Deadline: 28-Apr-2026
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is funding research to strengthen evidence on effective engagement in research. Grants support studies on measuring engagement, testing engagement approaches, and adapting them across different settings and communities. Funding ranges from $1 million to $1.5 million depending on project type.
Overview of the Program
The PCORI funding opportunity focuses on improving how patients, communities, and stakeholders are engaged in the research process.
The goal is to generate strong evidence on what makes engagement effective and how it can be applied across diverse research environments.
Key Objectives
The programme aims to advance understanding of research engagement methods and outcomes.
Main Goals
- Strengthen evidence on effective research engagement
- Identify structures, processes, and outcomes of engagement
- Test and refine engagement strategies
- Adapt engagement methods across contexts and communities
- Improve patient-centered research practices
Core Research Areas
Applications should focus on engagement-related methodologies.
Priority Topics
- Measurement of engagement structures and outcomes
- Evaluation of engagement techniques
- Adaptation of engagement strategies across settings
- Community-specific engagement approaches
- Resource requirements for effective engagement
Grant Types
The programme offers two distinct funding tracks.
1. Rapid Measurement Studies
Designed to quickly assess engagement practices.
Funding Details
- Up to $1,000,000
- Maximum duration: 24 months
Focus
- Measuring engagement structures and processes
- Evaluating outcomes of engagement
- Rapid evidence generation
2. Development and Testing of Engagement Approaches
Designed for more in-depth intervention studies.
Funding Details
- Up to $1,500,000
- Maximum duration: 36 months
Focus
- Designing new engagement strategies
- Testing and validating approaches
- Adapting methods for different populations and contexts
Eligible Applicants
A wide range of research-focused entities may apply.
Eligible Organizations
- Academic research institutions
- Universities and colleges
- Nonprofit research organizations
- For-profit research organizations
- Federal government agencies
- Private sector research entities
Applicant Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate strong research governance and compliance capacity.
Key Requirements
- Conflict of interest management
- Transparency in research processes
- Adherence to methodological standards
- Use of expert advisory panels where appropriate
- Strong data governance and management practices
Data and Ethics Requirements
Projects must follow strict standards for research integrity.
Obligations
- Deposit de-identified data in approved repositories
- Ensure data privacy and ethical compliance
- Maintain transparency in research outputs
- Make findings publicly accessible
- Follow established PCORI methodological guidelines
Expected Outcomes
Funded projects are expected to:
- Improve understanding of engagement in research
- Generate evidence-based engagement frameworks
- Enhance patient-centered research practices
- Support adaptation of engagement strategies
- Improve inclusivity in research design and implementation
Strategic Importance
This funding initiative strengthens the research ecosystem by:
- Promoting patient-centered research design
- Improving collaboration between researchers and communities
- Enhancing transparency and accountability in research
- Supporting evidence-based engagement methods
- Expanding applicability across diverse populations
FAQs
Who can apply for PCORI engagement grants?
Universities, nonprofits, for-profits, government agencies, and other qualified research organizations.
What is the funding range?
Up to $1 million for Rapid Measurement Studies and up to $1.5 million for Development and Testing studies.
How long are the projects?
Up to 24 months for Rapid Measurement and up to 36 months for Development and Testing grants.
What is the main focus of the programme?
Research on effective engagement methods in patient-centered and community-based research.
Are there data requirements?
Yes, including de-identified data sharing, ethical compliance, and public accessibility of findings.
Conclusion
The PCORI engagement research grants support rigorous studies to improve how stakeholders are involved in research design and implementation.
They aim to build a stronger evidence base for engagement strategies that can be adapted across diverse healthcare and community research settings.
For more information, visit PCORI.