Deadline: 31-Dec-2026
The Bridge Funding for Abortion and Contraception Research supports U.S.-based research projects on abortion and contraception that were disrupted due to terminated federal grants. It provides up to $100,000 for up to 24 months to help principal investigators complete or partially complete NIH-funded research. The programme focuses on preserving scientific continuity and preventing loss of reproductive health research.
What is the Bridge Funding Programme?
The Bridge Funding for Abortion and Contraception Research is a targeted emergency funding mechanism designed to rescue and continue research projects that were interrupted due to federal grant termination.
It specifically supports research in abortion and contraception that was previously funded and peer-reviewed, ensuring continuity of critical scientific work in reproductive health.
Why This Programme Exists
This funding initiative responds to disruptions in U.S. biomedical research funding, particularly within the National Institutes of Health ecosystem.
Key concerns include:
- Loss of ongoing scientific data and research continuity
- Termination of federally funded reproductive health studies
- Risk of incomplete or unusable research outcomes
- Gaps in evidence for abortion and contraception care
The programme aims to preserve valuable research investment and ensure completion of critical studies.
Key Objectives
The funding call focuses on:
- Completing or partially completing terminated research projects
- Preserving abortion and contraception research in the U.S.
- Supporting science-based reproductive health evidence
- Ensuring alignment with equitable research principles
- Preventing loss of federally funded scientific work
- Maintaining continuity in peer-reviewed research
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants must:
- Be tax-exempt organisations applying on behalf of investigators
- Represent principal investigators whose NIH grants were terminated after January 20, 2025
- Have research focused on abortion and/or contraception in the United States
- Include projects that were previously peer-reviewed
Additional eligibility considerations:
- Both research grants and career development awards are eligible
- In some cases, grants from other federal agencies may be considered
- Applications must be submitted by the original principal investigator
Funding Details
- Maximum funding: Up to $100,000 per project
- Duration: Up to 24 months
- Number of awards: Limited; rolling until funds are exhausted
- Funding purpose: Completion or partial completion of interrupted research
What the Funding Can Be Used For
Eligible uses include:
- Completing unfinished research activities
- Recovering lost or interrupted data collection
- Finalizing analysis and results
- Supporting publication of findings
- Continuing essential project operations
- Completing partially executed research aims
Applicants must clearly justify how funds will restore or complete original objectives.
What the Proposal Must Include
A strong application must present:
- Detailed work plan for remaining research activities
- Clear explanation of project disruption
- Justification for funding needs
- Realistic timeline (up to 24 months)
- Transparent and itemized budget
- Alignment with abortion and contraception research goals
Who This Programme Supports
This funding prioritizes:
- Researchers affected by federal grant termination
- U.S.-based abortion and contraception research teams
- Projects with strong peer-reviewed foundations
- Studies contributing to reproductive health evidence
- Work aligned with equitable and science-based outcomes
Why This Programme Matters
The Bridge Funding initiative helps:
- Prevent loss of valuable scientific data
- Protect taxpayer-funded research investments
- Maintain continuity in reproductive health science
- Support evidence-based healthcare policy
- Reduce disruption in critical biomedical research pipelines
It acts as a safeguard for unfinished but important research.
How the Programme Works
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Verify NIH (or other qualifying federal) grant termination after January 20, 2025.
Step 2: Prepare Documentation
Gather original grant details, peer review evidence, and termination notice.
Step 3: Develop Completion Plan
Define how remaining research will be finished or partially completed.
Step 4: Build Budget & Timeline
Justify costs and map out up to 24 months of work.
Step 5: Submit Application
Apply through a tax-exempt sponsoring organisation on behalf of the PI.
Step 6: Funding Decision
Selected projects receive bridge support to complete research.
Important Conditions
- Applications must be PI-led
- Must originate from terminated federal grants
- Legal consultation is recommended for applicants involved in disputes
- Funding is limited and competitive
- Rolling basis until funds are exhausted
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without verified grant termination
- Submitting incomplete or unclear work plans
- Weak justification for continuation costs
- Proposing unrelated or new research instead of completion work
- Missing peer review or federal funding documentation
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly explain what was lost due to termination
- Focus on completing original research goals
- Provide strong evidence of prior funding and peer review
- Include realistic, phased completion timelines
- Emphasize scientific and public health importance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who can apply for this funding?
Tax-exempt organisations applying on behalf of principal investigators with terminated federal grants. - What is the maximum funding available?
Up to $100,000 per project. - What is the project duration?
Up to 24 months. - What types of research are eligible?
Abortion and contraception research in the United States. - Do projects need to be previously funded?
Yes, they must have been federally funded and peer-reviewed. - Can new research projects apply?
No, only continuation of terminated projects is eligible. - Is funding guaranteed?
No, awards are limited and subject to available funds.
Conclusion
The Bridge Funding for Abortion and Contraception Research provides a critical mechanism to preserve disrupted scientific work in reproductive health. By supporting the completion of terminated federally funded studies, it helps protect valuable research investment and ensures continuity in abortion and contraception evidence generation.
Researchers with well-documented, peer-reviewed, and partially completed projects will be best positioned to benefit from this opportunity.
For more information, visit Society of Family Planning.