Grants for For Profit Organizations Other Than Small Businesses

Orthopaedic injuries have a profound impact on military readiness and return to work/activity/duty. In the military, extremity battle wounds comprise approximately 50% of injuries reported in the Department of Defense Trauma Registry. Additionally, orthopaedic injuries and conditions that occur outside of combat (e.g., during training, leisure activities, resultant from old injuries) present one of the greatest threats to the readiness of our Service Members and military. Early stabilization, treatment, and rehabilitation of orthopaedic injuries in both civilian and military populations have led to better outcomes, particularly in the prevention of secondary complications and in minimizing morbidity. Availability of orthopaedic care and treatment as early as possible, or as close to the point of injury as possible, also minimizes limb loss and affects military readiness.Although the PRORP is interested in supporting military-focused research, research supported by the PRORP is expected to also apply to all individuals who have sustained a major orthopaedic injury.With the initiation of the Arthritis Research Program, the FY24 PRORP may not fund arthritis research; however, research that addresses conditions or health abnormalities related to arthritis is permitted provided the proposed research addresses the selected Focus Area.The PRORP CTA supports the rapid implementation of clinical trials with the potential to have a significant impact on the treatment or management of military combat or service-related orthopaedic injuries that significantly impact unit readiness and return-to-duty/work rates. Applicants are encouraged to address how the proposed research will support patient care closer to the point of injury and/or allow patients to more quickly return to duty/work. Clinical trials may be designed to evaluate promising new products, pharmacologic agents (drugs or biologics), devices, clinical guidance, and/or emerging approaches and technologies. Proposed projects may range from small proof-of-concept trials (e.g., pilot, first-in-human, phase 0) to demonstrate the feasibility or inform the design of more advanced trials, through large-scale trials to determine efficacy in relevant patient populations.The FY24 PRORP CTA differs from the FY24 PRORP Clinical Translational Research Award (CTRA) in that the CTRA allows for clinical research projects that may or may not include a clinical trial, whereas the CTA is restricted to clinical trials only.Funding from this award mechanism must support a clinical trial and may not be used for animal or preclinical studies. A clinical trial is defined in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 45, Part 46.102 (45 CFR 46.102) as a research study in which one or more human subjects are prospectively assigned to one or more interventions (which may include a placebo or another control) to evaluate the effects of the interventions on biomedical or behavioral health-related outcomes.Studies that do not seek to measure safety, effectiveness, and/or efficacy outcome(s) of an intervention are not considered clinical trials.All applications submitted to this program announcement, regardless of the selected Focus Area, are eligible for Research Level 1.Collaborative Care Option (Research Level 2): Applications submitted to the FY24 PRORP CTA, with Focus Area Translation of Early Findings Soft Tissue Trauma, are eligible for a Collaborative Care Option (Research Level 2); refer to Section II.D.5, Funding Restrictions. The Collaborative Care Option provides additional support to encourage collaborative interdisciplinary research among physical therapists, occupational therapists, prosthetists, surgeons, and other orthopaedic care providers. The proposed research should include both surgical and rehabilitation strategies that create a cohesive project. Surgical strategies are reconstruction and repair and/or application of biologics, pharmaceuticals, and devices for the purpose of restoration of native architecture, composition, and function of traumatically injured tissues. Rehabilitative strategies are those that restore function following injury or illness, with the goal of optimal health and independence. Projects should integrate principles and approaches from surgical and rehabilitative strategies, beyond what each approach would provide by itself, with the goal of optimizing form, function, and independence for those who have sustained traumatic orthopaedic injuries. The rehabilitation strategy and the standard of care must be specified. Projects that follow patients across the continuum of care are highly encouraged. To encourage meaningful and productive multidisciplinary collaborations, projects submitted for this option must include at least one investigator with orthopaedic rehabilitation expertise and at least one clinician who specializes in orthopaedic or trauma care. A Letter of Collaboration is required from each specialist (i.e., rehabilitation expert and surgeon) who is serving as Key Personnel, excluding the Principal Investigator (PI), on the application. A clinician is defined as an individual who is credentialed (possesses the necessary degrees, licenses, and other certifications) and practicing as a care provider in a relevant capacity.If the proposed research includes a clinical trial of an investigational product to be conducted at international sites, an application to the relevant national Regulatory Agency of each host country must be submitted within 6 months of the award date.The government reserves the right to withdraw funding if an Investigational New Drug (IND) or Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) application and/or international regulatory application is necessary but has not been submitted within 6 months of the award date.For more information, a Human Subject Resource Document is provided at https://cdmrp.health.mil/pubs/pdf/Human%20Subjects%20Resource%20Document_DEC2022.pdf.Key