The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is forecasting a funding opportunity titled “Promoting World Trade Center Health Program Youth Research Cohort Recruitment and Retention Using Principles of Community Engaged Research (CEnR) to Build Community Participation.” This initiative aims to advance recruitment and retention strategies for the Youth Research Cohort (YRC) of the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) through authentic community engagement practices grounded in Community Engaged Research (CEnR). It reflects a broader public health commitment to building equitable partnerships between researchers and communities impacted by the 9/11 attacks, particularly young survivors and others affected by long-term health challenges linked to the disaster.
The funding will support pilot studies that test approaches for recruiting and retaining eligible youth participants in the WTCHP’s research cohort. These approaches must be rooted in genuine, collaborative relationships between academic or medical researchers and the communities they serve. Projects are expected to reflect input from a broad range of stakeholders, including patients, providers, advocates, policymakers, and fellow researchers. Applicants should prioritize diversity and inclusivity in their engagement strategies to ensure that the full range of community values and experiences are represented in the research process.
Each funded pilot study must include a continuous evaluation component to assess both effectiveness and broader impact, identifying successful strategies as well as lessons learned. These evaluations should span all phases of the pilot projects and be designed to inform future recruitment and retention efforts. Proposals must include detailed plans for measuring community participation, engagement outcomes, and operational feasibility.
Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities, such as state, local, and tribal governments; public and private institutions of higher education; nonprofit organizations; for-profit organizations including small businesses; and public housing authorities. However, foreign institutions and components of non-U.S. organizations are not eligible. This eligibility structure ensures robust participation from a diverse set of domestic stakeholders.
The estimated total funding available is $24 million, with up to six cooperative agreements awarded. Individual awards may not exceed $1 million. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement. The anticipated release of the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is December 12, 2025, with applications due by February 12, 2026, at 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization. Awards are expected to be announced by June 1, 2026, with projects beginning on July 1, 2026. The program operates on an annual cycle.
Inquiries can be directed to Eduardo O'Neill at fzt4@cdc.gov or by phone at 404-718-8844. Applicants are encouraged to prepare ahead of the official release to ensure timely submission and competitive proposals.
