmental Research with Individuals with DSD (R21)
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 24 235
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PAR 24 235) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Tribal Undergraduate to Graduate Research Training and Leadership Experiences (TURTLE) Program (UE5/T34) Apply for PAR 24 236 Funding Number: PAR 24 236 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Clinical and Translational Science Award (UM1 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 24 272 Funding Number: PAR 24 272 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIA Advanced Postdoctoral Career Transition Awards to Promote Diversity in Translational Research for AD/ADRD (K99/R00 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 24 271 Funding Number: PAR 24 271 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Fiscal Year 2025 Health Center Controlled Network (HCCN) Cooperative Agreements Apply for HRSA 25 018 Funding Number: HRSA 25 018 Agency: Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Partnership for National Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Leadership Apply for HRSA 25 028 Funding Number: HRSA 25 028 Agency: Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Section 206 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024: State Planning Grants to Promote Continuity of Care for Medicaid and CHIP Beneficiaries Following Incarceration Apply for CMS 2T2 25 001 Funding Number: CMS 2T2 25 001 Agency: Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services Category: Health Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| USAID integrated Delivery of Tuberculosis Service (iDOTS) Activity Apply for 72062024RFA00007 Funding Number: 72062024RFA00007 Agency: Nigeria USAID-Abuja Category: Health Funding Amount: $45,000,000 |
| Community and Organizational Resilience and Empowerment to Reduce, manage, and mitigate the risk (of emerging and re-emerging) Infectious Diseases (CORE2RID) Apply for 72048624R00003 Funding Number: 72048624R00003 Agency: Thailand USAID-Bangkok Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Consortium for Neuroscience AD/ADRD in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA AG 25 032 Funding Number: RFA AG 25 032 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Small Research Grant Program for the Next Generation of Researchers in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) for Aging and Alzheimers Disease (AD) and AD-Related Dementias (ADRD) Research (R03 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA AG 25 031 Funding Number: RFA AG 25 031 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| State-based Healthcare Extension Cooperatives to Accelerate Implementation of Actionable Knowledge into Practice (U19) Apply for RFA HS 24 004 Funding Number: RFA HS 24 004 Agency: Agency for Health Care Research and Quality Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Organs-on-a-Chip in Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (DOC-OoCs) (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DE 25 001 Funding Number: RFA DE 25 001 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Organs-on-a-Chip in Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (DOC-OoCs) (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DE 25 002 Funding Number: RFA DE 25 002 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $275,000 |
| RFI for SOPHI Apply for RFI 442 24 006 Funding Number: RFI 442 24 006 Agency: Cambodia USAID-Phnom Penh Category: Health Funding Amount: $35,000,000 |
| Emergency Department Substance Use Surveillance System Apply for EDS EDS 24 001 Funding Number: EDS EDS 24 001 Agency: Office of National Drug Control Policy Category: Health Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Clinical Coordinating Center for NCCIH Multi-Site Investigator-Initiated Clinical Trials of Mind and Body Interventions (Collaborative UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PAR 24 275 Funding Number: PAR 24 275 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Coordinating Center to Support Consortium for Neuroscience Alzheimers Disease (AD) and AD-Related Dementias (ADRD) Research in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA AG 25 014 Funding Number: RFA AG 25 014 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) Activity Apply for 72038624RFA00004 Funding Number: 72038624RFA00004 Agency: India USAID-New Delhi Category: Health Funding Amount: $20,000,000 |
| Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) (U54 - Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA MD 24 012 Funding Number: RFA MD 24 012 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| USAID Accelerator Activity Apply for 72066024RFA00006 Funding Number: 72066024RFA00006 Agency: Democratic Republic of the Congo USAID-Kinshasa Category: Health Funding Amount: $90,500,000 |
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 24 235", 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.