Deadline: 13-Apr-2026
The FIP-MSI Development Grant supports minority serving institutions in advancing disability and rehabilitation outcomes while strengthening research capacity. Administered by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, the grant funds 36-month projects with awards up to $250,000, targeting historically underrepresented institutions and Indian Tribes in higher education.
What is the FIP-MSI Development Grant?
The Field Initiated Projects–Minority Serving Institutions (FIP-MSI) Development Grant is designed to help minority serving institutions advance disability and rehabilitation research while enhancing institutional research capacity. The grant focuses on generating research-based knowledge and practical solutions that promote full inclusion, independence, and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities, particularly those with the greatest support needs.
Key Objectives
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Advance disability and rehabilitation outcomes through evidence-based research and applied solutions.
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Strengthen research capacity within minority serving institutions.
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Support practical interventions that improve independence and inclusion for people with disabilities.
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Promote economic self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities.
Grant Structure and Funding
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Project period: 36 months, divided into three 12-month budget periods.
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Award amount: $245,000 to $250,000 per project.
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Estimated total program funding: $250,000.
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Number of awards: Approximately three, based on combined peer review rankings of research and development applications.
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Funding type: Development-focused; separate FIP-MSI Research proposals will be funded under a different announcement.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
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Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education.
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Private institutions of higher education.
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Federally recognized Native American tribal governments.
Eligibility is limited to minority-serving institutions and Indian Tribes as defined under Section 21(b)(2)(A) of the Rehabilitation Act, including: -
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
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Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs).
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American Indian tribal colleges or universities.
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Other institutions with at least 50% minority student enrollment.
Applications from minority entities historically underrepresented in federal research are highly encouraged. Foreign entities are not eligible.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm eligibility based on institution type and minority-serving status.
Step 2: Prepare a development-focused project proposal demonstrating potential impact on disability and rehabilitation outcomes.
Step 3: Include objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and budget plans for three 12-month periods.
Step 4: Submit electronically through the official application portal by April 13, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET.
Step 5: Monitor announcements for award decisions; projects must comply with program requirements throughout the 36-month period.
Important Dates
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Application deadline: April 13, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET.
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Opportunity archive date: September 30, 2026.
Why This Grant Matters
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Empowers minority-serving institutions to strengthen research and development capacity.
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Improves disability and rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with the greatest support needs.
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Encourages innovation and practical solutions for inclusion, independence, and economic self-sufficiency.
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Supports historically underrepresented entities in federal research funding.
Common Tips for Applicants
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Clearly demonstrate how your project addresses real-world disability challenges.
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Include measurable outcomes for independence, inclusion, or economic impact.
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Show evidence of institutional capacity building and research development.
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Ensure the proposal aligns with minority-serving institution eligibility requirements.
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Adhere strictly to electronic submission guidelines and deadlines.
FAQs – FIP-MSI Development Grant
1. Who can apply for this grant?
Eligible applicants are public or private minority-serving higher education institutions and federally recognized Native American tribal governments.
2. What types of projects are supported?
Development-focused projects that generate research-based knowledge and practical solutions to advance disability and rehabilitation outcomes.
3. How much funding is available per project?
Grants range from $245,000 to $250,000 over a 36-month project period.
4. Are foreign institutions eligible?
No. Only U.S.-based minority-serving institutions and Indian Tribes are eligible.
5. What is the deadline for applications?
Applications must be submitted electronically by April 13, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
6. How long is the project period?
Each award supports a 36-month project, divided into three 12-month budget periods.
7. How are awards decided?
Awards are based on combined peer review rankings of research and development applications and may include a mix of both project types.
Conclusion
The FIP-MSI Development Grant provides critical funding for minority-serving institutions to advance disability and rehabilitation research, create practical solutions for inclusion and independence, and strengthen institutional research capacity. By supporting historically underrepresented institutions, this grant fosters innovation, equity, and long-term impact in the disability and rehabilitation field.
For more information, visit Grants.Gov.
