The Department of Health and Human Services, through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is announcing a funding opportunity for exploratory research grants (R21) focused on developing animal models and biological materials for Down syndrome (DS) research. This initiative supports the INCLUDE Project, which aims to improve the health and quality-of-life for individuals with DS by fostering innovative research that addresses gaps in existing DS studies. Applications may propose various projects related to animal models, genetic resources, high-throughput genetic and therapeutic screening tools, and advanced informatics technologies, including AI and machine learning. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, and local governments, with a budget request capped at $200,000 for a single year and a total project period not exceeding two years. The grant seeks to enhance the rigor and reproducibility of DS research while providing equitable access to the resulting biological materials. This funding opportunity serves as a vital step toward understanding and addressing co-occurring conditions associated with DS, promoting a collaborative approach within the scientific community focused on improving outcomes for affected individuals.