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

The Field Initiated Projects Program: Minority-Serving Institutions (MSI) - Research is administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Administration for Community Living and its National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). The program is forecasted under opportunity number HHS-2026-ACL-NIDILRR-IFST-0205 and is part of the ACL’s Assistance Listing 93.433. NIDILRR serves as the primary funder and is dedicated to advancing disability and rehabilitation research with the goal of improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. This opportunity emphasizes supporting minority-serving institutions, enhancing their capacity to conduct high-quality research, and addressing underrepresentation in federally funded research programs. The purpose of the program is to generate new scientific knowledge or develop innovative methods, products, procedures, or rehabilitation technologies that promote the inclusion, independence, and self-sufficiency of people with disabilities. Projects funded under this program are expected to pursue intensive, systematic research studies based on well-defined hypotheses or research questions. Through this initiative, applicants are encouraged to address the needs of people with disabilities, particularly those requiring the greatest levels of support, while simultaneously strengthening research capacity within minority-serving institutions. Applications under this announcement are restricted to research proposals, while development proposals will be solicited separately. NIDILRR anticipates awarding approximately two grants under this funding notice, with each award ranging between $245,000 and $250,000. The total estimated program funding available is $500,000. Projects will be funded for a period of 36 months, structured into three consecutive 12-month budget periods. This framework provides grantees with a multi-year opportunity to carry out substantive research while receiving annual funding increments aligned with project milestones. No cost sharing or matching contributions are required for participation in this opportunity. Eligibility is limited to specific institutions as defined under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Eligible entities include historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions of higher education, American Indian tribal colleges and universities, and other institutions of higher education with a minority student enrollment of at least 50 percent. Indian Tribes are also eligible to apply. Foreign institutions and entities are explicitly ineligible to participate in this funding opportunity. NIDILRR places special emphasis on encouraging applications from minority entities that have historically been underrepresented in federal research programs. The forecasted timeline outlines key milestones for applicants. The funding announcement is expected to be officially posted on January 15, 2026. The estimated due date for applications is March 16, 2026, with awards anticipated by September 1, 2026. Funded projects are also expected to begin on September 1, 2026. The archive date for the opportunity is September 30, 2026. This opportunity is currently forecasted and not yet open for applications, meaning applicants should monitor the ACL website and Grants.gov for official release and final application instructions. Contact for this program is Shelley Reeves, who may be reached at (202) 795-7427 or via email at shelley.reeves@acl.hhs.gov. Additional information on applying for grants through the Administration for Community Living can be accessed at https://www.acl.gov/grants/applying-grants. Interested applicants are encouraged to prepare early by reviewing the eligibility criteria, considering potential research hypotheses, and planning projects that align with the goals of NIDILRR’s Field Initiated Projects for MSIs.