NIH Fiscal Policies for FY 2026 Announced

NIH Guide Weekly Index

Published March 18th, 2026

Detected March 19th, 2026

Summary

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced its fiscal policies for Fiscal Year 2026, implementing the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026. The notice details funding levels, including a 1 percent increase to $47.5 billion, and outlines adjustments for non-competing continuation awards and NRSA stipends.

View original document View source feed page

What changed

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has issued a notice detailing its fiscal policies for FY 2026, following the enactment of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026. This act provides NIH with $47.5 billion in program level funding, a 1 percent increase over FY 2025, with targeted increases for specific research areas. The notice clarifies that non-competing continuation awards will generally be issued at the commitment level stated on the Notice of Award, with subsequent budget periods dependent on appropriations, performance, and award terms. A new provision restricts the obligation of funds for multiyear awards in FY 2026 to not exceed the amounts obligated in FY 2025.

Regulated entities, primarily researchers and institutions receiving NIH funding, should note the updated salary limitation for grants, which is set at Executive Level II ($228,000) effective January 1, 2026. Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards (NRSA) stipends will see an approximate 2 percent increase for both predoctoral and postdoctoral researchers. Awarding Institutes, Centers, and Offices (ICOs) will develop and post their specific fiscal policies consistent with these NIH-wide guidelines. Compliance with these fiscal policies is essential for continued funding and award management.

What to do next

Review FY 2026 funding levels and award commitment details.
Adhere to the Executive Level II salary limitation of $228,000 effective January 1, 2026.
Note the updated NRSA stipend levels for predoctoral and postdoctoral researchers.

Source document (simplified)

Notice of Fiscal Policies in Effect for FY 2026 Notice Number: NOT-OD-26-059

Key Dates

Release Date: March 18, 2026

Related Announcements

February 02, 2026 - Information for the NIH Extramural Community During the Lapse of Federal Government Funding. See Notice NOT-OD-26-036.
January 28, 2026 - **** Guidance on Salary Limitation for Grants and Cooperative Agreements FY 2026. See NOT-OD-26-034
November 21, 2025 - NIH Operates Under a Continuing Resolution. See Notice NOT-OD-26-011.
March 18, 2026 - Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Stipends, Tuition/Fees and Other Budgetary Levels Effective for Fiscal Year 2026. See Notice NOT-OD-26-044.
March 18, 2026 - Notice of Legislative Mandates in Effect for FY 2026. See Notice NOT-OD-26-060.

Issued by

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH)

Purpose

This Notice provides guidance about the NIH Fiscal Operations for Fiscal Year 2026 and implements the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (Public Law 119-75), signed into law on February 3, 2026. With the passage of the Act, NIH received a 1 percent increase over FY 2025, for a total of $47.5 billion in program level funding, including $226 million authorized under the 21st Century Cures Act. The increased funding was targeted to specific research priorities, including Alzheimers disease, Cancer, and Womens Health.

FY 2026 Funding Levels: Non-competing continuation awards made in FY 2026 will generally be issued at the commitment level indicated on the Notice of Award. Any exceptions will be posted at the site listed under "Additional Information", below. Subsequent budget periods are funded based on the availability of appropriations, satisfactory performance, compliance with the terms and conditions of the award, and the continued best interest of the Federal government.

The Act includes a new provision in Division B, Section 240:

Not to exceed the amount of funds made available under the heading ``National Institutes of Health' in fiscal year 2025 that were obligated during fiscal year 2025 for more than one year of a multiyear award may be obligated in fiscal year 2026 from amounts made available under such heading in this Act for more than one year of a multiyear award.
A multiyear award, as the term is used in this section, includes multiyear awards for grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and any other financial mechanisms. The NIH awarding Institutes, Centers and Offices (ICOs) will develop and post their fiscal policies consistent with overall NIH goals and available FY 2026 funds.

Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards (NRSA): NIH will increase NRSA stipends by approximately 2 percent for predocs and 2 percent for postdocs. The full range of stipend adjustments for FY 2026 is described in NIH Guide Notice NOT-OD-26-044.

Salary Limits: Section 202 of PL 119-75 restricts the amount of direct salary to Executive Level II of the Federal Executive pay scale. Effective January 1, 2026, the salary limit for Executive Level II is $228,000. Further information is described in NIH Guide Notice NOT-OD-26-034.

Other Legislative Mandates: Other statutory requirements are described in NOT-OD-26-060.

Additional Information: Additional details on Fiscal Operations, including specific funding strategies for ICOs, will be posted on NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices | Grants & Funding. For general information on fiscal policies visit the NIH Fiscal Policies webpage.