List of Medical Grants
Medical grants are offered to shape the healthcare system. While primarily aimed at supporting health-related research, projects, and initiatives, some federal medical grants can also indirectly benefit individuals by enhancing healthcare services and infrastructure.
It is also provided to the researcher for performing novel work.
Grants serve those with limited resources and lack options to address medical needs.
Medical Grants – Healthcare Costs
Federal grants are forms of economic aid the United States government provides to support various public services and research initiatives, typically awarded to organizations rather than directly to individuals for personal benefits or entitlements.
In the U.S., investment in medical and health research and development (R&D) has increased.
Medical grants aim to drive improvements in healthcare delivery by funding organizations, researchers, and institutions engaged in health-related projects and research. While they don’t directly fund individual patients for medical bills or treatments, certain programs may support services that indirectly benefit patients.
Federal Medical Grants
There are various funding agencies. Each agency has its approach, priorities, and goals. Understanding each agency’s mission is essential for crafting a specific and accurate grant application.
Let’s discuss these federal organizations in detail.
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
NIH is one of the largest federal funding agencies, dedicating billions of dollars annually to health research.
The NIH’s mission is to advance medical knowledge and innovation by funding research in biology, health, and related life sciences. The goal is to discover cures, reduce disease threats, and improve life expectancy.
The NIH is highly sought after for funding due to:
- Its comprehensive support for a wide range of scientific research.
- The extensive funding it provides surpasses many other grant-giving institutions.
- The opportunities it offers for career development and advancement in medical research – Types of Medical Grants & Opportunities
There are a myriad of grant opportunities at the NIH. It is appealing to pursue the one offering a large amount with a convenient deadline.
Due to the intense competition for NIH awards, proposals must demonstrate exceptional quality and significance to increase the likelihood of funding success. Submitting the wrong application can be a major career mistake.
Different projects fall under various categories. By conducting a detailed search and understanding the NIH’s grant offerings, researchers can identify the most appropriate funding opportunity for their project.
NIH comprises 27 institutes and centers, of which 24 award grants. The grant proposals for new and seasoned investigators are announced every year.
Here are the types of NIH grants and the ways to obtain them.
Research Grants (R Series)
Research grants include salaries, research costs, sponsors, equipment, and supplies. These grants fund professional institutes or independent health investigators. It includes:
- Research Project Grant – R01
- NIH Small Grant Program – R03
- Scientific Meeting Grants – R13
- NIH Research Enhancement Award – R15
- Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Program – R21
- Early Career Research (ECR) Award – R21
- NIH Planning Grant Program – R34
- Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Grants – R41/R42
- Small Business Innovation Research Grant (SBIR) – R43/R44
- NIH High Priority, Short-Term Project Award – R56
Career Development Awards (K series)
The Career Development Awards (K series) aims to pave the way for faculty-level scientists or senior post-doctors to conduct independent research. It includes:
- Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award – K01
- Independent Research Scientist Development Award – K02
- Senior Research Scientist Award – K05
- Academic Career Development Award – K07
- Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award – K08
- Clinical Scientist Institutional Career Development Program Award – K12
- Research Career Enhancement Award for Established Investigators – K18
- Career Transition Award – K22
- Midcareer Investigator Award in Patient-Oriented Research – K24
- Mentored Quantitative Research Career Development Award – K25
- Midcareer Investigator Award in Biomedical & Behavioral Research – K26
- Emerging Global Leader Award – K43
- Emerging Leaders Career Development Award – K76)
- Pathway to Independence Award – K99/R00
Research Training and Fellowships (T & F series)
T grants provide institutional support to predoctoral and research candidates. They also allow trainees to gain experience and expertise from the research team.
The senior-level candidates generally apply for these medical grants at research institutes.
F awards are individual fellowship awards. They are applied by undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral scientists who seek institutional research training opportunities. It includes:
- International Research Fellowships – F05
- Ruth L. Kirschstein Individual Predoctoral NRSA for MD/Ph.D. and other Dual Degree Fellowships – F30
- Ruth L. Kirschstein Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award – F31
- Ruth L. Kirschstein Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award – F32
- Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards for Senior Fellows – F33
- Individual Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Fellow Transition Award – F99/K00
Program Project/Center Grants (P series)
These are multi-project grants that include an array of research activities. It includes:
- Research Program Projects – P01
- Exploratory Grant – P20
- Center Core Grants – P30
- Specialized Center – P50
Resource Grants (various series)
Resource grants offer research-related support to institutes and investigators. It includes:
- Resource-Related Research Projects – R24
- Education Projects – R25
- Resource Access Program – X01
Trans-NIH Programs
These grants support clinical and biomedical studies, such as those in the social sciences (OppNet), stem cell information (Stem cells), neuroscience research (Blueprint), and countermeasures against chemical threats (CounterACT).
- Inactive Programs – Archive
- These inactive grant programs serve information and background only. It includes:
- Clinical Research Curriculum Award – K30
- First Independent Research Support and Transition – R29
- Short-Term Courses in Research Ethics – T15
For more details on the grant funding schedule, application due dates, and project start and end dates, visit https://grants.nih.gov/grants/how-to-apply-application-guide/
Department of Defense
The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) within the Department of Defense provide grants focused on preventing, controlling, and curing diseases, supporting targeted research initiatives.
The CDMRP within the Department of Defense offers grants for research on conditions such as autism, epilepsy, lupus, and melanoma.
Apply for these programs at https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/index.htm
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It administers major programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and oversees the operation of state and federal health insurance marketplaces.
CMS collects and analyzes healthcare data, produces research reports, and works continuously to eliminate instances of fraud and abuse within the healthcare system.
The aim is to provide the healthcare system with improved health and better access to coverage and care.
