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The WOU Sponsored Research Office's Funding Opportunities blog has moved!  Please click on the following link for the new WOU Sponsored Research Office blog.

Stepping Up Technology Implementation (OSEP)

The purposes of the Educational Technology, Media, and Materials for Individuals With Disabilities Program ^[1] are to: (1) Improve results for students with disabilities by promoting the development, demonstration, and use of technology; (2) support educational activities designed to be of educational value in the classroom for students with disabilities; (3) provide support for captioning and video description that is appropriate for use in the classroom; and (4) provide accessible educational materials to students with disabilities in a timely manner.

Amount: $500,000

Date due: March 18, 2013

For more information, click here.

Personnel Preparation in Special Education & Early Childhood

The U.S. Department of Education seeks proposals for its Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities grant competition.

The purposes of this program are to (1) help address State-identified needs for highly qualified personnel in special education, related services, early intervention, and regular education to work with children, including infants and toddlers, with disabilities; and (2) ensure that those personnel have the necessary skills and knowledge, derived from practices that have been determined through scientifically based research and experience, to be successful in serving those children.

Amount: $250,000/year

Date due: March 1, 2013

For more information, click here.

Maternal & Child Health Research Program

Within the R40 MCH Research Program, funding is available in FY 2013 to support approximately six (6) extramural multi-year research projects. The R40 MCH Research Program supports applied research relating to maternal and child health services including services for children with special health care needs, which show promise of substantial contribution to advancement of the current knowledge pool, and when used in States and communities should result in health and health services improvements. Findings from the research supported by the MCH Research Program are expected to have potential for application in health care delivery programs for mothers and children. Research proposals should address critical MCH questions such as public health systems and infrastructure, health disparities, quality of care, and promoting the health of MCH populations, which also support the goals of the Health Resources and Services Administration. The "life course perspective" is currently being integrated into MCHB's strategic directions, and can serve as a helpful frame of reference for study proposals designed to address the critical MCH questions defined by the Bureau. The Maternal and Child Health Bureau periodically reexamines its applied research agenda. In June 2003, the Bureau initiated the process of updating its research agenda by convening a work group to exchange information regarding the current and emerging issues of importance in the field. Members of the work group represented State and Federal agencies, institutions of higher learning and other organizations, who are prominent in the field and whose work has helped to advance the field. Based on the individual recommendations of these individuals, the Bureau developed the MCHB Strategic Research Issues (see Appendix B). The Bureau encourages translational research studies that specifically address issues related to MCHB investments and programs. Addressing one of the four strategic research issues is a review criterion worth up to 10 points in the overall score of an application. Secondary Data Analysis Studies (SDAS) Program Within the R40 MCH Research Program, funding is available in FY 2013 to support approximately ten (10) studies that analyze existing secondary MCH data. 


Amount: $100,000 - $300,000


Date due: September 12, 2012


For more information, click here.

Personnel Preparation in Special Education, Early Intervention, and Related Services

The purposes of this program are to (1) help address State-identified needs for highly qualified personnel--in special education, early intervention, related services, and regular education--to work with children, including infants and toddlers, with disabilities; and (2) ensure that those personnel have the necessary skills and knowledge, derived from practices that have been determined through scientifically based research and experience, to be successful in serving those children. 

Amount: $250,000

Date due: June 25, 2012

For more information, click here.

Mitsubishi Grants for Empowering Youth with Disabilities

The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation provides grants for innovative projects in the United States that are designed to empower youth (birth through college-aged) with disabilities to lead productive lives.  The MEAF national grants program provides funding to nonprofit organizations that are working toward the full inclusion of young people with disabilities in society. Proposed projects should be national in scope and impact, or model projects that can be replicated at multiple sites.

Grants are designed to support innovative projects that help youth with disabilities develop the leadership and employment skills they need to succeed, particularly in STEM fields. MEAF also will consider projects to create tools that help break down barriers to employment and increase job opportunities for young people with disabilities entering the workforce, including returning veterans.

Amount: $10,000 - $75,000

Date due: June 1, 2012 (Concept paper)

For more information, click here.

