Request for Proposals: Changemakers in Family Planning (US)

The Changemakers in Family Planning grant supports scholars of color in the United States to advance careers in family planning research, with a focus on addressing institutionalized racism in science. The 18-month programme provides up to $60,000 in salary support, $10,000 for skill-building, and $6,000 for mentorship development. It emphasizes career growth, mentorship, and research capacity-building rather than original research output.

What is the Changemakers in Family Planning Grant?

The Changemakers in Family Planning grant is a career development programme designed to increase equity in scientific research and strengthen the representation of scholars of color in the field of family planning.

It focuses on building long-term research leadership capacity in areas such as abortion, contraception, and reproductive health.

Key Objectives of the Programme

The grant aims to:

• Address institutionalized racism in scientific research
• Support scholars of color in family planning research
• Strengthen research skills and career development
• Expand mentorship and professional networks
• Promote equitable participation in reproductive health science
• Build future research leaders in family planning

Why This Programme Matters

This initiative responds to long-standing structural inequities in research by:

• Increasing representation of scholars of color in science
• Expanding access to mentorship and career development
• Supporting research leadership in reproductive health
• Strengthening diversity in family planning research perspectives

It prioritizes inclusion and systemic change over traditional research output metrics.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Identify as a scholar of color
• Have completed a terminal degree within the last 10 years
• Not have previously served as a principal investigator on a large-scale family planning research project
• Reside in the United States
• Plan to conduct research related to family planning in the U.S. or its territories
• Apply through a tax-exempt sponsoring organization

Programme Structure and Duration

• Duration: 18 months
• Focus: Career development and research skill-building
• Output expectation: No requirement for original research output
• Core goal: Professional growth and research readiness

Participants engage in structured development activities rather than traditional research deliverables.

Funding Details

The grant provides three main funding components:

1. Salary Support

• Up to $60,000 total over 18 months
• Must represent more than 10% professional effort
• Indirect costs allowed within limits

2. Skill-Building Support

• Up to $10,000
• Covers training, program fees, and travel

3. Mentorship Support

• $6,000 allocated for mentorship arrangements
• Includes support for two mentors per scholar
  • One self-selected mentor
  • One program-matched mentor

Mentorship Model

Mentorship is a central feature of the programme:

• Structured guidance from two mentors
• Support for defining mentorship roles
• Professional development planning
• Networking and career guidance

One mentor must be selected by the scholar, while the second is assigned by programme administrators.

What Activities Are Supported?

The funding supports:

• Research skill development
• Academic and professional training
• Conference participation
• Workshops and capacity-building programmes
• Mentorship engagement activities
• Career development planning

How the Programme Works

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure you meet academic, identity, and research criteria.

Step 2: Secure Sponsoring Organisation
Apply through a tax-exempt institution.

Step 3: Develop Career Plan
Outline your research interests and development goals.

Step 4: Design Mentorship Structure
Identify one mentor and prepare for a second program-assigned mentor.

Step 5: Submit Application
Apply through the official grant process.

Step 6: Participate in 18-Month Programme
Engage in structured career development activities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without eligible identity or degree requirements
• Proposing traditional research instead of career development focus
• Missing mentorship planning requirements
• Not securing a qualifying sponsoring organisation
• Weak alignment with family planning research focus

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly define your career development goals
• Highlight commitment to family planning research
• Demonstrate readiness for mentorship engagement
• Show long-term research leadership potential
• Align your application with equity and inclusion goals

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for this grant?
   Scholars of color with a recent terminal degree in the United States.
2. What is the maximum funding available?
   Up to $60,000 in salary support plus additional funds for training and mentorship.
3. Is original research required?
   No, the programme focuses on career development.
4. How long is the programme?
   18 months.
5. What is the mentorship structure?
   Two mentors per scholar: one self-selected and one program-assigned.
6. Can applicants apply directly?
   No, applications must be submitted through a tax-exempt organisation.
7. What is the main goal of the programme?
   To build research careers and address racial inequities in family planning science.

Conclusion

The Changemakers in Family Planning grant provides a structured pathway for scholars of color to advance their careers in reproductive health research. By combining salary support, mentorship, and skill development, the programme addresses systemic inequities while building the next generation of research leaders.

Applicants who demonstrate strong career vision, commitment to family planning research, and readiness for mentorship will be best positioned for success.