NRSA Offers Administrative Supplements for Childcare Costs

By: Jacqueline Robinson-Hamm
Thursday, March 11, 2021

On Monday, March 1, National Institutes of Health (NIH) published a Notice of Special Interest regarding administrative supplements to defray childcare costs incurred by Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) individual fellows. This Notice details that NRSA individual fellows may request $2,500 per budget period for costs of childcare provided by a licensed childcare provider.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis beginning April 8, 2021, and applicants are encouraged to apply for childcare costs for all remaining years of project funding. For example, applicants with two years remaining may request two years of funding, or up to $5,000. The related Announcement specifies that for households where both parents are NRSA fellows, each parent is eligible to receive $2,500 per budget period.

NIH recognizes the impact of the high cost of childcare for graduate students and postdoctoral scientists. This administrative supplement aims to help alleviate this burden by supporting family-friendly work environments. Beginning in fiscal year 2022, a similar cost will be provided for trainees supported by NRSA training grants. For further information, contact the relevant Grants Management Officer or see NIH’s frequently asked questions pertaining to childcare costs.