Research in Disabilities Education (RDE)

The Research in Disabilities Education (RDE) program advances the goal of broadening the participation and achievement of postsecondary students with disabilities in STEM. This effort is realized by making strategic investments in educational and institutional Model Building and in basic and applied Broadening Participation Research in STEM Education (BPR).  Model Building projects develop, replicate, translate and utilize innovative educational and institutional capacity building models to broaden the participation of postsecondary students with disabilities in STEM fields.  Models employ evidence-based educational exemplars that improve the learning, participation, persistence and graduation of students with disabilities in associate, baccalaureate and graduate STEM degree programs.  BPR projects promote efforts to understand the underlying issues contributing to the differential learning, participation and graduation rates of post-secondary students with disabilities in STEM.  Particular emphasis is placed on contributing to the knowledge base by investigating the STEM learning characteristics and differences of post-secondary students with disabilities.  Educational research about students with disabilities in STEM is advanced by studying the educational and pre-professional experiences that influence student interest, academic performance, retention and persistence in degree programs, degree completion and career choices.  RDE projects contribute to closing the achievement gaps for post-secondary students with disabilities in STEM fields, including students enrolled in community colleges, baccalaureate degree programs and graduate schools.

Amount: Varies

Date due: June 1, 2012

For more information, click here.

Education, Training and Enhanced Services to End Violence Against and Abuse of Women with Disabilities

Recognizing the pressing need to focus on sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking against individuals with disabilities and Deaf individuals due to the proliferation of such crimes, Congress authorized theEducation, Training and Enhanced Services to End Violence Against and Abuse of Women with Disabilities Grant Program(Disability Grant Program) in the Violence Against Women and the Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005. The goal of the Disability Grant Program is to create sustainable change within and between organizations that results in accessible, safe and effective services for individuals with disabilities and Deaf individuals who are victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking and accountability for perpetrators of such crimes. Disability Grant Program funds will be used to establish and strengthen multidisciplinary collaborative relationships; increase organizational capacity to provide accessible, safe, and effective services to individuals with disabilities and Deaf individuals who are victims of violence and abuse; and identify needs within the grantee’s organization and/or service area, and develop a plan to address those identified needs that builds a strong foundation for future work.

Amount: $500,000 - $600,000

Date due: March 26, 2012

For more information, click here.

Autism Speaks Grants

Autism Speaks launched its 2012 requests for grant applications in the areas of Treatment and Basic & Clinical research. In the treatment category, full- and pilot-level grant applications to conduct innovative studies of promising new interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are welcome. In the basic and clinical research category, full- and pilot-level grant applications to conduct innovative biomedical and behavioral research into the causes, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and dissemination of evidence-based practices for ASD are welcome.

Amount: $60,000 - $150,000

Date due: May 10, 2012

For more information, click here.

Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program: Field Initiated Projects Program (Research or Development)

The purpose of the NIDRR Field Initiated (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. NIDRR makes two types of awards under the FI Projects program: Research grants (CFDA 84.133G-1) and development grants (CFDA 84.133G-2). In carrying out a research activity under an FI Project 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. In carrying out a development activity under an FI Project development grant, a grantee must use knowledge and understanding gained from research to create materials, devices, systems, or methods, including designing and developing prototypes and processes, that are beneficial to the target population. ``Target population'' means the group of individuals, organizations, or other entities expected to be affected by the project. There may be more than one target population because a project may affect those who receive services, provide services, or administer services. Note: Different selection criteria are used for FI Project research grants (84.133G-1) and development grants (84.133G-2). Applicants must clearly indicate in the application whether they are applying for a research grant (84.133G-1) or a development grant (84.133G-2) and must address the selection criteria relevant for their grant type. Without exception, NIDRR will review each application based on the grant designation made by the applicant.

Amount: $200,000

Date due: March 5, 2012

For more information on RESEARCH focus, click here.

For more information on DEVELOPMENT focus, click here.

Small Business Innovative Research Phase I (NIDRR)

The purposes of this program are to stimulate technological innovation in the private sector, strengthen the role of small business in meeting Federal research or research and development (R/R&D) needs, increase the commercial application of research supported by the U.S. Department of Education (Department), and improve the return on investment from federally funded research for economic and social benefits to the Nation.

The five invitational priorities are:

(1) Increased independence of individuals with disabilities in the workplace, recreational settings, or educational settings through the development of technology to support access and promote integration of individuals with disabilities.

(2) Enhanced sensory or motor function of individuals with disabilities through the development of technology to support improved functional capacity.

(3) Enhanced workforce participation through the development of technology to support access to employment, promote sustained employment, and promote employment advancement for individuals with disabilities.

