Opportunity Information: Apply for PA 18 054
The Health of Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) Populations (R03 Clinical Trial Optional) is an NIH discretionary grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number PA 18-054) designed to support focused, small-scale research that strengthens the scientific understanding of health in sexual and gender minority communities. The core purpose is to build evidence that can improve health interventions, health services, and overall outcomes for populations that have often been understudied or treated as homogeneous in prior research. The announcement emphasizes NIH's broader commitment to understanding the health status of diverse groups, with particular attention to populations that may have distinctive risk profiles and unique barriers to care.
This funding opportunity specifically centers on SGM populations, explicitly including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex people. NIH invites a wide range of scientific approaches as long as they align with the missions of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers. Supported topic areas can span basic research (for example, foundational biological or mechanistic work), social and behavioral research (such as stigma, discrimination, identity development, social determinants of health, or health behavior patterns), clinical research (including studies related to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, or management of conditions affecting SGM individuals), and health services research (for example, access to care, quality of care, provider training, care models, and system-level interventions). The "clinical trial optional" designation signals that applicants may propose studies that do or do not include a clinical trial component, depending on what best fits the research question.
The mechanism is an R03, which is typically used for pilot projects, feasibility studies, secondary data analyses, small, self-contained studies, or early-stage projects intended to generate preliminary findings that can support larger future investigations. The listed award ceiling is $50,000, reflecting the small-grant nature of the R03 and its role in helping teams test ideas, develop methods, or establish initial evidence in a targeted way before scaling up. The source information lists an original closing date of September 7, 2018, and a creation date of November 6, 2017, which is useful context for timing and indicates this is a published federal funding announcement rather than a general program description.
Eligibility is intentionally broad and includes many organization types across government, education, nonprofit, and private sectors. Eligible applicants include state, county, city or township, and special district governments, as well as independent school districts. Higher education institutions are eligible in both public/state-controlled and private categories. Tribal entities are included both as federally recognized Native American tribal governments and as Native American tribal organizations that are not federally recognized governments. Housing-related public authorities (including Indian housing authorities) may apply. The opportunity is also open to nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status, for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), and small businesses, along with a general "other" category that can capture additional eligible organizations as defined by NIH policy.
The announcement also highlights several categories of "other eligible applicants" that reflect an emphasis on inclusivity and capacity building across diverse institutions and communities. These include Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, and eligible federal agencies. It additionally permits non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations), regional organizations, tribal governments that are not federally recognized, and U.S. territories or possessions, signaling that NIH is open to research leadership and participation across a wide geographic and institutional landscape where SGM health questions may be studied in locally appropriate ways.
In short, PA 18-054 is a small NIH grant opportunity aimed at generating actionable knowledge about SGM health through basic to applied research, with flexibility around clinical trial inclusion, a modest budget cap of $50,000, and broad eligibility that includes community-based organizations and a range of minority-serving and tribal institutions. The program’s emphasis is on improving the effectiveness of interventions and services by closing evidence gaps for SGM populations that have historically faced both health disparities and research underrepresentation.Apply for PA 18 054
- The National Institutes of Health in the education, health, income security and social services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "The Health of Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) Populations (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.121, 93.242, 93.279, 93.307, 93.393, 93.394, 93.395, 93.396, 93.855, 93.856, 93.865.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2017-11-06.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2018-09-07. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $50,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.
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FAQs: The Health of Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) Populations (R03 Clinical Trial Optional) - PA 18-054
What is this funding opportunity?
This is an NIH discretionary grant opportunity titled "The Health of Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) Populations (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)." The Funding Opportunity Number (FON) is PA 18-054. It supports focused, small-scale research intended to strengthen scientific understanding of health in sexual and gender minority communities.
What is the main purpose of PA 18-054?
The core purpose is to build evidence that can improve health interventions, health services, and overall outcomes for sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations. It emphasizes addressing evidence gaps for communities that have often been understudied or treated as homogeneous in earlier research.
Which populations are included under "sexual and gender minority (SGM)" in this announcement?
The announcement explicitly includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex people as SGM populations of focus.
What kinds of research does this opportunity support?
NIH invites a wide range of scientific approaches as long as they align with the missions of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers. The supported areas can include basic research, social and behavioral research, clinical research, and health services research focused on SGM health.
Does the research have to be basic science, or can it be applied?
It can be either. The opportunity allows both foundational work (for example, mechanistic or biological research) and applied work intended to improve interventions, services, access, quality of care, or outcomes for SGM populations.
What are examples of social and behavioral topics that may fit?
Examples mentioned include stigma, discrimination, identity development, social determinants of health, and patterns of health behaviors, as long as the work advances understanding of SGM health.
What are examples of clinical research topics that may fit?
The announcement indicates clinical research may include studies related to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, or management of conditions affecting SGM individuals.
What are examples of health services research topics that may fit?
Examples include access to care, quality of care, provider training, care models, and system-level interventions that affect SGM populations.
What does "R03" mean for this opportunity?
R03 is an NIH small-grant mechanism commonly used for pilot projects, feasibility studies, secondary data analyses, small self-contained studies, or early-stage projects designed to generate preliminary findings that can support larger future investigations.
What does "Clinical Trial Optional" mean?
"Clinical trial optional" means applicants may propose studies that include a clinical trial component or studies that do not include a clinical trial, depending on what best fits the research question.
What is the award ceiling (maximum budget) stated for this opportunity?
