Field Initiated Projects Program (Research) | HHS 2024 ACL NIDILRR IFRE 0073

Opportunity Information: Apply for HHS 2024 ACL NIDILRR IFRE 0073

The Field Initiated Projects Program (Research) is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Community Living (ACL), through NIDILRR (the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research). Its central aim is to expand practical, usable knowledge that improves the lives of people with disabilities, with a clear emphasis on those with the greatest support needs. The program supports research intended to strengthen full inclusion and integration across major life areas such as employment, independent living, family and caregiver support, and long-term economic and self-sufficiency.

This particular announcement is specifically for research proposals (not development projects). Applicants are expected to propose clearly defined hypotheses or research questions and then carry out an intensive, systematic study designed to produce either new scientific knowledge or a stronger, more evidence-based understanding of a disability-related issue, problem, or existing body of knowledge. While the broader Field Initiated Projects portfolio can include both research and development work, development proposals are handled under a separate funding announcement. Awards across both categories are ultimately influenced by peer review rankings, meaning research and development applications may be considered together for final funding decisions depending on how they score.

Funding is offered as a grant under CFDA 93.433, categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development. The maximum award amount listed is $200,000. The project period is 36 months, structured as three 12-month budget periods, which typically means grantees plan the work in yearly increments while pursuing outcomes over a three-year timeline. The opportunity information indicates different expected totals in different places: one section notes an expectation of 8 awards, while the narrative also states NIDILRR plans to make 15 Field Initiated Projects awards overall (reflecting the combined research and development slate). Applications are submitted electronically, and for the cycle described, the original closing date was December 11, 2023, with submissions due by 11:59 p.m. ET on the deadline date.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of organizations that can carry out rigorous research. Eligible applicants include state, county, and city or township governments; special district governments; public and state-controlled colleges and universities; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments and other tribal organizations; nonprofit organizations (both with and without 501(c)(3) status, excluding higher education institutions in that nonprofit category); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses. In practical terms, this wide eligibility is meant to encourage diverse, field-driven research ideas that originate from real-world needs and experiences, while still requiring a solid scientific approach and a clear plan for generating credible evidence that can improve disability outcomes and participation in society.

• The Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Field Initiated Projects Program (Research)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.433.
• This funding opportunity was created on Oct 10, 2023.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Dec 11, 2023 Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 1159 p.m., ET, on the listed application due date.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $200,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 8 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses.

Apply for HHS 2024 ACL NIDILRR IFRE 0073

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