NIH Modular Grant Application Procedures

The modular grant application process applies to all NEW and COMPETING research grants – R01, R03, R15, R21, R41, R43 and RFA’s. Guidelines call for budgeting in $25,000 "modular" units up to $250,000 per year in direct costs. See NIH homepage for more details: http://www.nih.gov/grants/funding/modular/modular.htm

Proposal process (NIH/UMass)

I. For NIH:

  • Budget

    • If project exceeds $250,000 (direct costs) for any given year, do not follow modular format -- follow normal application procedures in the PHS 398.

    • Craft budget using $25,000 direct cost modular units.

    • Do not use budget forms DD (form page 4) and EE (form page 5).

    • The total modular amount for each year should normally remain constant.

    • Annual modular budgets must not increase year to year due to COLA’s and inflation. Average in COLA’s and inflation over the life of the project.

    • Salary cap still applies. Use the salary cap (currently $175,700) if your annualized salary exceeds the cap.

    • Budget narrative page: