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Cover Letter 

The Cover Letter is for internal NIH use only and is not shared with peer reviewers. It provides administrative information related to the application and should not be used to communicate application assignment preferences; use the Assignment Request Form for that purpose.

Include:

Include the following information, as applicable:

  • Application title.
  • Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) title and number.
  • For late applications, an explanation of the timing and nature of the delay.
  • For changed/corrected applications submitted after the due date, an explanation of the reason for the late submission.
    • If a previous cover letter was submitted, include all prior cover letter text in the revised letter because NIH systems do not retain previously submitted cover letters.
  • Explanation of any subaward budget components that are not active during all budget periods.
  • Statement that required agency approval documentation is attached (e.g., applications requesting $500,000 or more in direct costs), including the official NIH approval communication when available.
  • Notification of intent to submit a video as part of the application.
  • Statement that the proposed studies will generate large-scale human or non-human genomic data subject to the NIH Genomic Data Sharing Policy.
  • Statement that the proposed studies involve human fetal tissue obtained from elective abortions, when applicable.

Writing Guidance:

Address the cover letter to the Division of Receipt and Referral and follow all FOA-specific instructions. Attach the document in the Cover Letter Attachment field and verify that it has not been uploaded to the Pre-application Attachment field. For changed/corrected applications submitted after the due date, include both the reason for the correction and all previously submitted cover letter information.

Important Notes:

  • The cover letter is for internal NIH use only and is not provided to reviewers.
  • A cover letter should not be included with post-award submissions, such as administrative supplements, change of grantee institution requests, or successor-in-interest requests.
  • Do not use the cover letter to request study section, reviewer, Institute, or Center assignments; use the Assignment Request Form instead.
  • If a video will be submitted, the intent to submit the video must be stated in the cover letter or the video may not be accepted.
  • Always review the FOA for any application-specific cover letter requirements or restrictions.