Field Initiated Projects Program (Research)
🏛 Administration for Community Living (HHS-ACL)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 9, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers and organizations studying disability inclusion and independence. Eligible applicants include public and private organizations, universities, and individuals conducting research on maximizing inclusion, employment, and economic self-sufficiency of people with disabilities, especially those with significant support needs.
Projects must be original research generating new scientific knowledge or understanding. Applicants must identify hypotheses or research questions and conduct systematic, intensive study. The project period is 36 months with three 12-month budget periods.
Award amounts range from $245,000 to $250,000. No cost-sharing is required. NIDILRR plans to fund approximately 16 awards from this combined research and development competition.
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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 research project under a Field Initiated Projects research grant, a grantee must identify one or more hypotheses or research questions and, based on the hypotheses or research questions identified, perform an intensive, systematic study directed toward producing (1) new scientific knowledge, or (2) better understanding of the subject, problem studied, or body of knowledge. Please note that this will be the funding opportunity for Field Initiated Projects Research proposals. We will invite Field Initiated Projects Development 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
- Researcher (independent)
- 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
- Budget Narrative
- Research Protocol or Study Design
- Curriculum Vitae of Key Personnel
- Letters of Support (if applicable)
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
-
$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?
Public and private organizations, universities, nonprofits, and researchers can apply. You must conduct original research on disability inclusion, employment, and independence.
What is the deadline and award timeline?
The deadline is December 14, 2026. Awards typically range from $245,000 to $250,000 per project.
What types of research projects are supported?
Projects must generate new scientific knowledge or improve understanding of disability inclusion, employment, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency. Research must be systematic and hypothesis-driven.
Do I need to provide matching funds?
No, cost-sharing is not required for this grant.
How competitive is this funding?
Approximately 16 awards will be made from a $2 million funding pool. Competition is moderately competitive based on peer review ranking.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly articulate specific research hypotheses or questions in your proposal narrative. Vague or overly broad research aims will not score well.
- Focus on populations with the greatest support needs—this is a priority emphasis for NIDILRR. Tailor your study design accordingly.
- Budget realistically for a 36-month project with three 12-month periods. Plan for contingencies within the $245,000–$250,000 range.
- Use pilot data or preliminary findings to demonstrate feasibility. Reviewers expect evidence that your team can execute the proposed research.
- Emphasize dissemination and translation of findings. NIDILRR values research that leads to practical methods, products, or procedures.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals that lack specific research hypotheses or pose only exploratory questions without clear outcomes typically score lower. Projects failing to prioritize people with the greatest support needs miss the program's core intent. Budgets that don't account for realistic 36-month timelines or research personnel costs are often questioned.
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