The University of Minnesota’s Office of Clinical Research and the Medical School’s Program in Health Disparities Research announce the availability of a planning grant program in health disparities research. The goal of this program is to foster long-term collaborative research between community-based organizations and academic researchers on research projects focusing on health disparities. This program offers pilot funding with an aim toward future further funding. In 2007, we expect to make 4 to 6 awards, ranging from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $25,000 in direct costs. Indirect costs are not allowed in this grant mechanism.

Eligibility: Eligibility is limited to collaborative teams from community-based organizations and the University of Minnesota. Each project will consist of two co-principal investigators—a member from a community-based organization and an academic faculty with at least a 67% appointment at the rank of assistant professor or above in one of the six schools and colleges in the University’s Academic Health Center.

Priority Areas Supported: Proposed research must address a health disparity theme and have a goal of using the award as a springboard to obtaining long-term support from federal, state, or private foundation sources. Priority will be given to applications that:

a)       Address a health disparity topic considered to be of importance to the community or work with a community to identify an area of importance

b)       Foster collaborations across multiple community-based organizations and/or populations

c)       Both co-principal investigators and their organizations will be equal partners and collaborators in all aspects of the research project

d)       Have a community engagement component

e)       Describe specifically how the results of this research will be used to address health disparities in the community

f)         Likelihood of sustainability and/or leading to long-term support from other funding sources.

Terms of Support: Projects are supported for a one-year period. Grant recipients are required to submit a final progress report to the Program in Health Disparities within 45 days of grant expiration.

Application Instructions: An original application plus five copies of the following materials must be submitted:

a)   Proposal Routing Form signed by the principal investigator(s), the department head for academic faculty, and the responsible official for the community organization.

b)   a cover page, using the template provided, listing the project title, co-principal investigators with address, phone numbers, and email, and co-investigators, etc.

c)   a brief abstract of the project (up to 300 words).

d)   a non-technical summary of the project, emphasizing its anticipated significance (up to 150 words).

e)   a one to two-page budget plan.

f)    for faculty P.I.: current NIH biosketch and Other Support pages which provides a complete list of active and pending federal and local grant support. (four-page limit)

g)   for community-based P.I.: resume (four-page limit).

h)   a maximum 3-page, single-spaced research plan (font size not smaller than 12 pt), outlining specific aims, background, experimental plan/methods, significance, and implications of the research for future research initiatives/funding. References are not included in the 3-page limit. Appendices are not allowed.

Application forms are available at: www.ahc.umn.edu/ocr/rfa

Application deadline: Applications are due March 15, 2007 by 4:30 p.m. Note that submission process includes submitting both electronic and hard copies of the proposal. Follow submission instructions provided on the application form. Hard copies of all proposals must be delivered to Kristin Eide, Executive Office Assistant, Program in Health Disparities Research, Room G254 Mayo Memorial Building, MMC 451, 420 Delaware Street S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455.

Review Process and Awards: Applications will be reviewed by a committee consisting of individuals from the community and the University of Minnesota. Applicants will be notified of the review outcome by May 15, 2007. Awards will be made for one year, with an anticipated activation date of July 1, 2007.

Questions should be directed to Kristin Eide, Executive Office Assistant, Program in Health Disparities Research at 612-625-1654 or keide@umn.edu.