(4) Enhanced community participation and living for individuals with disabilities through the development of accessible information technology including Web access technology, software, and other systems and devices that promote access to information in educational, employment, and community settings, and voting technology that improves access for individuals with disabilities.

(5) Improved interventions and increased use of health-care resources through the development of technology to support independent access to healthcare services in the community for individuals with disabilities.

Amount: $75,000

Date due: February 13, 2012

For more information, click here.

Hearing Health Foundation grants

Hearing Health Foundation, the leading national source of private funding for research in hearing and balance science, awards research grant awards of up to $25,000 to researchers once a year to conduct novel investigations of auditory and vestibular function and dysfunction. All research proposals in hearing and balance science, including those for basic, translational and applied clinical research, will be considered for funding. Hearing Health Foundation wishes to stimulate research that leads to a continuing and independently fundable line of research. Applications focusing on Central Auditory Processing Disorder, Usher Syndrome, Strial Atrophy, Meniere's disease are especially encouraged.

Amount: $25,000

Date due: October 31, 2011 (Letter of intent)

For more information, click here.

Personnel Development To Improve Services and Results for Children With Disabilities: Personnel Preparation in Special Education, Early Intervention,

The purposes of this program are to (1) help address State-identified needs for highly qualified personnel--in special education, related services, early intervention, and regular education--to work with children, including infants and toddlers, with disabilities; and (2) ensure that those personnel have the necessary skills and knowledge, derived from practices that have been determined through scientifically-based research and experience, to be successful in serving those children.

Amount: $250,000/year

Due Date: May 31, 2011

For more information, click here.

Technology & Media Services for Individuals with Disabilities

The purposes of the Technology and Media Services for Individuals with Disabilities program are to: (1) Improve results for children with disabilities by promoting the development, demonstration, and use of technology; (2) support educational media services activities designed to be of educational value in the classroom setting to children with disabilities; and (3) provide support for captioning and video description that are appropriate for use in the classroom setting. Phase 1--Development: Projects funded under Phase 1 must develop and refine a technology-based approach, and test its feasibility for use with children with disabilities. Activities under Phase 1 of the priority may include development, adaptation, and refinement of technology, materials, or methodologies. Activities under Phase 1 of the priority must include a formative evaluation of the technology-based approach's usability and feasibility for use with children with disabilities. Each project funded under Phase 1 must be designed to develop, as its primary product, a promising technology-based approach for which it demonstrates evidence of its usability and feasibility for improving results for children with disabilities.

Amount: $200,000

Date due: April 21, 2011

For more information, click here.

IES Special Education Research Grants

The Institute of Education Sciences announces its Special Education Research Grants. The intent of these grants is to provide national leadership in expanding fundamental knowledge and understanding of special education from early childhood education through postsecondary and adult education. Purpose of Program: The central purpose of the Institute's research grant programs is to provide parents, educators, students, researchers, policymakers, and the general public with reliable and valid information about education practices that support learning and improve academic achievement and access to education opportunities for all students. In carrying out its grant programs, the Institute provides support for programs of research in areas of demonstrated national need.

Amount: Varies

Date due: Letter of Intent April 21, 2011; Proposal due June 23, 2011

For more information, visit the IES Special Education Research funding page.

Research in Disabilities Education (NSF)

The Research in Disabilities Education (RDE) program seeks to broaden the participation and achievement of people with disabilities in all fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and associated professional careers. Particular emphasis is placed on contributing to the knowledge base by addressing disability related differences in secondary and post-secondary STEM learning and in the educational, social and pre-professional experiences that influence student interest, academic performance, retention in STEM degree programs, STEM degree completion, and career choices. Projects also investigate effective practices for transitioning students with disabilities across critical academic junctures, retaining students in undergraduate and graduate STEM degree programs, and graduating students with STEM associate, baccalaureate and graduate degrees.

Research project results inform the delivery of innovative, transformative and successful practices employed by the Alliances for Students with Disabilities in STEM to increase the number of students with disabilities completing associate, undergraduate and graduate degrees in STEM and to increase the number of students with disabilities entering our nation's science and engineering workforce. RDE projects contribute to closing the gaps occurring for people with disabilities in STEM fields by successfully disseminating findings, project evaluation results, and proven good practices and products to the public.