aspects of the PRORP CTA mechanism: Clinical Trial Start Date: The proposed clinical trial is expected to begin no later than 6 months after the award date, or 12 months after the award date for studies regulated by the Regulatory Agency. Preliminary Data Are Required: Inclusion of preliminary data relevant to the proposed clinical trial is required. Study Population: The application should demonstrate the availability of and access to a suitable patient population that will support a meaningful outcome for the study. The application should include a discussion of how accrual goals will be achieved, as well as the strategy for inclusion of women and minorities in the clinical trial appropriate to the objectives of the study. Studies utilizing human biospecimens or datasets that cannot be linked to a specific individual, gender, ethnicity, or race (typically classified as exempt from Institutional Review Board [IRB] review) are exempt from this requirement. Intervention Availability: The application should demonstrate the documented availability of and access to the drug/compound, device, and/or other materials needed, as appropriate, for the proposed duration of the study. Personnel and Environment: The application should demonstrate the study teams expertise and experience in all aspects of conducting clinical trials, including appropriate statistical analysis, knowledge of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) processes (if applicable), and data management. The application should include a study coordinator(s) who will guide the clinical protocol through the local IRB of record and other federal agency regulatory approval processes, coordinate activities from all sites participating in the trial, and coordinate participant accrual. The application should show strong institutional support and, if applicable, a commitment to serve as the FDA regulatory sponsor, ensuring all sponsor responsibilities described in 21 CFR 312, Subpart D, are fulfilled. Statistical Analysis and Data Management Plans: The application should include a clearly articulated statistical analysis plan, a power analysis reflecting sample size projections that will answer the objectives of the study, and a data management plan that includes use of an appropriate database to safeguard and maintain the integrity of the data. If required by a Regulatory Agency, the trial must use a 21 CFR 11-compliant database and appropriate data standards.Womens Health Research: The CDMRP encourages research on health areas and conditions that affect women uniquely, disproportionately, or differently from men, including studies analyzing sex as a biological variable. Such research should relate anticipated project findings to improvements in women's health outcomes and/or advancing knowledge for women's health.Use of DOD or VA Resources: If the proposed research involves access to DOD or VA resources or databases, the application must describe the access at the time of submission and include a plan for maintaining access as needed throughout the proposed research. Refer to Section II.D.2.b.ii, Full Application Submission Components, for detailed information. Refer to the General Application Instructions, Appendix 1, for additional information.For the purposes of this funding opportunity, Regulatory Agency refers to the FDA or any relevant international Regulatory Agency unless otherwise noted.If the proposed clinical trial involves the use of a drug that has not been approved by the relevant Regulatory Agency for the country where the research will be conducted, then submission of an IND application, or equivalent, that meets all requirements under 21 CFR 312 may be required. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide evidence from the IRB of record or the relevant Regulatory Agency if an IND, or equivalent, is not required. If an IND, or equivalent, is required, the regulatory application must be submitted to the relevant Regulatory Agency within 6 months of the CTA award start date. The IND, or equivalent, should be specific for the product and indication to be tested in the proposed clinical trial. For more information on IND applications specifically, the FDA has provided guidance at https://www.fda.gov/drugs/types-applications/investigational-new-drug-ind-application.If the investigational product is a device, then submission of an IDE, or equivalent, application that meets all requirements under 21 CFR 812 may be required. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide evidence if an IDE, or equivalent, is not required. If an IDE, or equivalent, is required, the IDE application, or equivalent, must be submitted to the relevant Regulatory Agency within 6 months of the CTA award start date. The IDE, or equivalent, should be specific for the device and indication to be tested in the proposed clinical trial.The funding instrument for awards made under the program announcement will be grants (31 USC 6304).The anticipated total costs budgeted for the entire period of performance for an FY24 PRORP CTA should not exceed $2.5M (Research Level 1) or $3.25M (Research Level 2). Refer to Section II.D.5, Funding Restrictions, for detailed funding information.Awards supported with FY24 funds will be made no later than September 30, 2025.The CDMRP expects to allot approximately $13.25M to fund approximately four Research Level 1 and one Research Level 2 CTA applications. Funding of applications received is contingent upon the availability of federal funds for this program, the number of applications received, the quality and merit of the applications as evaluated by peer and programmatic review, and the requirements of the government. Funds to be obligated on any award resulting from this funding opportunity will be available for use for a limited time period based on the fiscal year of the funds. It is anticipated that awards made from this FY24 funding opportunity will be funded with FY24 funds, which will expire for use on September 30, 2030.

