Researchers may submit proposals for unsolicited Research Project (R01) or Program Project (P01) grants for funding through the regular extramural research programs of the NIH Institutes (ICs). The P01 comes fairly close to the structure and function of the P50 Center grant. You can obtain advice about these funding mechanisms from the individuals listed as Contact Persons in the RFA. This is especially important for the Program Project mechanism. Each of the NIH institutes that uses P01s publishes its own guidelines for program project (P01) applications.

For answers to questions regarding program project grants, applicants are encouraged to contact the NIH institute most likely to fund their project. Also, note that permission must obtained from an IC before submitting a grant application costing more than $500,000 in any one year (See NIH Guide, March 20, 1998).