Osher Collaborative Exchange Grant Program: Apply by Nov. 6!
Funds support Osher Affiliates working with colleagues across Institutions.
New Opportunity from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Mind and Body Interventions to Restore Whole Person Health via Emotional Well-Being Mechanisms (R61/R33)
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced a new opportunity called Mind and Body Interventions to Restore Whole Person Health via Emotional Well-Being Mechanisms (R61/R33).
Summary
This program aims to support rigorous and well-powered human mechanistic research studies that are supported by strong preliminary data. The studies should examine the effects of mind and body interventions on innovative mechanisms of EWB (as the primary outcome), as well as the associated relationship with the Whole Person Health Index (WPHI, as a secondary outcome).
Funding Opportunity Purpose
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) announces this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications for research on how mind and body interventions through psychological and/or physical practices (e.g., mindfulness meditation, yoga, acupuncture, massage, and other brain- and/or body-based interventions) impact mechanisms of emotional well-being (EWB) and their associations with whole person health (WPH), consistent with the NIH priority to address the health needs of the American people and improve their well-being.
The NOFO will support rigorous and well-powered human mechanistic research studies that are supported by strong preliminary data. The studies should examine the effects of mind and body interventions on innovative mechanisms of EWB (as the primary outcome), as well as the associated relationship with the Whole Person Health Index (WPHI, as a secondary outcome). To enhance research safety, rigor, and efficiency of NIH-funded mechanistic clinical trials, this initiative will use a two-phased award funding mechanism (R61/R33). The funding will support an initial phase (R61) to establish feasibility benchmarks for a subsequent proposed second phase (R33) mechanistic clinical trial, which will be contingent upon successful achievement of R61 benchmarks ("Go/No-Go Criteria"). Applications should provide preliminary data that are comparable in quality and quantity to those expected for an R01 application.
Funding Opportunity Goal(s)
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) provides funding for research into complementary and integrative health approaches. Eligible entities (including, but not limited to: research and academic institutions, private companies) may submit research grant applications using the Grants.gov website. All applications undergo a rigorous two-stage peer review system, and funding decisions are made based on the review of applications that are most meritorious and responsive to the mission of NCCIH.
Upcoming Submission Dates
November 7, 2025
February 9, 2026
June 8, 2026
October 7, 2026
February 8, 2027
...and so on. Standard NIH dates through June 2028.
Apply Mind and Body Interventions to Restore Whole Person Health via Emotional Well-Being Mechanisms (R61/R33)Resources and Support
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions about this opportunity! UVM's Research Development office would be especially glad to support you and, if applicable, assist you with connections across campus if you are seeking collaborators.
Advancing Whole Health Through Innovative Research
The Osher Center for Integrative Health at UVM is pleased to offer NEW Grants (up to $25,000 each) for innovative research that aligns with its mission to advance Integrative or Whole Health. Open to all Osher Affiliates across UVM and UVM Health Network, these grants are designed to support transformative work.
FY26 application period closed on 10/1/25.
Proposals Due: October 1, 2025
Timeline: Projects completed during Nov. 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026
Funding Amount: Up to $25,000 per project for one‑year duration (no minimum amount)
Proposal Length: 3-5 pages (excluding budget, references, and biographical sketches)
Eligibility: Open to Osher Affiliates across all disciplines, Colleges, and Units at UVM and across the UVM Health Network. Learn more at our Affiliate Hub and Become an Osher Affiliate.
Advancing Whole Health Through Innovative Research
Funds support projects in education, clinical care, Planetary Health, and more.
Advancing Whole Health Through Innovative Research
FY26 application period closed on 10/1/25.
Apply for Advancing Whole Health Through Innovative Research grants at submit.uvm.edu.
FY26 application period closed on 10/1/25.
Background & Purpose
The Osher Center at UVM’s mission is to advance whole, integrative health through education, clinical care, research, and policy. Our Values include the following:
We empower individuals to thrive through whole healthcare, honoring their physical, psychological, and spiritual experiences.
We believe health care can be effective only when rooted in social justice, inclusion, and access to high-quality care for all.
We build and support expert academic resources to expand and strengthen evidence-based integrative health.
We nurture connection and wellbeing among our educators, researchers, clinicians, and regional and global community members.
The purpose of these grants is to advance the mission of the Osher Center at UVM through innovative research that aligns with the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) research priorities and the Osher Center at UVM’s priorities and addresses one or more of the following topics:
Whole Health and the integration of complementary and conventional care
Integrative or Whole Health approaches to the management of chronic conditions
Advances in education of Integrative health providers
Policy changes to promote Whole Health or Integrative care
Planetary Health- human health and the environment
Lifestyle medicine approaches to care (i.e. culinary medicine, physical activity promotion, stress management)
Promotion of healthy behavior change
Scope of Work
Proposals should include:
Significance & Innovation: Describe the question, significance in the field, alignment to the Osher Center mission and vision and NCCIH priorities
Approach: Include hypotheses, study design, methods, and participant details.
Feasibility: Detail timelines, resources, personnel, and a realistic budget.
Outcomes: Identify measurable endpoints/plans for future funding or publication.
Budget: See Guidelines below.
Eligibility
Only Osher Affiliates are eligible to apply.
To become an Osher Affiliate, submit your Osher Affiliate Application.
For more information, visit uvm.edu/osher/affiliate-hub.
Projects should:
Be led by individuals with relevant expertise
Demonstrate access to necessary facilities and participants
Can include researchers, clinicians, educators, graduate students, medical students, and fellows.
Have the potential to lead to future extramural research funding.
Budget Guidelines
Total costs up to $25,000
Include itemized budgets for personnel (salary + fringe), supplies, participant expenses, data analysis (since this is an internal grant, indirect costs do not apply)
Budget narrative should explain need, justify costs, and align with project aims
Timeline
Milestone | Due Date |
Full Proposal Due | October 1, 2025 |
Awards Announced | October 20, 2025 |
Project Start | November 1, 2025 |
Project Completion | June 30, 2026 (no extensions allowed) |
Final Report Due | August 1, 2026 |
Submission Requirements
Name
Email
Phone
Department
College
Project Narrative (3-5 pages) upload PDF
Background & Purpose
Scope of Work
Significance & Innovation
Approach
Feasibility:
Outcomes:
Budget upload PDF
Contact Information
Questions? Contact: Kristie Grover at Kristie.Grover@uvm.edu.