Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Model Systems National Data and Statistical Center
🏛 Administration for Community Living (HHS-ACL)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations seeking to establish or expand a national data and statistical center for spinal cord injury model systems research and outcomes tracking.
Eligible recipients typically include academic medical centers, research institutions, and 501(c)(3) organizations with research capacity and spinal cord injury expertise. Applicants must demonstrate infrastructure to collect, manage, and analyze data from multiple SCI model system sites nationwide.
The project supports surveillance, data collection, and statistical analysis activities. Funded centers serve as repositories for standardized SCI outcome data and support evidence-based practice improvements across the SCI model systems network.
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Key dates
- Jun 22, 2026 Applications open
- Jul 29, 2026 Application deadline in 13 days
- Sep 1, 2026 Award announced
- Sep 1, 2026 Project start
Program description
The purpose of NIDILRR’s Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project (DRRP) grants is to improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act by generating knowledge or developing methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technologies that advance a wide range of independent living and employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities, especially those with the greatest support needs. This Center will advance medical rehabilitation by increasing the rigor and efficiency of scientific efforts to longitudinally assess the experiences and outcomes of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). This Center must maintain the national longitudinal database for data submitted by each of the SCI Model Systems Centers. This Center must also ensure collection of high quality data, and support rigorous research by the Model Systems centers by monitoring data quality, providing training in the collection of SCI Model Systems data, providing methodological consultation to these centers, and other collaborative tasks. The grant will have a 60-month project period, with five 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 (includes specific aims, methods, evaluation plan)
- Data Management and Security Plan
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Organizational Capacity Documentation
- Letters of Support from Partner SCI Model Systems Sites
- Curriculum Vitae of Key Personnel
- Organizational Charts and Resumes
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
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$6,230,000
-
$6,230,000
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$6,230,000
-
$6,230,000
-
$6,229,999
-
$5,560,825
-
$5,560,824
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Transcen Inc MD$5,560,823
-
$5,557,344
-
$5,407,677
Top States by Funding
- IL 15 awards $63.1M
- PA 9 awards $35.6M
- NY 6 awards $30.8M
- MA 6 awards $21.3M
- CA 4 awards $20.8M
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?
Academic medical centers, research institutions, and nonprofits with strong SCI research programs and data management capacity typically qualify. Organizations must demonstrate ability to coordinate multi-site data collection.
What activities are supported?
Funding supports establishing or operating a national data center, collecting standardized SCI outcome data, and conducting statistical analyses. Training and technical assistance to SCI model systems sites are also eligible.
What is the typical funding range?
SCI model systems grants typically award in the $200,000-$500,000 annual range, though this varies. Check the specific Notice of Funding Opportunity for exact amounts.
How competitive is this grant?
Very competitive. This is a highly specialized research and data infrastructure grant. Strong track records in SCI research and prior experience managing large datasets are essential.
When is the deadline?
The application opening is September 5, 2025. Check the detailed NOFO for the submission deadline and any extension dates.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Highlight your organization's existing data infrastructure, IT systems, and expertise in managing large research databases securely.
- Demonstrate strong relationships with and commitment from multiple SCI model systems sites that will contribute data to your center.
- Include a detailed data management plan addressing security, quality assurance, and accessibility standards for the network.
- Propose a realistic sustainability plan showing how the center will continue operating and serving the SCI research community long-term.
- Use data, publications, or outcomes from prior SCI research to demonstrate your team's relevant expertise and impact in the field.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Underestimating data security and compliance requirements. HIPAA, FISMA, and other federal standards are non-negotiable for this infrastructure grant. Failing to demonstrate clear buy-in from multiple SCI model systems sites and their commitment to participate. Submitting an overly broad scope without specific focus on SCI populations and outcomes.
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