Orthopaedic injuries have a profound impact on military readiness and return to work/activity/duty. In the military, extremity battle wounds comprise approximately 50% of injuries reported in the Department of Defense Trauma Registry. Additionally, orthopaedic injuries and conditions that occur outside of combat (e.g., during training, leisure activities, resultant from old injuries, etc.) present one of the greatest threats to the readiness of our Service Members and military. Early stabilization, treatment, and rehabilitation of orthopaedic injuries in both civilian and military populations have led to better outcomes, particularly in the prevention of secondary complications and in minimizing morbidity. Availability of orthopaedic care and treatment as early as possible, or as close to the point of injury as possible, also minimizes limb loss and affects military readiness.Although the PRORP is interested in supporting military-focused research, research supported by the PRORP is expected to also apply to all individuals who have sustained a major orthopaedic injury.With the initiation of the Arthritis Research Program, the FY24 PRORP may not fund arthritis research; however, research that addresses conditions or health abnormalities related to arthritis is permitted provided the proposed research addresses the selected Focus Area.The FY24 PRORP ARA seeks applied research applications focused on advancing optimal treatment and restoration of function for individuals with orthopaedic injuries sustained during combat and service-related activities. Applicants are encouraged to address how the proposed research will support patient care and allow patients to more quickly return to duty/work. It is expected that any research findings would also provide benefit to the general population. To meet the intent of the award mechanism, applications must specifically address an FY24 PRORP ARA Focus Area, listed in Section II.A.1, above.The FY24 PRORP ARA is focused on applied research, defined as work that refines concepts and ideas into potential solutions with a view toward evaluating technical feasibility of promising new knowledge products, pharmacologic agents, behavioral and rehabilitation interventions, diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, clinical guidance, and/or emerging approaches and technologies.Awards may not be used to support fundamental basic research. Basic research is defined as research directed toward greater knowledge or understanding of the fundamental aspects of phenomena and of observable facts without specific applications toward process or products in mind.Research Scope: Research proposed under the FY24 PRORP ARA may include small- to large-scale projects. Upon successful completion, the proposed research is expected to yield knowledge products, approaches, or technologies that have the potential to advance toward clinical translation. Strong transition plans are expected.Inclusion of preliminary and/or published data relevant to the proposed research is required. Applicants must demonstrate logical reasoning for the proposed work. To be competitive, the application must include a sound scientific rationale and a well-formulated, testable hypothesis established through a critical review and analysis of the literature.Studies allowed under the FY24 PRORP ARA may include, but are not limited to: Refinement of concepts and ideas into potential solutions, or research tools, with a view toward evaluating technical feasibility of emerging approaches, technologies, and promising new knowledge products. Evaluation, maturation, and/or down-selection of potential product candidates (drugs, biologic constructs, or devices/systems) in vitro and/or in vivo. Preparation activities needed to support a future clinical trial or regulatory submission.Applications to the FY24 PRORP ARA mechanism must support preclinical applied research and may not be used for clinical research studies. Applicants seeking support for clinical research projects should consider the FY24 PRORP Clinical Translational Research Award (Funding Opportunity Number HT942524PRORPCTRA), Clinical Trial Award (Funding Opportunity Number HT942524PRORPCTA), or Womens Health Research Award (Funding Opportunity Number HT942524PRORPWHRA) mechanisms.The funding instrument for awards made under the program announcement will be grants (31 USC 6304).Rigor of Experimental Design: All projects should adhere to a core set of standards for rigorous study design and reporting to maximize the reproducibility and translational potential of preclinical research. The standards are described in SC Landis et al., 2012, A call for transparent reporting to optimize the predictive value of preclinical research, Nature 490:187-191 (www.nature.com/nature/journal/v490/n7419/full/nature11556.html). While these standards are written for preclinical studies, the basic principles of randomization, blinding, sample-size estimation, and data handling derive from well-established best practices in clinical studies. Projects that include research on animal models are required to submit Attachment 8, Animal Research Plan, as part of the application package to describe how these standards will be addressed. Applicants should consult the ARRIVE guidelines 2.0 (Animal Research: Reporting In Vivo Experiments) to ensure relevant aspects of rigorous animal research are adequately planned for and, ultimately, reported. The ARRIVE guidelines 2.0 can be found at https://arriveguidelines.org/arrive-guidelines.Womens Health Research: The CDMRP encourages research on health areas and conditions that affect women uniquely, disproportionately, or differently from men, including studies analyzing sex as a biological variable. Such research should relate anticipated project findings to improvements in women's health outcomes and/or advancing knowledge for women's health. Applications proposing research that solely address womens health may also consider the FY24 PRORP WHRA mechanism, Funding Opportunity Number HT942524PRORPWHRA.Encouraged Department of Defense (DOD) and/or VA Collaboration: Military relevance is a key feature of this award. Principal Investigators (PIs) are encouraged, but not required, to collaborate with DOD or VA researchers and clinicians.Use of DOD or VA Resources: If the proposed research involves access to DOD or VA resources or databases, the application must describe the access at the time of submission and include a plan for maintaining access as needed throughout the proposed research. Refer to Section II.D.2.b.ii, Full Application Submission Components, for detailed information. Refer to the General Application Instructions, Appendix 1, for additional information.The anticipated total costs budgeted for the entire period of performance for an FY24 PRORP Applied Research Award should not exceed $750,000. Refer to Section II.D.5, Funding Restrictions, for detailed funding information.Awards supported with FY24 funds will be made no later than September 30, 2025.The CDMRP expects to allot approximately $3.75M to fund approximately five ARA applications. Funding of applications received is contingent upon the availability of federal funds for this program, the number of applications received, the quality and merit of the applications as evaluated by peer and programmatic review, and the requirements of the government. Funds to be obligated on any award resulting from this funding opportunity will be available for use for a limited time period based on the fiscal year of the funds. It is anticipated that awards made from this FY24 funding opportunity will be funded with FY24 funds, which will expire for use on September 30, 2030.

