Deadline: 30-Mar-2026
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is accepting grant applications to fund convenings, meetings, and conferences that advance patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER). This funding supports projects that either shape future patient-centered research priorities or actively disseminate findings from PCORI-funded studies to key healthcare audiences.
Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute Convening Grant Overview
PCORI’s Convening Grant Program supports structured gatherings that bring together patients, caregivers, families, clinicians, researchers, and healthcare stakeholders. The goal is to strengthen patient-centered CER by fostering dialogue, collaboration, and meaningful engagement across the healthcare ecosystem.
Funded projects must align with PCORI’s mission to help patients and those who care for them make better-informed healthcare decisions.
Funding Tracks Explained
Applicants must choose one of two funding tracks at the time of submission. Each track has a distinct purpose and expected outcome.
Convening Around Patient-Centered CER
This track supports convenings that:
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Facilitate dialogue on patient-centered CER topics
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Identify and prioritize research questions
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Develop or refine patient and stakeholder engagement strategies
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Strengthen future CER agendas through inclusive participation
Convening Around Dissemination of PCORI-Funded Research Findings
This track focuses on active dissemination of completed PCORI-funded research. Projects must:
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Communicate study results to clearly defined audiences
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Use convenings as the primary dissemination method
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Promote understanding and uptake of evidence in real-world settings
Project Scope, Duration, and Funding Amount
All proposed projects must adhere to the following parameters:
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Maximum project duration: up to one year
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Maximum total budget: USD 125,000
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Funding must cover all project-related costs within the approved budget
Applicants must clearly justify costs and demonstrate value for money.
Who Is Eligible to Apply
Eligible applicants include organizations based in the United States that can legally receive and manage grant funding.
Applicants must:
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Be a nonprofit or for-profit organization
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Be registered in the United States
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Have a valid Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
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Agree to comply with PCORI’s standard funding agreement
Individual applicants are not eligible.
Why This Funding Opportunity Matters
Patient-centered research is most effective when it reflects real-world needs and experiences.
This grant opportunity:
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Elevates patient, caregiver, and community voices
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Strengthens collaboration across healthcare sectors
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Translates research findings into practical knowledge
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Supports informed decision-making in healthcare
By funding convenings, PCORI ensures research is both relevant and actionable.
Key Concepts Defined
Patient-Centered Comparative Clinical Effectiveness Research (CER): Research that compares healthcare options to determine what works best for specific populations, based on outcomes that matter to patients.
Convening: A structured meeting, conference, or gathering designed to engage stakeholders in dialogue, learning, or dissemination activities.
Active Dissemination: Interactive approaches that go beyond publishing results, using engagement to ensure research findings are understood and applied.
How to Apply
Applicants should follow a structured and deliberate application process.
Step-by-step application process:
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Identify the appropriate funding track
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Define clear goals aligned with PCORI’s mission
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Design a convening that meaningfully engages patients and stakeholders
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Develop a detailed project plan and timeline
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Prepare a budget not exceeding USD 125,000
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Review the PCORI standard agreement
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Submit the complete application through PCORI’s designated system
Incomplete or misaligned applications may not be considered.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid the following pitfalls:
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Failing to clearly select and justify a funding track
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Weak patient or stakeholder engagement plans
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Proposing dissemination activities unrelated to PCORI-funded research
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Budgets that exceed the funding cap or lack justification
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Misalignment with PCORI’s patient-centered mission
Careful alignment with program goals significantly improves competitiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of the PCORI Convening Grant?
The grant supports meetings and conferences that advance patient-centered CER or actively disseminate PCORI-funded research findings.
How many funding tracks are available?
There are two tracks: Convening Around Patient-Centered CER and Convening Around Dissemination of PCORI-Funded Research Findings.
What is the maximum funding amount?
Projects may request up to USD 125,000 in total costs.
How long can a funded project last?
Projects may last up to one year from the start date.
Who can apply for this funding?
U.S.-based nonprofit and for-profit organizations with a FEIN are eligible to apply.
Are individuals eligible to apply?
No. Only organizations may apply for this funding opportunity.
Must applicants agree to PCORI’s standard agreement?
Yes. Applicants must be able to comply with the terms of the standard funding agreement.
Conclusion
The PCORI Convening Grant Program provides a strategic opportunity to bring diverse healthcare voices together to shape, share, and strengthen patient-centered research. By supporting high-impact convenings, PCORI ensures that evidence generation and dissemination remain grounded in patient priorities and real-world decision-making.
For more information, visit PCORI.
