Community Engaged Research (CEnR) Pilot Grant Program

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR) invites applications for the 2026–2027 Community Engaged Research (CEnR) Pilot Grant Program. This opportunity is designed to provide up to $50,000 in direct funding to support innovative, community-engaged research initiatives that address public health challenges through collaborative academic-community partnerships. Projects should focus on novel implementation strategies with the potential for measurable health outcomes within a one-year funding period. Faculty members from UMB, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), or University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or full Professor are eligible. UMBC and UMCP applicants must collaborate with a Co-PI from UMB. Research Associates, Instructors, Adjunct, and visiting faculty are ineligible to apply. Applications must demonstrate the establishment of a community partnership and should include collaborative efforts across institutional lines and with eligible community organizations such as nonprofits, neighborhood groups, advocacy coalitions, and public agencies. The funding period spans from May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027. Expenses covered by the grant include limited faculty salary, participant recruitment and compensation, community partner stipends, supplies, and travel required for project execution. Indirect costs are not permitted, and faculty salary support is limited to $5,000 across all projects per individual. Funding will be disbursed in two tranches, contingent upon a six-month progress review. Proposals must include a cover letter, abstract, specific aims, research plan, detailed budget, biosketches, project milestones, and regulatory documentation. Applications are evaluated based on translational impact, scientific merit, feasibility, strength of collaboration, and future external funding potential. Preference is given to proposals aligned with current public research priorities and those involving junior investigators or new academic-community collaborations. The Intent to Apply must be submitted by October 19, 2025 at 11:59 pm EST, and the full application is due by October 30, 2025 at 5:00 pm EST. Awardees will be announced in the first quarter of 2026. The review process uses NIH-style scoring criteria and emphasizes projects that can produce results within the one-year performance window. The application process is electronic and administered through UMB’s REDCap system, with templates and detailed guidance provided via the ICTR program site.

Complete regulatory steps early to avoid delays. Applications with established community infrastructure are reviewed favorably. Only one application per person allowed. Strong justification required for all budget items.