Types of CMS Programs
CMS plays a significant role in federal and state health insurance marketplaces. It implements the Affordable Care Act’s laws about private health insurance and provides educational materials to the public.
1. Medicare
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) administers Medicare, which is primarily for seniors (65 and older) and people with certain disabilities and end-stage diseases.
2. Medicaid
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program providing health care coverage to eligible low-income people. Patients are assisted with paying for doctor visits, hospital stays, and long-term care costs.
Applicants can apply directly through the state’s Medicaid agency or online through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
3. CHIP
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides health insurance to eligible children under age 19 whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. Each state has a variation of the program; therefore, eligibility requirements vary.
Services like vaccinations, doctor visits, hospital care, etc., are free.
4. National Science Foundation (NSF)
The National Science Foundation (NSF) allocates significant funding annually to small businesses and startups through grants supporting innovation and research in science and technology. The medical grants support research and development across areas of science and technology for commercial success.
The National Science Foundation Seed Fund provides small businesses with Phase I and II funding. You must submit a short, 3-page pitch before submitting your full proposal. You can also pitch your idea before you even have a company setup.
After submitting the pitch, set up as a legal U.S. corporation meeting ownership guidelines to submit a full proposal. To learn more, visit https://seedfund.nsf.gov.
5. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
VA supports various healthcare benefits to help you stay healthy. Each Veteran’s medical benefits package is unique. The care services are offered to help:
- Treat illnesses and injuries
- Improve your ability to function
- Enhance your quality of life
- Prevent future health problems
To learn more about VA dental care or VA vision care services, visit https://www.va.gov/health-care/.
6. Veterans Transportation program
Department of Veterans Affairs has established the Veterans Transportation Program (VTP) to address veterans’ issues of needed care.
The VTP generates innovative approaches for Veterans who have difficulty arranging transportation to their VA medical appointments.
Apply for Veterans Service Organization (VSO) through www.grants.gov during the Notice of Funding Availability period.
7. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) collaborates with other U.S. government agencies and partners to facilitate and regulate medical innovations for public health.
FDA activities include detecting and responding to human health emergencies, addressing existing health challenges, and managing drug shortages, foodborne illnesses, and infectious diseases.
It also involves continuous surveillance of issues that could cause human harm, determining potential risks to human health, inspections of regulated facilities, etc.
Recently, the FDA awarded six medical grants to fund new clinical trials and advance research to treat rare diseases. These grants were awarded through the congressionally funded Orphan Products Grants Program.
To stay updated with funding opportunities, visit www.grants.gov.
8. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
AHRQ grants funds for research to improve the healthcare system’s safety and quality.
AHRQ Mission
The mission of AHRQ is to make health care safer, more accessible, equitable, and affordable.
Grant Application Basics
http://www.ahrq.gov/funding/process/index.html
How Are AHRQ Grants Funded?
http://www.ahrq.gov/funding/process/award-process/
9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention grant funds to research and non-research public health programs. The mission is to keep Americans safe and healthy.
How to Apply for a CDC Grant?
- Review the eligibility criteria found in the Notice on Funding Opportunity(NOFO)
- Find the funding opportunities posted on grants.gov.
- Prepare grant application. For tips, visit https://www.cdc.gov/grants/applying/
- Submit your application
10. Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI)
PCORI funds focus on patient-centered outcomes rather than focusing on comparative effectiveness research alone.
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Patient-Centered Outcomes Research (PCOR)
PCOR helps patients and other healthcare stakeholders make well-informed health and healthcare decisions for clinicians, caregivers, insurers, and policymakers.
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Comparative Clinical Effectiveness Research (CER)
CER compares outcomes to examine their risks and benefits. These findings assist clinicians and patients in making informed decisions that improve health care.
Eligibility Criteria for CER
- Private Sector – Profit and nonprofit research organizations
- Public Sector – Universities and colleges, hospitals and healthcare systems, laboratories and manufacturers, and units of state, local, or federal government
- US Organizations – Must be recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
- Foreign Organizations & Non-domestic Components of US Organizations can operate under certain conditions. There should be a demonstrable benefit to the US healthcare system, and scientific needs should be met. The engagement plans should include US patients and be relevant to the US healthcare system.
- Individuals – Not permitted to apply.
11. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
HRSA grants are given to support health care for people who are geographically isolated or medically vulnerable.
Various programs are offered for service providers, pregnant women, HIV/AIDS patients, rural families, and people who otherwise cannot access high-quality health care.
You can find HRSA grants at https://data.hrsa.gov/tools/find-grants.
HRSA – Grant Application
To receive HRSA medical grants, you should consider taking the following steps:
- Complete mandatory registrations
- Determine your eligibility
- Manage your grant
- Become a great reviewer
For more information, visit https://www.hrsa.gov/grants.
12. U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
The United States Agency for International Development is a federal grant program that assists in humanitarian or economic development.
US-based nonprofit entities, local, state, or regional governments, private voluntary organizations, or foreign-based nonprofit entities can apply for USAID grant opportunities.
How to Apply for a USAID Grant?
- Review available grant announcements at grants.gov, usaid.gov, or the USAID bureau website. Get registered!
- When there is an announcement for an available grant, follow all the instructions thoroughly in the announcement’s Request For Application (RFA).
- Submit your complete proposal at grants.gov by the due date.
- The proposal should cover project goals and objectives and include a detailed budget. Required certifications and agreements must also be attached.
- Once the proposal is approved, a USAID Agreement Officer will negotiate a grant award.
For more information, visit https://www.usaid.gov/partner-with-us/find-a-funding-opportunity.
Conclusion
Identifying relevant medical grants requires diligence and patience. Once found, carefully completing the application process is crucial for a successful submission.
The federal grants keep on updating! Check them today, as you might get additional opportunities.
See Also
Grants for Women Starting a Business
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