Field Initiated Projects Program: Minority-Serving Institutions (MSI) -Research

Background
The Field Initiated Projects (FIP) program, administered by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) under the Administration for Community Living, aims to generate new knowledge and improve methods and technologies for the inclusion and integration of individuals with disabilities into society.

This specific grant opportunity focuses on enhancing the capacity of minority-serving institutions (MSIs) to conduct high-quality disability and rehabilitation research. The program is authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

Grant Details
The FIP-MSI program will support research or development activities aimed at maximizing inclusion and self-sufficiency for people with disabilities. Grantees must identify hypotheses or research questions and conduct systematic studies to produce new scientific knowledge or enhance understanding of relevant issues.

NIDILRR plans to make four awards, which may include a combination of research and development projects based on peer review rankings. Applicants must specify which major outcome domain their project addresses: community living and participation, health and function, or employment. The research must include diverse racial and ethnic communities in sufficient numbers to ensure relevance.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants are limited to minority entities as defined by section 21(b)(2)(A) of the Rehabilitation Act, including historically black colleges or universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, American Indian tribal colleges, or other institutions with at least 50% minority student enrollment.

NIDILRR encourages applications from underrepresented minority entities and Indian tribes.

Period of Performance
The project period is set for 36 months, divided into three 12-month budget periods.

Grant Value
The total estimated funding for this opportunity is $500,000, with an expected number of two awards. The award ceiling is $250,000 per budget period, while the award floor is $245,000 per budget period.