Grant Opportunity for Organizations Supporting People with Mental Health and I/DD Service Needs

As announced by the National Research Consortium on Mental Health in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities:

“Innovations in Mental Health Aspects of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research

The National Research Consortium (NRC) on Mental Health in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (MH-IDD) is seeking innovation research grant applicants with a focus on improving the health and well-being of individuals with MH-IDD service needs.

The application must clearly articulate how the project meets the NRCs mission. The NRC prioritizes four areas of grant funding: 1) expanding the use of positive psychological methods; 2) developing and scaling evidenced-based interventions; 3) expanding capacity and reducing service disparities; and 4) revising and/or developing accessible measures. More information about the NRC can found here. This year, the NRC’s will prioritize applications that also address racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities.

The NRC is comprised of people with lived experiences (including self-advocates and family members), caregivers, trainees, researchers, policy experts, and clinicians from over 30 organizations across the US including several UCEDDs, medical schools, state health departments, and service providers. Innovation grants are offered by the consortium to accelerate partnership with researchers in the development and implementation of evidenced-based mental health diagnostic, treatment and support practices for those with IDD.

The NRC will provide up to $45,000 in grant awards. Maximum allocation per grant is $15,000. Applications that request less funds are welcome. Applications require an institutional match, often represented as coverage of effort/salary. Matches can exceed the amount requested, but cannot be less than the total award. Funds can only be used for direct costs; indirect costs should not be included in the budget. Applications are due 7/1/2021. Project award will be made by 8/15/2021. Projects with an existing IRB and/or standing grant, in which this project can serve as a supplement, will be prioritized since the goal is to have actionable results within 1 year. Thus, secondary data analyses are of great interest. Applicants must have a terminal doctoral degree (PhD, Ed, MD, etc.) and appointment at a medical or university-based setting. Doctoral students and post-doctoral fellows are encouraged to apply, as long as a faculty advisor serves as a Co-PI. Funds will be released following IRB approval.

Notwithstanding Reference and Appendices, the application should be 4 pages maximum. Font should not be smaller than 11-point and the margins must be at least ½”. Additional information may be requested for consideration by the NRC operations team and board. The application can be found on the next page. If funded, an initial, interim (6 month) meeting and final report are expected. Investigators are expected to present their study and findings at the NRC’s annual conference. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Luther Kalb ([email protected]), Chair of the NRC,  Ms. Andrea Caoili ([email protected]), Director of Consortium Operations, and Dr. Joan B. Beasley, PI National Research Consortium on MH-IDD([email protected]).”