The Field Initiated Projects–Minority Serving Institutions Research Grant Program (US)

The FIP-MSI Research Grant Program funds minority-serving institutions to generate new knowledge and strengthen research capacity in disability and rehabilitation. Grants of $245,000–$250,000 support 36-month projects aimed at advancing inclusion, independence, and self-sufficiency for people with disabilities, with a focus on historically underrepresented institutions. Applications are due by April 13, 2026, and projects must address clear research questions or hypotheses.

Program Overview

The FIP-MSI Research Grant Program is designed to advance scientific knowledge and research capacity at minority-serving institutions (MSIs) to improve outcomes for people with disabilities. Administered by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), the program emphasizes:

• Development of methods, products, procedures, or rehabilitation technologies

• Promoting full inclusion, independent living, and employment for people with disabilities

• Supporting family, caregiver, and community integration

• Prioritizing research on individuals with the greatest support needs

• Strengthening the capacity of MSIs to conduct high-quality disability research

Funding and Project Duration

• Total Program Funding: $500,000

• Individual Award Amount: $245,000–$250,000

• Project Period: 36 months, divided into three consecutive 12-month budget periods

• Number of Awards: 3 grants anticipated

Funding supports intensive, systematic research focused on generating new scientific knowledge or improving understanding of key issues affecting people with disabilities.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include minority-serving higher education institutions and federally recognized Native American tribal governments, such as:

• Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

• Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs)

• American Indian Tribal Colleges or Universities

• Other institutions with ≥50% minority student enrollment

Key Eligibility Notes:

• Institutions must be U.S.-based; foreign entities are not eligible

• Historically underrepresented institutions in federal research are strongly encouraged

• Only research proposals are considered under this announcement; development proposals will be addressed separately

Research Focus Areas

Projects must:

• Address clear research questions or hypotheses guiding the study

• Promote inclusion, independence, self-sufficiency, and employment for people with disabilities

• Develop or evaluate rehabilitation technologies, methods, procedures, or products

• Strengthen the research capacity of MSIs to conduct high-quality disability research

How to Apply

1. Prepare Proposal: Include research objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and relevance to disability inclusion

2. Institutional Eligibility Verification: Confirm MSI status or tribal recognition

3. Submission Deadline: April 13, 2026, Eastern Time

4. Submission Method: Follow the NIDILRR application portal and program guidelines

5. Project Duration & Budget: Plan for 36 months with annual budgets clearly outlined

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Scientific quality and innovation of the proposed research

• Relevance to improving outcomes for people with disabilities

• Capacity of the institution to successfully execute the project

• Clear research questions and methodology

• Potential for generating new knowledge or advancing rehabilitation practices

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying from non-minority or foreign institutions

• Submitting development proposals under the research-specific announcement

• Failing to identify specific research questions or hypotheses

• Underestimating project duration or budget requirements

• Ignoring the eligibility focus on historically underrepresented institutions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum award per project? $250,000
2. How long is the funded project period? 36 months, split into three 12-month budget periods
3. Who can apply? Minority-serving institutions and federally recognized Native American tribal governments in the U.S.
4. Are foreign institutions eligible? No, only U.S.-based MSIs and tribal colleges/universities may apply.
5. Can the funding support both research and development? No, this announcement is only for research proposals.
6. How are projects evaluated? Based on scientific merit, relevance to disability inclusion, and institutional capacity.
7. What is the application deadline? April 13, 2026, Eastern Time

Conclusion

The FIP-MSI Research Grant Program empowers minority-serving institutions to advance disability and rehabilitation research, strengthen institutional capacity, and create inclusive and sustainable solutions for people with disabilities. By targeting high-quality research at historically underrepresented institutions, the program ensures a meaningful and lasting impact in scientific discovery and community empowerment.