NIH Cover Letters

NIH requirements

Cover Letter Guidelines

Applicants have the option to include a cover letter for internal use only (the letter is not shared with reviewers). The cover letter is used mainly to explain late or corrected applications, budget inconsistencies, agency approval for budget overages, and other very specific information. It should not be used to request specific study sections or reviewers. Some types of applications do not allow cover letters (e.g., Diversity Supplements) so always check the funding opportunity announcement before submitting.

Please see NIH guidelines below for more information on what the cover letter can include.

Page Limit: None. Recommended 1 page.

Resources