NIH Awarded 3,500 Fewer Grants in 2025: A 22% Decline
From 2015–2024, NIH awarded an average of 16,099 grants per year. In 2025, that dropped to 12,588 — roughly 3,500 fewer grants, a 22% decline in a single year.
The New York Times analysis highlights some of the scientific areas hit hardest by these cuts:
| Institute | 2015-24 Avg. | 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minority health | 146 | 57 | -61% |
| Nursing | 105 | 51 | -51% |
| Human genome | 166 | 88 | -47% |
| Alcohol abuse and alcoholism | 298 | 159 | -47% |
| Mental health | 902 | 516 | -43% |
| Integrative health | 88 | 57 | -36% |
| Library of medicine | 56 | 38 | -32% |
| Aging | 1,228 | 843 | -31% |
| Diabetes | 1,114 | 783 | -30% |
| Neurological disorders and stroke | 1,293 | 951 | -26% |
| Total | 16,099 | 12,588 | -22% |
The Impact
The institutes focused on minority health, nursing research, and mental health saw some of the steepest declines. These cuts compound existing challenges in these research areas and will have lasting effects on the scientific workforce and public health.
What This Means for Researchers
With fewer federal awards available, diversifying funding sources becomes increasingly important. Private foundations and nonprofits collectively distribute over $100B annually — a largely untapped opportunity for research institutions looking to offset federal funding uncertainty.
If you're exploring alternative funding strategies, feel free to .