Department of Education Grant: Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects – Minority-Serving Institution Field-Initiated Projects

Please review the official application notice for pre-application and application requirements, application submission information, performance measures, priorities and program contact information.

Purpose of Program: The purpose of the FI Projects program is to develop methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technology that maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, independent living, family support, and economic and social self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities, especially individuals with the most severe disabilities. Another purpose of the FI Projects program is to improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Act).
The purpose of this competition is to improve the capacity of minority entities to conduct high-quality disability and rehabilitation research by limiting eligibility for FI research and development grants to minority entities and Indian tribes. Section 21(b)(2)(A) of the Act authorizes NIDRR to make awards to minority entities and Indian tribes to carry out activities authorized under Title II of the Act.
NIDRR makes two types of awards under the FI Projects program: Research grants and development grants. The MSI FI Projects research grants will be awarded under CFDA 84.133G-4, and the development grants will be awarded under CFDA 84.133G-5.

Note: Different selection criteria are used for FI Project research grants (84.133G-4) and development grants (84.133G-5). An applicant must clearly indicate in the application whether it is applying for a research grant (84.133G-4) or a development grant (84.133G-5) and must address the selection criteria relevant for its grant type. Without exception, NIDRR will review each application based on the grant designation made by the applicant. Applications will be determined ineligible and will not be reviewed if they do not include a clear designation as a research grant or a development grant.

In carrying out a research activity under an FI Projects research grant, a grantee must identify one or more hypotheses and, based on the hypotheses identified, perform an intensive, systematic study directed toward (1) new or full scientific knowledge, or (2) understanding of the subject or problem studied.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.133G-4 (Research).

Applications for grants under the MSI FI Projects program, CFDA Number 84.133G-4 (Research) or 84.133G-5 (Development), must be submitted electronically using the Governmentwide Grants.gov Apply site at www.Grants.gov. Through this site, you will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it offline, and then upload and submit your application. You may not email an electronic copy of a grant application to us.
You may access the electronic grant application for the MSI FI Projects program–CFDA Number 84.133G-4 (Research) or 84.133G-5 (Development)–at www.Grants.gov. You must search for the downloadable application package for this competition by the CFDA number. Do not include the CFDA number’s alpha suffix in your search (e.g., search for 84.133, not 84.133G).