Orthopaedic injuries have a profound impact on military readiness and return to work/activity/duty. In the military, extremity battle wounds comprise approximately 50% of injuries reported in the Department of Defense Trauma Registry. Additionally, orthopaedic injuries and conditions that occur outside of combat (e.g., during training, leisure activities, resultant from old injuries) present one of the greatest threats to the readiness of our Service Members and military. Early stabilization, treatment, and rehabilitation of orthopaedic injuries in both civilian and military populations have led to better outcomes, particularly in the prevention of secondary complications and in minimizing morbidity. Availability of orthopaedic care and treatment as early as possible, or as close to the point of injury as possible, also minimizes limb loss and affects military readiness.Although the PRORP is interested in supporting military-focused research, research supported by the PRORP is expected to also apply to all individuals who have sustained a major orthopaedic injury.With the initiation of the Arthritis Research Program, the FY24 PRORP may not fund arthritis research; however, research that addresses conditions or health abnormalities related to arthritis is permitted provided the proposed research addresses the selected Focus Area.The PRORP CTRA is intended to support high-impact and/or emerging clinical research that may not be ready for a full-scale randomized controlled clinical trial. Projects should demonstrate potential to impact the standard of care, both immediate and long-term, as well as contribute to evidence-based guidelines for the evaluation and care of military, Veterans, and all patients with orthopaedic injuries. One goal of the FY24 PRORP CTRA is to translate current and emerging techniques and interventions into the clinical space to better serve military and non-military patients. A holistic approach that takes into account the health, functional abilities, and quality of life of individuals who have sustained an orthopaedic injury should be considered. Another goal is to identify the most effective diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention options available to support critical decision-making for patients, clinicians, other caregivers, and policymakers.The FY24 PRORP CTRA differs from the FY24 PRORP Clinical Trial Award (CTA) in that the CTRA allows for clinical research projects that may or may not include a clinical trial, whereas the CTA is restricted to clinical trials only.Funding from this award mechanism must support clinical research and may not be used for animal research.Clinical research encompasses research with patient samples, data, and interaction with patients that may or may not be considered a clinical trial. Clinical research is observational in nature and includes: (1) Research that does not seek to evaluate the effects of interventions. Research conducted with human subjects (or on material of human origin such as data, tissues, specimens, and cognitive phenomena) for which an investigator (or colleague) directly interacts with human subjects but does not seek to assess the effects of an intervention, qualifies as clinical research. Patient-oriented research may include but is not limited to: (a) mechanisms of human disease, (b) diagnostic or detection studies (e.g., biomarker or imaging), (c) health disparity studies, and (d) development of new technologies. (2) Epidemiologic and behavioral studies that do not seek to study the safety, effectiveness, and/or efficacy outcomes of an intervention. (3) Outcomes research and health services research that do not fit under the definition of clinical trial. Excluded from the definition of clinical research are in vitro studies that utilize human tissues that cannot be linked to a living individual. Note: Studies that meet the requirements for exemption under 46.104(d)(4) of the Common Rule are not considered clinical research as defined by the CDMRP. Exemption category 4 refers to secondary research for which consent is not required.A clinical trial is defined in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 45, Part 46.102 (45 CFR 46.102) as a research study in which one or more human subjects are prospectively assigned to one or more interventions (which may include a placebo or another control) to evaluate the effects of the interventions on biomedical or behavioral health-related outcomes.Studies that do not seek to measure safety, effectiveness, and/or efficacy outcome(s) of an intervention are not considered clinical trials.For more information, a Human Subject Resource Document is provided at https://cdmrp.health.mil/pubs/pdf/Human%20Subjects%20Resource%20Document_DEC2022.pdf.Proposed studies submitted to the CTRA may be interventional and may involve some retrospective data analysis. Note that purely retrospective or database-related research is not allowed under this funding opportunity. Small pilot clinical trials with human subjects are allowable.Key aspects of the PRORP CTRA mechanism: Preliminary Data Are Required: Inclusion of preliminary data relevant to the proposed clinical research is required. Study Population: The application should demonstrate the availability of and access to a suitable patient population that will support a meaningful outcome for the study. The application should include a discussion of how accrual goals will be achieved, as well as the strategy for inclusion of women and minorities in the clinical research appropriate to the objectives of the study. Studies utilizing human biospecimens or datasets that cannot be linked to a specific individual, gender, ethnicity, or race (typically classified as exempt from Institutional Review Board [IRB] review) are exempt from this requirement. Intervention Availability: The application should demonstrate the documented availability of and access to the drug/compound, device, and/or other materials needed, as appropriate, for the proposed duration of the study. Statistical Analysis and Data Management Plans: The application should include a clearly articulated statistical analysis plan, a power analysis reflecting sample size projections that will answer the objectives of the study, and a data management plan that includes use of an appropriate database to safeguard and maintain the integrity of the data. If proposing a clinical trial that requires oversight by a Regulatory Agency, the trial must use a 21 CFR 11-compliant database and appropriate data standards.For the purposes of this funding opportunity, Regulatory Agency refers to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or any relevant international regulatory agency unless otherwise noted.If the proposed clinical research involves the use of a drug that has not been approved by the relevant Regulatory Agency for the country where the research will be conducted, then submission of an Investigational New Drug (IND) application, or equivalent, that meets all requirements under 21 CFR 312 may be required. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide evidence from the IRB of record or the relevant Regulatory Agency if an IND, or equivalent, is not required. If an IND, or equivalent, is required, the regulatory application must be submitted to the relevant Regulatory Agency within 12 months of the CTRA award start date. The IND, or equivalent, should be specific for the product and indication to be tested in the proposed clinical trial. For more information on IND applications specifically, the FDA has provided guidance at https://www.fda.gov/drugs/types-applications/investigational-new-drug-ind-application.If the investigational product is a device, then submission of an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE), or equivalent, application that meets all requirements under 21 CFR 812 may be required. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide evidence if an IDE, or equivalent, is not required. If an IDE, or equivalent, is required, the IDE application, or equivalent, must be submitted to the relevant Regulatory Agency within 12 months of the CTRA award start date. The IDE, or equivalent, should be specific for the device and indication to be tested in the proposed clinical trial.Womens Health: The CDMRP encourages research on health areas and conditions that affect women uniquely, disproportionately, or differently from men, including studies analyzing sex as a biological variable. Such research should relate anticipated project findings to improvements in women's health outcomes and/or advancing knowledge for women's health. Applications proposing research that solely address womens health may also consider the FY24 PRORP WHRA mechanism, Funding Opportunity Number HT942524PRORPWHRA.Use of Department of Defense (DOD) or VA Resources: If the proposed research involves access to DOD or VA resources or databases, the application must describe the access at the time of submission and include a plan for maintaining access as needed throughout the proposed research. Refer to Section II.D.2.b.ii, Full Application Submission Components, for detailed information.The funding instrument for awards made under the program announcement will be grants (31 USC 6304).The anticipated total costs budgeted for the entire period of performance for an FY24 PRORP CTRA should not exceed $1.5M. Refer to Section II.D.5, Funding Restrictions, for detailed funding information.Awards supported with FY24 funds will be made no later than September 30, 2025.The CDMRP expects to allot approximately $6.0M to fund approximately four CTRA applications. Funding of applications received is contingent upon the availability of federal funds for this program, the number of applications received, the quality and merit of the applications as evaluated by peer and programmatic review, and the requirements of the government. Funds to be obligated on any award resulting from this funding opportunity will be available for use for a limited time period based on the fiscal year of the funds. It is anticipated that awards made from this FY24 funding opportunity will be funded with FY24 funds, which will expire for use on September 30, 2030.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for a project that strengthens the resilience of independent media and advances the protection and inclusion of marginalized populations in Lebanon.

