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National Institutes of Health (NIH) building inside Bethesda campus

Tracking NIH Awards in FY 2026

Oct. 1 - Aug. 31

Published
  • Sept. 9, 2026
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The pace of funding is increasing as the NIH works to obligate its total extramural budget

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) obligated $6.6 billion to extramural grants in August 2026, bringing total fiscal year (FY) 2026 obligations to $30.2 billion, 89% of the estimated FY 2026 extramural budget for grants ($34 billion). This Data Brief examines FY 2026 obligations through Aug. 31, including obligations to competitive multiyear-funded (MYF) research project grants (RPGs). Further information and updates on the NIH’s FY 2026 obligations and funding trends can be found on the AAMC website at the Tracking NIH Funding page.

As of Aug. 31, $3.7 billion in NIH FY 2026 extramural grant funding remained to be obligated

Entering September, the NIH had obligated $30.2 billion, or 89% of its estimated $34 billion extramural grants budget.

The NIH had funded 1,924 fewer grants than at the same point in FY 2025 and 9,714 fewer than at the same point in FY 2024.

By Aug. 31, the NIH had used multiyear funding to award $1.6 billion to competitive research project grants in FY 2026.

Tracking NIH Awards in FY 2026