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Overview

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The Research Need

N CREW was established in response to priorities identified through Tribal Consultations NIH held in and that sought input on research needs for addressing opioid use and pain in Native communities. Many themes emerged, including the importance of Indigenous Knowledge and local expertise, and the need to invest in research and data led by Tribes and Native Serving Organizations (T/NSOs). The N CREW Program is a highly collaborative partnership between NIH, T/NSOs, and Ally Organizations established to address the opioid/drug public health emergency.

About the Program

The N CREW Program supports T/NSOs to conduct locally prioritized research to address overdose, substance use, and pain, including related factors such as mental health and wellness. Research led by Native communities is essential for enhancing culturally grounded, strengths-based, effective, and sustainable intervention strategies.

The N CREW Program has four main goals:

• Enhance capacity to conduct locally prioritized HEAL related research.
• Support T/NSOs to lead community prioritized research projects, including those elevating and integrating Indigenous Knowledge and culture.
• Improve access to and the quality of data on substance use, pain, and related health and wellbeing factors to maximize their potential for use in research and to improve health outcomes.
• Foster a collaborative network that advances Native community-led research and use of data by supporting the development of relationships and the provision of sharing knowledge, tools, and resources.

Program Details

The N CREW Program is anticipated as an eight-year program (Fiscal Year 24 - FY31) with two Phases. It is planned as a multi-component Program using a variety of funding mechanisms, which may include Other Transactions, Cooperative Agreements, Contracts and/or Grants over the course of the Program. The overall planned budget for all eight years of the N CREW Program components is approximately $268 million.

Phase I began in FY24 and is planned to last until FY27. During this Phase, NIH supports T/NSOs to plan, develop, pilot, and/or implement research and/or data improvement projects. NIH also supports Native Research Resource Partners (NRRP) to provide comprehensive real-time training and resources to assist the T/NSOs, as well as overall coordination of cross-site activities. The NRRP members, T/NSOs, and NIH closely collaborate to meet Program objectives.

Phase II is anticipated to begin in FY27 and to continue for five years through FY31. During this phase, T/NSOs will conduct community-prioritized research on HEAL-related research areas (i.e., overdose, substance use, or pain) and related factors (e.g., well-being, mental health, alcohol use, resilience, etc.) to support positive health outcomes in Native communities. The NRRPs will support T/NSOs and the broader N CREW Network through comprehensive, real-time training and resources and by connecting and strengthening the Network.

Across Phases I and II, ancillary activities that support achieving overall Program goals may be identified as the Program develops.

Funding Information

Currently, there are two active Research Opportunity Announcements for Phase II. Phase I awards have been made. Phase II funding is an open competition, meaning that any organization that meets the eligibility criteria can apply. Phase II eligibility is not restricted to Phase I award recipients.

OTA-26-001: Advancing Native Research Projects. Invites T/NSOs to submit applications conduct research projects for up to five years. Applications may:

• Include up to 2 years of planning plus 3-years of research, or
• Focus on up to 5 years of conducting a research project

OTA-26-002: Native Research Resource Partners. Invites T/NSOs and Ally Organizations to submit applications to collaborate as Native Research Resource Partners, providing real-time training and resources to T/NSOs and helping connect and strengthen the entire N CREW Network.

Key Dates

Applications are due July 31, 2026 at 5:00pm in the applicants’ local time zone.

Phase I Funded Institutions

View the full list of current Phase I funded projects in .

Contact: Dr. Kathy Etz, NIDA

To receive N CREW resources and information on future funding opportunities, please email ncrew@nih.gov to be added to the Listserv.