The listed award ceiling is $50,000, consistent with the small-scale nature of the R03 mechanism.
Is this intended for early-stage or preliminary work?
Yes. The opportunity is described as supporting small-scale, targeted projects that can test ideas, develop methods, or establish initial evidence before scaling up to larger investigations.
When was this funding announcement created, and what is the listed closing date?
The source information lists a creation date of November 6, 2017, and an original closing date of September 7, 2018. This indicates it is a published federal funding announcement with specific timing context.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad. It includes multiple organization types across government, education, nonprofit, and private sectors, as described by NIH policy and the categories listed in the announcement.
Are state and local government entities eligible?
Yes. Eligible applicants include state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, and independent school districts.
Are colleges and universities eligible?
Yes. Higher education institutions are eligible in both public/state-controlled and private categories.
Are tribal entities eligible?
Yes. The opportunity includes federally recognized Native American tribal governments and Native American tribal organizations that are not federally recognized governments. It also notes tribal governments that are not federally recognized among other eligible applicants.
Are U.S. territories or possessions eligible?
Yes. The announcement permits U.S. territories or possessions as eligible applicants.
Are foreign (non-U.S.) organizations eligible?
Yes. The opportunity permits non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities, described as foreign organizations, and also includes regional organizations.
Are housing authorities eligible?
Yes. Housing-related public authorities are eligible, including Indian housing authorities.
Can nonprofit organizations apply?
Yes. Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status are both listed as eligible.
Can for-profit organizations apply?
Yes. For-profit organizations (other than small businesses) are listed as eligible, and small businesses are also listed as eligible.
Are minority-serving institutions specifically encouraged or included?
They are included under "other eligible applicants." The announcement highlights categories such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, AANAPISISs, Hispanic-serving Institutions, HBCUs, TCCUs, and others.
Are faith-based or community-based organizations eligible?
Yes. Faith-based or community-based organizations are specifically listed among the "other eligible applicants."
Are federal agencies eligible to apply?
Yes. Eligible federal agencies are listed among the "other eligible applicants."
How does this opportunity describe NIH's motivation for funding SGM health research?
The announcement emphasizes NIH's commitment to understanding the health status of diverse groups, especially populations with distinctive risk profiles and unique barriers to care. It highlights the need to reduce research underrepresentation and address health disparities affecting SGM populations.
Does this opportunity require the research to be aligned with NIH Institute and Center missions?
Yes. The announcement indicates NIH invites a wide range of scientific approaches as long as they align with the missions of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers.
What overall impact is this funding opportunity aiming for?
It aims to generate actionable knowledge that strengthens the evidence base for improving interventions and health services, ultimately improving health outcomes for SGM populations that have historically faced disparities and gaps in research attention.
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| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| The Health of Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) Populations (R15 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 210 Funding Number: PA 18 210 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| End-of-Life and Palliative Needs of Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) with Serious Illnesses (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 137 Funding Number: PA 18 137 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| End-of-Life and Palliative Needs of Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) with Serious Illnesses (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 155 Funding Number: PA 18 155 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| BRAIN Initiative Fellows: Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Postdoctoral Fellowship (F32) Apply for RFA MH 18 510 Funding Number: RFA MH 18 510 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Exploratory/Developmental Bioengineering Research Grants (EBRG) (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 286 Funding Number: PA 18 286 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Research To Address Sleep Disorders in the Context of Medical Rehabilitation (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 212 Funding Number: PAR 18 212 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $499,999 |
| Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (Parent K01 -Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PA 18 369 Funding Number: PA 18 369 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (Parent K01 - Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PA 18 363 Funding Number: PA 18 363 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (Parent K08 - Independent Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PA 18 372 Funding Number: PA 18 372 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Education and Health: New Frontiers (R01)- Clinical Trial Optional Apply for PAR 18 387 Funding Number: PAR 18 387 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Education and Health: New Frontiers (R03) - Clinical Trial Optional Apply for PAR 18 388 Funding Number: PAR 18 388 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Education and Health: New Frontiers (R21)- Clinical Trial Optional Apply for PAR 18 362 Funding Number: PAR 18 362 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Mobile Health: Technology and Outcomes in Low and Middle Income Countries (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 242 Funding Number: PAR 18 242 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $125,000 |
| Surgical Disparities Research (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 288 Funding Number: PAR 18 288 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Developing the Therapeutic Potential of the Endocannabinoid System for Pain Treatment (R01, Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 465 Funding Number: PA 18 465 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BRAIN Initiative: Development, Optimization, and Validation of Novel Tools and Technologies for Neuroscience Research (STTR) (R41/R42 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 18 515 Funding Number: PAR 18 515 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BRAIN Initiative: Biology and Biophysics of Neural Stimulation (R01 - Clinical Trials Optional) Apply for RFA NS 18 018 Funding Number: RFA NS 18 018 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BRAIN Initiative: Targeted BRAIN Circuits Planning Projects TargetedBCPP (R34 - Clinical Trials Not Allowed) Apply for RFA NS 18 014 Funding Number: RFA NS 18 014 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $225,000 |
| BRAIN Initiative: Development, Optimization, and Validation of Novel Tools and Technologies for Neuroscience Research (SBIR)(R43/R44 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 18 501 Funding Number: PAR 18 501 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN): Small Molecule Drug Discovery and Development for Disorders of the Nervous System (U44) - Clinical Trial Optional Apply for PAR 18 541 Funding Number: PAR 18 541 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
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