Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training (ARRT) Program - Health and Function - 0201

The Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training (ARRT) Program in Health and Function is a funding opportunity issued by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This opportunity is administered through the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). The ARRT program is part of ACL’s broader mission to support the independence, well-being, and full participation of people with disabilities through investments in applied research, development, and capacity-building efforts. This particular program is designed to strengthen the research capacity of individuals in the rehabilitation sciences and ensure that future investigators have the skills needed to advance evidence-based practice in health and function outcomes for people with disabilities. The primary purpose of this ARRT program is to provide advanced research training to individuals who have earned a doctorate or other equivalent advanced degree. The program places emphasis on preparing rehabilitation researchers, including individuals with disabilities, to conduct rigorous, high-quality, multidisciplinary disability and rehabilitation research. Under this specific opportunity, training must be focused on improving health and functional outcomes for individuals with disabilities. By investing in the development of new rehabilitation researchers, the program seeks to build a strong foundation for future scientific contributions that will expand knowledge and support effective interventions in disability and health research. The scope of funding under this program allows the recipient institution to design and implement a structured training program that provides hands-on research experience. Funding must be used to support activities directly connected to advanced research training in disability and rehabilitation research. The program envisions that awardees will recruit and mentor postdoctoral fellows, exposing them to innovative methodologies and cross-disciplinary approaches to health and function. The allowable uses of funds are tied directly to building capacity in the field rather than to operational or unrelated activities. This program funds a single award that will cover a total project period of 36 months, broken into three 12-month budget periods. Eligibility for this program is limited to institutions of higher education. Both public and state-controlled institutions as well as private institutions of higher education are eligible to apply. Foreign entities are explicitly excluded from eligibility and cannot compete for or receive awards under this announcement. Applicants must demonstrate institutional capacity to provide rigorous research training and should be prepared to support a program that aligns with NIDILRR’s focus on disability, rehabilitation, and health outcomes. The forecasted timeline for this opportunity begins with an estimated posting date of October 3, 2025. Applications will be due by December 5, 2025, with an anticipated award date of June 1, 2026. The project start date is also expected to align with June 1, 2026. The estimated total funding available for this program is $250,000, with a minimum award floor of $245,000 and an award ceiling of $250,000. Only one award is expected to be made. No cost sharing or matching funds are required under this opportunity. Applicants and interested institutions are encouraged to review details and updates through ACL’s open opportunities webpage. Questions regarding this opportunity can be directed to the designated grant contact, Courtney Ward-Sutton, who can be reached by email at Courtney.Ward-Sutton@acl.hhs.gov or by phone at (202) 240-3164. With a firm submission deadline and limited number of awards, institutions interested in applying should begin early preparations to ensure compliance with program objectives and eligibility requirements.