With this solicitation, OJJDP seeks to fund a training and technical assistance (TTA) provider to build capability and capacity of diversion programs serving justice-involved youth populations with substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder needs. The successful applicant will lead a national TTA program and administer a subaward program providing subawards to local demonstration sites to improve responses and outcomes for youth with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders who come into contact with the juvenile justice system, or who are at high risk of contact, by diverting these youth toward community-based treatment to address their unique mental and behavioral health needs to prevent them from entering the formal justice system.

This funding opportunity supports innovative research in microsystems technology, targeting a wide range of applicants including universities, small businesses, and minority institutions, to develop advanced microelectronic systems that enhance U.S. national security.

Key aspects of the MASA: Principal Investigator: The PI (i.e., Scholar) must be an early-career researcher or physician-scientist no more than 7 years from obtaining their first faculty-level appointment. Postdoctoral fellows (and equivalent) are not eligible for this award mechanism. The PIs record of accomplishments and the proposed research will be evaluated regarding their potential for contributing to the FY24 MRP Focus Area(s) in Section II.A.1. Not all of the PIs accomplishments need to be in the field of melanoma. The PIs organization must demonstrate a commitment to the PI through confirmation of independent laboratory space. Impact: The impact of the proposed research must relate to at least one of the FY24 MRP Focus Areas in Section II.A.1. Impactful research, including basic research, should expedite the advancement of promising ideas towards clinical and/or public utility. The application must articulate the short- and long-term impact the proposed research will have on melanoma research and/or patient care. Career Development: A Career Development and Sustainment Plan (Attachment 7) is required and should be prepared with appropriate guidance from the Career Guide. The Career Development and Sustainment Plan should include a clearly articulated strategy for establishing collaborations and acquiring the necessary skills, competencies, and expertise to advance and sustain an independent career at the forefront of the melanoma field. The Scholar must show milestones and career pathways toward achieving the milestones. The Scholar must articulate commitment to interactions with the MA. Career Guide: The Scholar must designate a Career Guide. The Career Guide must be an experienced melanoma researcher, as demonstrated by a strong record of funding and publications in melanoma. In addition, the Career Guide must demonstrate a commitment to advancing the Scholars career in the melanoma field. The Career Guide must also be committed to fully participating in the MA throughout the award period of performance, including interacting with other MA Scholars and Career Guides and participating in MA activities (e.g., serving on the MA Advisory Board) as requested by MA Leadership. The Career Guide must not be the named Career Guide on any previously funded (FY21-FY23) MASA applications, nor may a Career Guide be named on more than ONE FY24 MASA application. Preliminary Data NOT Required: Preliminary data are not required. However, any unpublished, preliminary data presented should originate from the laboratory of the PI or a member of the research team.

The FY24 MRP Idea Award supports innovative, untested, exploratory, high-risk/potentially high-reward concepts, theories, paradigms, and/or methods that address at least one of the FY24 MRP Focus Areas in Section II.A.1. Key aspects of the Idea Award: The intent of the Idea Award is to generate novel research avenues for investigation; therefore, novelty and innovation should be key aspects of the proposed research. Research supported by the Idea Award must introduce a new paradigm, challenge existing paradigms, look at existing problems from new perspectives, or exhibit other highly creative qualities. The proposed project must be exploratory, hypothesis-driven, or hypothesis-generating research and be based on a well-developed study design and plan of analysis. Principal Investigators (PIs) new to the melanoma field are encouraged to apply. The Idea Award is NOT intended to expand or extend previously published findings or continue a line of research already established and /or funded in the PIs laboratory. Incremental advances, the next logical step, or merely switching the object or method of inquiry from one cancer to melanoma is not considered innovative. The expected outcome of research supported by this award is the generation of robust preliminary data to be used as a foundation for future melanoma-focused research projects. Inclusion of preliminary data is discouraged. PIs proposing projects already supported by significant preliminary data and/or other funding sources should consider applying to other FY24 MRP funding opportunities for which the inclusion of preliminary data is more appropriate or required. Inclusion of preliminary data other than serendipitous findings is not consistent with the exploratory/innovative nature of this award. If preliminary data are included, they should be unanticipated outcomes or results from an unrelated project or study.

The Boise City Department of Arts & History Catalyst Grant program is a one-time funding opportunity designed to support small-scale and mid-sized arts, history, and cultural activities. These activities include public programs, events, projects, exhibitions, and tours throughout the year. This pilot program aligns with the Department of Arts and History's (A&H) mission to cultivate a distinct sense of place that reflects Boise’s rich past, diverse communities, and unique natural setting. It achieves this by creating opportunities that nurture and sustain Boise’s creative economy, with an overall vision of bringing people together and building positive relationships to create "A City for Everyone." The target beneficiaries of this grant are individuals or representatives of organizations or nonprofit Friends groups associated with a government agency. The projects must directly benefit residents living within Boise City Limits, and if an event is involved, the venue must also be located within Boise City Limits. The impact goals are to strengthen Boise’s cultural base, promote community engagement, and foster a creative economy. The program prioritizes projects that contribute to a distinct sense of place, celebrate Boise's diverse communities, and are accessible to all residents, adhering to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and the Department of Arts & History's Equal Opportunity Statement against discrimination. The program focuses on a wide range of arts, history, or cultural initiatives. Examples of activities include public programs like presentations, workshops, walking tours, and trainings; events; performances; exhibits; educational opportunities; oral history projects; collaborations; innovative production that cultivates the cultural community; research, planning, and/or analysis available for Boise residents; and virtual/online projects with a clear intent to reach Boise residents. These diverse activities aim to achieve the broader strategic priorities of the A&H mission. The expected outcomes include the successful execution of numerous small-scale and mid-sized cultural activities that enrich the lives of Boise residents. Measurable results for this one-time pilot program include awarding a standard size of $2,000 per grant, with a total of $40,000 expected to be awarded in FY2024. Five applications are anticipated to be funded in each round. The theory of change for the Boise City Department of Arts & History through this Catalyst Grant is that by providing accessible funding for diverse cultural activities, they will foster a more vibrant and inclusive creative economy, ultimately leading to a stronger sense of community and a more interconnected "City for Everyone."

