Psychedelic Clinical Research — Grant & Funding Guide
A curated reference for mental health providers, researchers, and clinical teams navigating the rapidly expanding landscape of psychedelic therapy funding.
Federal Programs
Following President Trump's April 18, 2026 executive order, ARPA-H announced at least $50 million to match state government investments in psychedelic research for populations with serious mental illness. Funds flow through the Evidence-Based Validation & Innovation for Rapid Therapeutics in Behavioral Health (EVIRB) initiative. Texas is among the states with existing qualifying legislation (SB 2308).
NIDA's phased cooperative agreement mechanism for developing psychedelics as FDA-approved treatments for substance use disorders. The most recent RFA (DA-25-058) has expired, but given current executive-level momentum a renewal solicitation is expected. The mechanism funds a 2-year exploratory phase (UG3) with optional transition into a 3-year development phase (UH3). Eligible organizations include nonprofits, universities, hospitals, and faith-based groups.
A trans-NIH RFA requiring clinical trials of psychedelic-assisted therapy for chronic pain in older adults. Uses the same phased UG3/UH3 mechanism as NIDA's SUD program. Listed as active as of late 2024 — verify current status on NIH Guide before applying.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is funding the first VA-sponsored psychedelic therapy study since the 1960s: an MDMA-assisted therapy trial for veterans with co-occurring PTSD and alcohol use disorder, in partnership with Brown University and Yale University. Enrollment began in early 2026. Academic medical centers with veteran populations are well-positioned to join or partner on future VA-funded trials.
Texas State Programs
Texas Opportunity Window
Texas is currently one of the most active states for psychedelic clinical research investment. With $50M in state funds deployed through SB 2308, a federal matching program via ARPA-H, and a university-led ibogaine consortium already operational, Texas-based providers and academic partners have a narrow but significant window to engage as sub-investigators, clinical sites, or patient referral networks for ongoing trials.
Gov. Abbott signed SB 2308, allocating $50 million through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for a statewide ibogaine clinical trial consortium. UTHealth Houston (in partnership with UT Medical Branch at Galveston, UT Austin, and Baylor) is leading a two-year trial focused on addiction, traumatic brain injury, and associated behavioral health conditions. UT Austin and Baylor are specifically studying ibogaine for TBI in veterans.
Private & Philanthropic Funders
One of the most accessible grant programs for early-career or transitioning researchers. Heffter funds studies on classic psychedelics (primarily psilocybin) at prominent research institutions. Grants up to $150,000 available to investigators at or below the Assistant Professor level who have not yet received an NIH R01-equivalent. Travel grants up to $1,500 also available for conference presentations of psychedelic research.
PSFC has deployed over $50 million to psychedelic research and advocacy and now includes 180+ donor members. Its current strategic roadmap funds four areas: regulatory reform, healthcare system integration, public education, and ethical frameworks. The collaborative is particularly interested in equitable access, clinician training programs, and organizations serving underrepresented populations — areas highly relevant to a community-based practice like TSC.
The Cohen Foundation's psychedelic health initiative supports research on psychedelic compounds for mental illness, addiction, and PTSD. Past grantees include Usona Institute, MAPS, UCSD, and CIIS. Grants range from $5,000 to $9 million. Note: this foundation uses a proactive grantmaking model and does not accept unsolicited applications — relationship-building and field networking are required to engage.
A long-standing family philanthropy specifically backing psychedelic research and organizations the government won't fund. Supported early clinical trials and organizations including Heffter. Known for backing unconventional, high-risk, high-impact projects — including community-facing models that standard funders overlook.
Academic & Training-Linked Opportunities
The California Institute of Integral Studies runs the largest collaborative psychedelic therapy training program in a non-medical graduate university, having trained 1,700+ professionals. The 2026–2027 program is now accepting applications with a scholarship deadline of June 1, 2026. Credentialing TSC providers through CIIS positions the practice for clinical trial site eligibility and PSFC funding alignment.
MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) remains the leading nonprofit sponsor of psychedelic clinical trials and has welcomed the April 2026 executive order. MAPS-sponsored trials operate through a network of clinical sites and can engage community mental health providers as sub-investigators or patient referral sources. Their public-benefit model prioritizes access regardless of ability to pay.