Field Initiated Projects Program (Research)

The Field Initiated Projects Program (Research) is a forecasted funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, administered by the Administration for Community Living through the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). NIDILRR focuses on generating and disseminating new knowledge that improves the inclusion, independence, employment, and self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities. The Field Initiated Projects Program reflects this mission by supporting investigator-initiated research efforts designed to expand scientific understanding and address the most pressing needs of people with disabilities. The primary purpose of this program is to fund research projects that generate new knowledge or provide deeper understanding of significant problems related to disability, independent living, employment, family and caregiver support, and economic self-sufficiency. Applicants are expected to identify specific hypotheses or research questions and carry out intensive, systematic investigations aimed at producing new knowledge or advancing understanding of important issues. This funding opportunity is specifically for research-focused proposals. Development-focused proposals will be supported under a separate announcement, ensuring that projects are clearly aligned with either research or development goals. The funding scope supports activities including the creation of methods, products, procedures, or technologies that enhance the inclusion and integration of people with disabilities into society. Grants will be awarded for projects lasting a total of 36 months, divided into three 12-month budget periods. The program is designed to be flexible and open to a range of project topics, provided that they align with NIDILRR’s mission and contribute to knowledge advancement in disability and rehabilitation research. NIDILRR anticipates making approximately 13 awards under the broader Field Initiated Projects Program, with this particular funding stream expected to support around 7 research projects. Eligibility for this program is broad, encompassing a wide range of organizations and institutions. Eligible applicants include state, county, city, township, and special district governments, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, for-profit organizations (including small businesses), nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, and Native American tribal governments and tribal organizations. Foreign entities are not eligible to apply. Faith-based and community organizations that meet eligibility criteria are explicitly allowed to participate. This broad eligibility framework is designed to ensure that diverse institutions have the opportunity to contribute to innovative research in disability and rehabilitation. The funding announcement indicates that the estimated total program funding available is $1,750,000, with individual awards expected to range between $245,000 and $250,000. Cost sharing or matching is not required, making this opportunity accessible to applicants without additional financial resources. Funding is provided under Assistance Listing 93.433, which corresponds to ACL’s NIDILRR programs. Applicants should plan their budgets and project scopes within these funding constraints while ensuring alignment with the program’s research objectives. The timeline for this forecasted opportunity begins with an estimated posting date of October 10, 2025. The application due date is set for December 12, 2025, with awards expected to be issued by September 1, 2026. The project start date will coincide with the award date of September 1, 2026. The forecasted nature of this announcement means that details may be updated prior to posting, but applicants can begin preparing proposals based on the information provided. The opportunity is expected to close and archive by September 30, 2026. Additional information about the program and application materials will be available through the Administration for Community Living’s grant portal. Questions regarding the Field Initiated Projects Program (Research) should be directed to the grantor contact, Radha Holavanahalli, who can be reached by phone at (202) 795-7321 or via email at radha.holavanahalli@acl.hhs.gov. Applicants are encouraged to consult the ACL grants page for further details and updates as the official announcement approaches. This program represents a significant opportunity for eligible organizations to contribute to advancing the knowledge base supporting people with disabilities and ensuring their full inclusion and independence in society.