The Trans Resilience Fund, a grant program of Gender Justice Fund, aims to bolster regional trans communities through a participatory grantmaking process. While the Gender Justice Fund's overarching mission isn't explicitly detailed, the Trans Resilience Fund's focus on supporting trans communities directly aligns with a mission of promoting gender justice and equity. This initiative is a pooled fund, supported by several external funding partners, including the Claneil Foundation, Collective Future Fund, Homeless Assistance Fund, Patricia Kind Family Foundation, and Valentine Foundation for 2024. The collaborative nature of this funding mechanism suggests a strategic priority of collective impact and shared responsibility in addressing the needs of trans individuals. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are trans communities, with specific prioritization given to groups working in Philadelphia, those serving BIPOC trans communities, groups with trans and/or BIPOC leadership, and organizations serving trans youth, disabled, and/or elderly trans individuals. The impact goal is to provide crucial financial and service-based support to these communities. For instance, smaller organizations exclusively serving trans communities can use funds for direct financial support (food, cash, transportation, medical, housing, utility costs), service provision, organizing, advocacy, and general operating support. This broad range of uses indicates a holistic approach to supporting the well-being and empowerment of trans individuals and groups. The grantmaking committee, comprised of trans and non-binary community members, sets the guidelines and makes funding decisions, embodying a strategic priority of community-led development and self-determination. This participatory approach ensures that funding decisions are informed by the lived experiences and most pressing needs of the target beneficiaries. Organizations with budgets under $250,000, even those not exclusively serving trans communities, can apply for funds for direct financial support, service provision, organizing, and advocacy, while larger organizations (over $250,000 budget) are limited to direct financial support for trans individuals, with 10% of the grant usable for administrative costs. This differentiated approach reflects a strategic awareness of organizational capacity and impact potential across various scales. Expected outcomes include improved health and safety for trans individuals through direct financial assistance, enhanced community support through services, and greater advocacy for trans rights and needs. While specific measurable results are not explicitly outlined, the program's focus on tangible support (e.g., covering medical, housing, or utility costs) and organizational activities (e.g., organizing and advocacy) suggests that success would be measured by the reach and effectiveness of these interventions. The program's theory of change appears to be that by empowering trans and non-binary community members to lead the grantmaking process and by providing flexible funding to a diverse range of organizations, significant positive change can be achieved within trans communities, particularly for those facing compounded vulnerabilities due to race, age, or disability.

This program provides financial assistance to small business and commercial property owners in Jackson, Mississippi, to improve the appearance of their buildings and attract more customers and investors.

Key aspects of the TSA: Multidisciplinary Collaboration: The success of the project should depend on the unique skills and perspectives of each partner. The application must clearly define the synergistic components that will facilitate and accelerate progress in melanoma in a way that could not be accomplished through independent efforts. The plans for interactions among all PIs and institutions involved must be clearly articulated. Collectively, the members of the research team should represent the appropriate diversity of expertise necessary for addressing the proposed research question. Participating institutions must be willing to resolve potential intellectual and material property issues and remove institutional barriers to achieving high levels of cooperation. The following components of the proposed multidisciplinary collaboration are encouraged but not required: It is strongly encouraged that the research team has a least one investigator, key personnel, or consultant who can provide input on the ultimate utility/applicability (short- or long-term) of the anticipated outcome(s) to the melanoma field and/or patient care. The inclusion of an early-career investigator is encouraged. An early-career investigator is defined as an independent, early-career researcher or physician-scientist within 7 years of receiving their first faculty appointment by the time of the full application deadline. Investigators in mentored positions, (e.g., postdoctoral fellows) are not eligible to be named as a PI on a TSA application. The inclusion of a military and/or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) investigator is encouraged. A military or VA investigator is defined as an investigator who is active-duty, active reserve, active duty detailed to agencies outside of the Department of Defense (DOD), civilian DOD investigators, or an investigator at a VA research facility. If included as PI on the research team, the military/VA investigator should have a substantial role in the research and should not be included only for access to active-duty military and/or VA populations. Impact: The application must articulate the impact the proposed work, including basic research, will have on melanoma research and/or patient care. Outcomes from this award are expected to expedite the advancement of promising ideas toward clinical applications and/or improve the current state of the science/technology in the melanoma field. The proposed research must relate to at least one of the FY24 MRP Focus Areas in Section II.A.1. Preliminary Data Required: Applications must include preliminary data to support feasibility of the study. However, these data do not necessarily need to be derived from melanoma studies. Any unpublished, preliminary data presented should originate from the laboratory of at least one of the PIs or other member(s) of the research team.

The Launch LC grant opportunity, facilitated by Naturally Lewis, is a competitive program designed to bolster start-up businesses within Lewis County, New York. Its core mission aligns with enhancing the quality of life for residents and fostering a more appealing community for living, working, and recreation. Naturally Lewis, as the funding body, strategically aims to support creative entrepreneurs whose ventures will contribute to these overarching community development goals, embodying a direct alignment between the grant's purpose and the foundation's strategic priorities. The program is specifically tailored to address local economic growth and community enrichment through targeted business support. The program's target beneficiaries are start-up microenterprises—defined as businesses with five or fewer employees—that are either new or have been operating for less than six months in Lewis County. A key impact goal is to empower low-to-moderate income individuals, either by directly supporting businesses owned by them or by incentivizing the creation of jobs made available to this demographic. This focus ensures that the grant funds not only stimulate economic activity but also contribute to social equity and opportunity within the community. The 6-month program structure is designed to provide comprehensive training, funding, and essential tools, thereby equipping entrepreneurs for successful business launch and sustained operation. Naturally Lewis prioritizes start-up businesses within specific categories: Food & Beverage, Small-scale Manufacturing, Tourism, and Construction Trades. These sectors have been identified as key areas that can significantly enhance local experiences for both tourists and residents, directly contributing to the community's attractiveness and economic vitality. The funding model, with awards ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 based on project costs, ensures that a variety of small-scale projects can receive crucial early-stage capital. The requirement for applicants to contribute at least 10% of project costs with personal funds promotes a shared investment and commitment to the business's success, aligning with a theory of change that emphasizes entrepreneurial buy-in. Expected outcomes include the successful establishment and growth of new microenterprises in Lewis County, leading to job creation, particularly for low-to-moderate income individuals. Measurable results will be seen in the number of businesses successfully launched, the volume of grant funds effectively utilized for equipment, machinery, furniture, and inventory, and the tangible improvements in community quality of life and attractiveness. The program explicitly excludes retroactive projects, ensuring that funding is directed towards new ventures that will generate future positive impacts. Ultimately, Naturally Lewis anticipates that the Launch LC grant will serve as a catalyst for sustainable economic development and community vibrancy in Lewis County.

