The New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute is offering funding through the Research and Evaluation Grants program, Component A: Research and Evaluation Mini Grants. The AIDS Institute aims to address pressing public health issues including HIV, hepatitis C, sexually transmitted infections, drug user health, and LGBTQ+ health. This initiative supports research that aligns with the AIDS Institute’s Research Agenda and the overarching goal to achieve health equity across New York State. With a total of $375,000 available annually over a three-year period, this program seeks to fund up to five organizations statewide, each with the capacity to conduct short-term, impactful research.
The AIDS Institute encourages research that investigates social determinants of health (SDOH), with an emphasis on addressing disparities experienced by communities of color, people who use drugs, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Eligible applicants must be not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organizations, tribal organizations, counties, government entities, or Article 28 licensed facilities, all operating within New York State. Individual researchers unaffiliated with an organization are not eligible. Principal Investigators must possess at least three years of relevant public health research experience, including conceptualization, analysis, and dissemination.
Funded projects will run for one year, with the possibility of renewal contingent on topic alignment and grantee choice. Applicants should demonstrate capabilities in qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods research, institutional review board (IRB) approval processes, and dissemination through academic and stakeholder channels. Grantees are expected to participate in quarterly meetings, submit monthly narrative and data reports, and produce an annual project summary detailing research questions, methods, and findings. Applicants may subcontract up to 50% of the award but cannot delegate scientific leadership.
Applications must be submitted via the New York State Statewide Financial System (SFS) as a single PDF. The due date for submissions is January 14, 2026, by 4:00 PM ET. A pre-application question period ends December 3, 2025, and responses will be posted by December 17, 2025. Only individuals with appropriate SFS roles may submit, and applicants are encouraged to finalize submissions 48 hours before the deadline to resolve technical issues. Not-for-profits must be prequalified in the SFS at the time of submission.
Questions about the RFA must be directed in writing to Shu-Yin John Leung at researchrfa@health.ny.gov. The anticipated contract period is November 1, 2026, through October 31, 2029. Award notifications will be based on merit, geographic diversity, and funding availability. Contracts are subject to approval by the New York State Office of the State Comptroller.
Submit early to avoid technical issues; Ensure PI eligibility and organizational prequalification; Include Attachment 1 (Statement of Assurances); Follow page limits exactly or risk point deduction.