Amount: $200,000 - $3m

Date due: February 2, 2011

For more information, click here.

NIH Exploratory/Developmental Grants

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Exploratory/Developmental Grant (R21) funding opportunity supports the development of new research activities in categorical program areas. (Support generally is restricted in level of support and in time.) Investigator-initiated research, also known as unsolicited research, is research funded as a result of an investigator submitting a research grant application to NIH in an investigators area of interest and competency. All investigator-initiated exploratory/developmental applications described in this announcement will be assigned to NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) according to standard Public Health Service (PHS) referral guidelines and specific program interests. Investigators are strongly encouraged to consult the list of participating ICs and special research interests.

The Exploratory/Developmental Grant (R21) mechanism is intended to encourage exploratory and developmental research projects by providing support for the early and conceptual stages of these projects. These studies may involve considerable risk but may lead to a breakthrough in a particular area, or to the development of novel techniques, agents, methodologies, models, or applications that could have a major impact on a field of biomedical, behavioral, or clinical research.

Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards. Because the nature and scope of the proposed research will vary from application to application, it is anticipated that the size and duration of each award will also vary. The total amount awarded and the number of awards will depend upon the mechanism, numbers, quality, duration, and costs of the applications received.

Date due: January 25, 2011

For more information, click here.

National Mentoring Networks to Enhance the Clinician-Investigator Workforce in Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

This funding opportunity announcement (FOA), issued by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), solicits Resource-Related Research Projects-Cooperative Agreement (U24) applications from institutions/organizations that propose to develop and pilot research mentoring networks for budding clinician-scientists on a national scale. These networks will recruit and nurture promising clinically-trained individuals seeking to establish an independent research trajectory in deafness and other communication disorders within their careers, but requiring ongoing mentorship to achieve this goal. This nurturance will be achieved through matching these protgs to highly qualified, committed research mentors and facilitating ongoing contact between the mentors and protgs. Mechanism of Support. This FOA will utilize the NIH Resource-Related Research Projects- Cooperative Agreement (U24) award mechanism. Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards.

Date due: February 17, 2011

Amount: $250,000

For more information, click here.

Research to Aid Persons with Disabilities (NSF)

The Research to Aid Persons with Disabilities (RAPD) program supports research that will lead to the development of new technologies, devices, or software for persons with disabilities. Research may be supported that is directed to the characterization, restoration, and/or substitution of human functional ability or cognition, or to the interaction of persons with disabilities and their environment. Areas of particular recent interest are disability-related research in neuroscience/neuroengineering and rehabilitation robotics. Emphasis is placed on significant advancement of fundamental engineering and scientific knowledge and not on incremental improvements. Proposals should advance discovery or innovation beyond the frontiers of current knowledge in disability-related research. Applicants are encouraged to contact a program director prior to submitting a proposal.

Amount: $80,000

Date due: March 3, 2011

For more information, click here.

Update on IES research priorities

From -- Inside School Research

The Institute of Education Sciences published a proposed list of research priorities yesterday. (Thanks to Jim Kohlmoos of the Knowledge Alliance for alerting me to the Federal Register noticemaking the announcement.)

If you've been following the media reports on IES Director John Easton's talks and interviews, you have a pretty good idea what those priorities are. IES is placing a big emphasis, for instance, on the idea that "effective education research must be informed by the interests and needs of education practitioners and policymakers."

"To this end," the priorities list reads, "the Institute will encourage close partnerships between researchers and practitioners in the conceptualization, planning, and conduct of research and evaluation." Indeed, that kind of collaborative focus is already embedded in some of the research grants the institute has given out this year.

The priorities also reflect the new director's interest in: looking beyond student achievement and studying "the behaviors, skills, and dispositions that support learning in school and later success in life"; learning how to generate higher-order thinking in students; developing "innovative approaches" to improve education outcomes; developing a better understanding of the educational processes through which policies and programs affect students; and studying the context of schooling.

When it comes to study methods, the priorities reiterate the institute's long-standing commitment to "rigorous scientific methods." But they also say "the work of the institute will include a variety of research and statistical methods" and that the IES will work to ensure that the methods used are appropriate to the questions being asked.

These priorities aren't yet set in stone. The institute will accept comments from the public until Sept. 7. The National Board for Education Sciences, which advises the institute, has to weigh in on them, too. That's likely to happen in the fall when the newly reconstituted board convenes.