The key aspects of this award are: Overarching Question: FPA-RM applications must describe a unifying, overarching question that will be investigated by a set of research projects to address a critical unmet need relevant to rare melanoma research and/or patient care. The question may focus on one specific rare melanoma, or the question may be designed to address a critical unmet need that is relevant to multiple rare melanomas. Research Team: The overall effort will be led by a Principal Investigator (PI) with demonstrated success in leading large, focused projects. The PI is required to devote a minimum of 10% effort to this award. The PI will be the lead for one of the proposed research projects and is expected to create an environment that fosters and supports collaboration and innovation in a way that engages all members of the team. The research team assembled by the PI should be highly qualified and multidisciplinary, with an identified Project Leader(s) for the complementary and synergistic research project(s). The resources and expertise brought to the team by the Project Leader(s) should combine to create a robust collaboration. The PI and the Project Leader(s) do not have to be at the same organization. Research Projects: Applications should include multiple, distinct research projects that are each led by individual Project Leaders and address complementary aspects of the overarching question. Individual research projects may range from exploratory, hypothesis-developing studies through clinical trials. While individual projects should be capable of standing on their own high scientific merits, they should also be interrelated and synergistic to advance a solution beyond what would be possible through individual efforts. Each project, including hypothesis-developing studies, should propose a unique approach to addressing the overarching question and be capable of producing research findings with potential to advance the rare melanoma field and/or patient care. There should be a clear intent to progress toward translational/clinical work over the course of the effort. This award mechanism is not intended to support a series of research projects that are dependent on the success of the other project(s). All research projects must be based on a strong scientific rationale and preliminary data, as appropriate, that supports the feasibility of the proposed approach(es). Clinical trials are allowed; a research project proposing a clinical trial must include preliminary data. Implementation Plan: The research strategy to address the overarching question should be supported by an implementation plan that identifies critical milestones and outlines the knowledge, resources, and/or technical innovations that will be utilized to achieve the milestones. A plan for assessing individual project performance and progress toward addressing the overarching question should be included in the implementation plan. For multi-institutional collaborations, the application should discuss plans for communication and data transfer among the collaborating institutions, as well as how data, specimens, and/or products obtained during the study will be handled. Participating organizations should formalize an intellectual and material property plan. Milestone Meeting: The PI will be required to present an update on progress toward accomplishing the goals of the award at a Milestone Meeting to be held either virtually or in person in the National Capital Area after the conclusion of year 2 of the period of performance. The intent of the Milestone Meeting is to assess research progress, address problems, and define future directions. Research milestones to be accomplished by the end of year 2 must be clearly defined in the Statement of Work (SOW) and will be finalized during award negotiations. Up to two additional members of the research team may be invited to the meeting. If the research team includes rare melanoma consumer collaborators (see below), they should also be invited to attend the Milestone Meeting. The Milestone Meeting will be attended by members of the MRP Programmatic Panel, CDMRP staff, the USAMRAA Grants Officer, and other Department of Defense (DOD) stakeholders. Continued funding may be contingent upon the successful completion of specific research milestones and goals.

The Equitable Building Decarbonization (EBD) Direct Install Program aims to distribute funds across Northern, Central, and Southern California to improve energy efficiency in low-income households. This involves installing electric appliances and related upgrades in single-family, multifamily, and manufactured homes within underresourced communities. The program emphasizes collaboration with community-based organizations to ensure culturally appropriate outreach and education. Applicants must exhibit expertise in residential building decarbonization.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation offers Special Project Grants to support organizations aiming to enhance their community impact. These grants are designed to align with the Foundation's mission by addressing various issues affecting Louisiana's health and community well-being. The program specifically targets nonprofit organizations that are 501(c)(3) IRS-designated and in good standing with the Louisiana Secretary of State, working for charitable, religious, scientific, literary, or other similar purposes. This ensures that funding is directed towards legitimate organizations committed to improving the state. The primary goal of these grants is to empower organizations to either complete existing projects previously funded by the Foundation or to strategically expand current efforts and implement new initiatives. These new efforts must be based on clear evidence of need and solid data, emphasizing a data-driven approach to community development and health improvement. The target beneficiaries are the communities across all parishes in Louisiana, particularly those impacted by health and well-being challenges. The Foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its focus on supporting projects that demonstrate a clear pathway to increased community impact. The "theory of change" implied here is that by investing in established or well-researched new projects, the Foundation can directly contribute to tangible improvements in health and community well-being across Louisiana. The funding information specifies grant sizes ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, with a duration of one year, indicating a commitment to significant, yet focused, short-term impact. Expected outcomes include the successful completion of existing projects, as well as the strategic expansion or effective implementation of new initiatives that are supported by strong data. Measurable results would likely stem from the "clear evidence of need and solid data" requirement, meaning organizations would need to demonstrate the impact of their efforts on Louisiana's health or community well-being. While specific metrics are not detailed, the emphasis on data suggests that grantees will be held accountable for demonstrating quantifiable improvements in their target areas, contributing to the Foundation's overarching goal of fostering a healthier and more resilient Louisiana.

This initiative provides financial support to LGBTQIA+ small business owners in the U.S. to foster growth and innovation within their enterprises.

