Deadline: 30-Mar-2026
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Engagement Award Program supports projects that meaningfully involve patients, caregivers, and the healthcare community in research. Awards of up to $300,000 over two years fund initiatives that enhance patient-centered comparative effectiveness research and engagement across the research continuum. Eligible applicants are U.S.-based organizations with the capacity to manage federal funding and standard agreements.
Overview of the Program
The PCORI Engagement Award Program aims to strengthen patient, caregiver, and community involvement throughout the research process. The program focuses on:
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Patient-centered comparative effectiveness research
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Active engagement of patients and caregivers across all research stages
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Empowering the healthcare community to shape research priorities and implementation
The program emphasizes projects that are inclusive, meaningful, and capable of generating actionable insights to improve patient-centered care.
Who is Eligible?
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Eligible Applicants: U.S.-based nonprofit and for-profit organizations with a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
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Organizations must demonstrate the capacity to comply with PCORI’s standard agreement
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Individuals are not eligible to apply
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Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the standard agreement before submission to ensure readiness to comply with program requirements
Funding Details
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Maximum Award: $300,000 in total costs, including direct and indirect expenses
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Maximum Project Period: 2 years
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Annual Funding Allocation (FY 2026): Up to $25 million available under the Eugene Washington PCORI Engagement Award Program
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PCORI reserves the right to adjust available funds at any time
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Projects exceeding the stated budget or duration will not be reviewed
Why It Matters
This program strengthens the integration of patient and caregiver perspectives into research, ensuring that studies address real-world needs and priorities. Funded projects contribute to:
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Enhanced relevance and quality of comparative effectiveness research
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Improved patient outcomes and healthcare decision-making
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Broader inclusion of diverse voices across healthcare research
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Building sustainable engagement practices in research institutions
How to Apply / How It Works
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Prepare Proposal – Include plans for meaningful engagement of patients, caregivers, and the broader healthcare community.
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Budget Planning – Ensure the total requested funds do not exceed $300,000 and project duration does not exceed two years.
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Review Standard Agreement – Applicants must confirm capacity to comply with PCORI’s funding terms.
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Submit Application – Applications are reviewed based on engagement plan, impact, feasibility, and organizational capacity.
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Award Notification – Selected organizations receive funding and must implement their engagement plan according to approved objectives.
Common Mistakes and Tips
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Do not exceed the $300,000 budget or two-year duration
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Individuals should not submit applications
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Ensure compliance with PCORI’s standard agreement
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Clearly define how patients, caregivers, and the healthcare community will be engaged
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Demonstrate organizational capacity to manage federal funding and reporting requirements
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for the PCORI Engagement Award? U.S.-based nonprofit or for-profit organizations with a Federal Employer Identification Number. Individuals are not eligible.
2. What is the maximum funding available? $300,000 in total costs, including direct and indirect expenses.
3. How long can the project last? Maximum project period is 2 years.
4. Can the budget exceed $300,000? No, applications exceeding the budget will not be reviewed.
5. How much total funding is available in FY 2026? Up to $25 million may be awarded under the program.
6. Are applicants required to review PCORI’s standard agreement? Yes, applicants must demonstrate the ability to comply with the agreement.
7. What types of projects are funded? Projects must involve patients, caregivers, and the healthcare community in comparative effectiveness research and engagement initiatives.
Conclusion
The PCORI Engagement Award Program provides U.S.-based organizations with funding and guidance to enhance patient-centered research and engagement. By supporting meaningful involvement of patients, caregivers, and the healthcare community, the program ensures that research outcomes are relevant, actionable, and capable of improving healthcare decision-making and patient outcomes across the country.
For more information, visit PCORI.