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Call for Pilot Grant Applications

Post Date: Jun 29, 2026

Overview

ENGAGED: The Center for Disability Community-Engaged Research, supported by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development of the National Institutes of Health, invites applications for pilot research grants to advance community-engaged research in medical rehabilitation with, for, and by people with disabilities, including those from medically vulnerable communities.
This program is designed to support innovative, collaborative projects that meaningfully involve people with disabilities, care partners, and community stakeholders in the research process to improve rehabilitation access and outcomes, reduce disparities, and address social determinants of health that impact participation, well-being, and health.

Community-Engaged Research Definition

Community-engaged research is defined as a collaborative approach that equitably involves disability community stakeholders in all phases of the research process, from identifying priorities to disseminating findings and taking actions.

Purpose

The pilot funding mechanism aims to:

  • Foster equitable partnerships between rehabilitation researchers and community stakeholders, including people with disabilities
  •  Support early-stage, high-impact projects that can lead to larger NIH grant submissions
  • Promote translation of rehabilitation research into real-world settings and disability communities
  • Enhance health equity in rehabilitation outcomes

Funding Details

Award Amount: Up to $30,000
Project Period: Up to 12 months
Number of Awards: Estimated 5–8 awards (dependent on available funds and quality of applications)
Funding Source: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development of the National Institutes of Health through ENGAGED: The Center for Disability Community-Engaged Research.

Accelerated Timeline for Year 1 (2026)

• Notice of Funding Opportunity: Friday, June 26nd, 2026
• Letter of Intent: July 6
• Full Application Due: July 27 by 11:59 PST
• Review Period: July 28 – August 15
• Award Notification: August 20
• Project Start Date: August 30 (Dependent on NIH approval)

Full announcement in PDF

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