The key aspects of this award are: Impact: The SRA is intended to support research designed to have a major impact on the health and well-being of melanoma survivors, their families, and/or caregivers. Impactful research will accelerate the movement of promising ideas into clinical applications or other real-world applications and advance the field of melanoma-specific quality of life and survivorship. Study Design: Applications should clearly articulate and justify the chosen study design. Studies proposing retrospective analyses or prospective enrollment should clearly describe the architecture of the study (e.g., descriptive, correlational, field experimental, meta-analyses) and the study population(s). The study population(s) should be representative of the people who are anticipated to benefit from the research. If applicable, questionnaires should be described in sufficient detail to justify interpretation of potential results. Melanoma Consumer Collaboration: For the purposes of the SRA, a melanoma consumer is defined as a melanoma survivor, family member, and/or caregiver who can provide lived experience expertise to the research project team. Applicants to the SRA are required to establish a collaborative research approach with the melanoma consumer community to maximize the impact and translatability of the research for the benefit of the intended melanoma community(ies). The research team must include at least one melanoma consumer or a melanoma-community supporting organization who will be integral to the planning, execution, and implementation of the proposed research. The role of the melanoma consumer collaborator(s) should include providing objective input on the research question being addressed; the study design, execution, and evaluation; and the potential impact of the research outcomes on the health and well-being of melanoma survivors, their families, and/or their caregivers. The melanoma consumer collaborator(s) should be active participants and integrated into the research team; their participation should not be limited only to passive activities (e.g., attending seminars or quarterly team meetings). Additional information and resources for establishing a collaborative research approach with the melanoma consumer community is provided below.Other Important Considerations:Collaborative Research Approaches: Collaborative research approaches create partnerships between scientific researchers and, for the purposes of the SRA, melanoma consumers to create knowledge useable by both sets of stakeholders. Recognizing the strengths of each partner, scientific researchers and melanoma consumers collaborate and contribute equitably on all aspects of the project, which may include needs assessment, planning, research intervention design, implementation, evaluation, and dissemination. Collaborative research approaches feature shared responsibility and ownership for the research project to ensure non-tokenistic involvement of the melanoma consumers within the research team. Research results are jointly interpreted, disseminated, and fed back to affected communities and in some instances may be translated into interventions or policy.Collaborative relationships with the melanoma consumer community may be established through integrating melanoma consumers and/or melanoma-community supporting organizations into research teams as co-researchers, advisors, and/or consultants. Examples for implementing collaborative research approaches are listed below, but each research team may pursue other options as appropriate for the proposed research: The research team includes at least one melanoma consumer who will provide advice and consultation throughout the planning and implementation of the research project. The consumer(s) should be able to speak to the needs of the melanoma consumer community, not just speak to their own personal experiences. The research team establishes partnerships with at least one community-supporting organization that provides advice and consultation throughout the planning and implementation of the research project. Community-supporting organizations may include advocacy groups or other formal organizational stakeholders that can speak to the needs of the melanoma consumer community. The research team assembles a melanoma consumer community advisory board. The advisory board may include melanoma consumers, a coalition of community-supporting organizations, or any combination thereof that provides advice and consultation throughout the planning and implementation of the overall program and/or individual research projects.

The Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program (CEAP) is a collaborative initiative between Erie Arts and Culture and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. This program aims to support creative entrepreneurs by providing access to existing small business consulting services and financial resources. It targets individuals who are aspiring to start a for-profit business or who currently operate an existing for-profit micro business within the creative industry sectors. The program aligns with the foundational mission of recognizing creative entrepreneurs as invaluable assets to communities, driving innovation, delivering creative products and services, generating economic opportunity, and building community identity. A primary goal of the CEAP is to assist creative entrepreneurs as a pathway to economic recovery and increased opportunity within a rapidly changing economic environment. The program specifically prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a focus on investing in creative entrepreneurs who identify as Black, Indigenous, or persons of color (BIPOC) or those located in and whose work benefits low-income communities. Low-income communities are defined as those where the poverty rate is 20% or greater, or the median family income is 80% or less of the area median income. The program's focus areas encompass various creative industry categories, including Marketing, Architecture, Visual Arts & Crafts, Design, Film & Media, Digital Games, Music & Entertainment, and Publishing. Eligible uses of funds, ranging from $500 to $2,000, must support business formation or development. These uses include professional fees for workshops, consultants, and coaching; participation in events for audience access and revenue; business development courses; research and development; marketing and promotion; technology development/upgrades; studio/rehearsal/retail space rent; reasonable fees for supporting/collaborating artists; and the purchase of supplies and equipment. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the successful formation and development of creative businesses, increased economic opportunity for creative entrepreneurs, and a reduction in disparities by supporting BIPOC and low-income community-based entrepreneurs. The program aims to foster innovation and strengthen community identity through the growth of creative ventures across Pennsylvania. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, a Pennsylvania resident for at least twelve months, and operate or intend to form an eligible creative business. They can apply once every three years, and non-profit organizations are not eligible.

The BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program, presented in collaboration with Deloitte, aims to support the advancement of women-owned businesses. This program is an extension of BMO's long-standing commitment to recognizing the achievements and contributions of women, a tradition that has celebrated over 240 women since 2012 through the BMO Celebrating Women Program. The grant initiative was specifically created in 2020 to continue supporting women during the pandemic when in-person celebrations were canceled, demonstrating BMO's dedication to providing financial aid and fostering growth for women entrepreneurs, aligning with its purpose to "Boldly Grow the Good in Business and in Life." The primary target beneficiaries are women-owned businesses operating in the U.S. that meet specific eligibility criteria. These businesses must be at least 51% owned or controlled by women, currently active and operating legally, and have a physical location in one of the selected states. They must also be for-profit with annual revenues of $5 million USD or less and have been in operation selling a product or service for at least two years as of April 1, 2024. The program's impact goal is to provide an additional source of financial aid to these businesses, thereby promoting their growth and resilience. The program prioritizes supporting business growth, welcoming applications that detail high-level plans for new products/services or expansion into new markets. BMO is offering fifteen $10,000 grants, aiming to directly inject capital into these businesses to fuel their development. This focus on financial support underscores the program's theory of change, which posits that direct funding can empower women-owned businesses to achieve their growth objectives, contribute to economic development, and overcome financial challenges, especially those exacerbated by events like the pandemic. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of business growth plans by the grant recipients, leading to sustained or increased operational capacity and market presence. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the utilization of the $10,000 grants for specific growth initiatives. While the grant duration is not explicitly mentioned, the immediate financial aid is designed to produce tangible improvements in the short to medium term. The program reflects BMO's strategic priority of fostering diversity and inclusion within the business landscape by actively investing in women entrepreneurs.