Field Initiated Projects Program (Development)
🏛 Administration for Community Living (HHS-ACL)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 9, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations and researchers developing new methods, products, or technologies to support people with disabilities. Eligible applicants typically include nonprofits, universities, research institutions, and other entities capable of conducting development work. Projects must focus on maximizing inclusion, employment, independent living, family support, and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities. Activities include creating materials, devices, systems, methods, measures, tools, prototypes, and intervention protocols based on research evidence.
Geographic scope is national. Award amounts range from $245,000 to $250,000. Projects run for 36 months with three 12-month budget periods.
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Key dates
- Sep 25, 2026 Applications open
- Dec 14, 2026 Application deadline in 65 days
- Sep 1, 2027 Award announced
- Sep 1, 2027 Project start
Program description
The purpose of the Field Initiated Projects program is to generate new knowledge through research or to develop methods, products, procedures, or technologies — to maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, independent living, family/caregiver support, and economic and self-sufficiency of people with disabilities, especially people with disabilities who have the greatest support needs. In carrying out a development project under a Field Initiated Projects development grant, a grantee must use knowledge and understanding gained from research to create materials, devices, systems, methods, measures, techniques, tools, prototypes, processes, or intervention protocols that are beneficial to the target population of people with disabilities. Please note that this will be the funding opportunity for Field Initiated Projects development proposals. We will invite Field Initiated Projects research proposals under a separate announcement. NIDILRR plans to make 16 Field Initiated Projects awards. NIDILRR’s Field Initiated Projects will include a combination of research applications and development applications, depending on the combined ranking of individual research and development applications by the peer review panel. Grants will have a 36-month project period, with three 12-month budget periods.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative/Proposal
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Organizational Capability/Organizational Capacity Statement
- Letters of Support/Commitment from partners
- CV or biographical sketches for key personnel
- Evaluation Plan
Program contact
- 👤 Radha Holavanahalli
- 📧 radha.holavanahalli@acl.hhs.gov
- 📞 202-795-7321
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.433 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$6,230,000
-
$6,230,000
-
$6,230,000
-
$6,230,000
-
$6,229,999
-
$5,560,825
-
$5,560,824
-
Transcen Inc MD$5,560,823
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$5,557,344
-
$5,407,677
Top States by Funding
- IL 15 awards $65.8M
- PA 9 awards $38.4M
- NY 7 awards $33.6M
- MA 6 awards $24.8M
- CA 4 awards $21.7M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.433). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $112,987,188 | |
| 2025 | $112,711,817 | |
| 2026 est. | $110,762,762 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Universities, research institutions, nonprofits, and other entities capable of conducting development work may apply. Fiscal sponsors and fiscally-sponsored projects are typically eligible.
What is the deadline?
The deadline is December 14, 2026. This is a fixed date, not rolling. Plan accordingly.
What types of activities are funded?
Development of materials, devices, systems, methods, prototypes, or intervention protocols. Projects must use research evidence to benefit people with disabilities.
How competitive is this program?
NIDILRR expects to award 16 Field Initiated Projects total (research and development combined). Competition is moderate to strong. Clear innovation and evidence-based approach strengthens competitiveness.
What is the funding range?
Awards typically range from $245,000 to $250,000 for the 36-month project period. No cost-sharing is required.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus your narrative on how research evidence supports your proposed development. Strong applications connect research findings to practical solutions.
- Ensure your timeline is realistic for a 36-month project. Break work into three clear 12-month budget periods with specific deliverables.
- Emphasize the potential impact on people with disabilities, especially those with the greatest support needs. Connect your development to measurable outcomes.
- Demonstrate your team's capacity and track record in development work or similar projects. Include relevant expertise and past successes.
- Address how your product, method, or technology will be sustainable and disseminated after the grant ends. Plan for adoption and long-term use.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing research instead of development work. This program funds development of tools and methods, not primary research. Vague impact statements on disability outcomes. Applications must clearly explain how the development benefits the target population. Unrealistic budgets or timelines for a 36-month project period.
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