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Field Initiated Projects Program: Minority-Serving Institutions (MSI) -Research

HHS-ACL Posted HHS-2026-ACL-NIDILRR-IFST-0205

Description

The purpose of the Field Initiated Projects (FIP) program is to generate new knowledge through reseach or to develop methods, products, procedures, or rehabilitation technologies -- to maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, independent living, family/caregiver support, and economic and self-sufficiency of people with disabilities, especially people with disabilities who have the greatest support needs. Another purpose of this grant opportunity is to improve the capacity of minority serving institutions (MSI) to conduct high-quality disability and rehabilitaiton research and development. In carrying out a research project under a Field Initiated Projects research grant, a grantee must identify one or more hypotheses or research questions and, based on the hypotheses or research questions identified, perform an intensive, systematic study directed toward producing (1) new scientific knowledge, or (2) better understanding of the subject, problem studied, or body of knowledge. Please note that this will be the funding opportunity for FIP-MSI Research proposals. We will invite FIP-MSI Development proposals under a separate announcement. NIDILRR plans to make three FIP-MSI awards. NIDILRR's FIP-MSI grants will include a combination of research applications and development applications, depending on the combined ranking of individual research and development applications by the peer review panel. Grants will have a 36-month project period, with three 12-month budget periods.

Eligibility

Parties eligible to apply for MSI FI grants are limited to minority entities and Indian Tribes as authorized by Section 21 (b)(2)(A) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. A minority entity is defined as a Historically Black College or University (HCBU) (a part B institution, as defined in Section 322(2) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended), a Hispanic-serving institution of higher education, an American Indian tribal college or university, or another IHE whose minority student enrollment is at least 50 percent. NIDILRR is especially interested in applications from individual minority entities that have historically been underrepresented in the Federal research arena. Foreign entities are not eligible to compete for, or receive, awards made under this announcement.
Funding Details
Award Floor
$245,000.00
Award Ceiling
$250,000.00
Total Estimated Funding
$500,000.00
Expected Awards
2
Key Dates
Posted
February 10, 2026
Closes
April 13, 2026 22d
Archive Date
September 30, 2026
Agency Information
Agency Name
HHS-ACL
Agency Code
HHS-ACL
Funding Instrument
Other