Living Organ Donation Reimbursement Program (LODRP)

The Living Organ Donation Reimbursement Program (LODRP), funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), aims to reduce financial barriers that may deter individuals from becoming living organ donors. This program provides means-tested reimbursement for expenses such as lost wages, transportation, meals, lodging, and dependent care (including child and elder care) associated with the organ donation process. These reimbursements are offered in accordance with established program eligibility guidelines and are intended to make living organ donation more accessible, especially for individuals from medically underserved communities. The overarching purpose of LODRP is to increase the accessibility and equity of living organ transplantation by mitigating financial disincentives for donors. The program is structured to operate nationally and aligns with HRSA’s broader goals of improving public health, achieving health equity, and expanding access to quality health services. The objectives include effective and efficient reimbursement of qualified expenses, collecting and analyzing data to inform HRSA policy improvements, and collaborating with educational outreach efforts to raise program awareness. The funding opportunity (HRSA-25-082) is a cooperative agreement offering up to $7.5 million annually over three years (September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2028), for a total of $22.5 million, contingent on appropriations. A single award will be granted to an eligible organization capable of administering the program nationally. The grantee will be responsible for processing reimbursements, ensuring adherence to guidelines, and maintaining collaborative relationships with key stakeholders, including organ donation centers and community organizations. Eligible applicants include a wide range of U.S.-based entities, such as transplant centers, organ procurement organizations, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits (both 501(c)(3) and others), for-profit organizations, small businesses, government agencies at various levels, independent school districts, and Native American tribal entities. Individuals are not eligible to apply. Applicants must also have active registrations in SAM.gov and Grants.gov and ensure compliance with federal requirements throughout the application and award period. Applications are due by April 18, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time via Grants.gov. The application must include a project abstract, narrative, budget and justification, and several attachments such as a work plan, staffing plan, biographical sketches, and partnership agreements. Key evaluation criteria for review include the identification of need, quality of response and approach, impact potential, organizational capacity, evaluation measures, and budget justification. Following submission, the application will undergo initial screening, merit review, and risk assessment. Awards are expected to be announced by August 1, 2025, with a start date of September 1, 2025. Applicants should anticipate quarterly progress reporting and monthly data submissions as part of the post-award requirements. The grantee will also be expected to maintain communication with HRSA and align closely with the Public Education for Living Organ Donation Reimbursement Program (PE-LODRP) to maximize the program's outreach and impact.