The Maternal and Child Health Secondary Data Analysis Research (MCH SDAR) Grant, offered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) under the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB), aims to support research projects that analyze existing national data sets or administrative records. The goal is to answer critical research questions that can improve the health and well-being of maternal and child health (MCH) populations. The program seeks to strengthen and expand the evidence base on maternal and child health topics, including health disparities, healthcare quality, and accessibility. This grant will fund up to ten projects for a two-year period.

The purpose of the MCH SDAR grant is to provide financial assistance for applied research studies that do not involve data collection but instead analyze pre-existing national databases and administrative records. These projects should generate new insights to improve health outcomes and inform policies related to MCH. The research should align with HRSA’s Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant National Performance Measures, HRSA MCHB’s Strategic Research Issues, MCHB’s Strategic Plan Goals, or the Healthy People 2030 objectives.

This funding opportunity supports up to ten grants for research institutions conducting secondary data analysis on issues affecting MCH populations. Each award provides up to $60,000 per year, with a total funding ceiling of $600,000 for the fiscal year 2025. The program's timeline includes an application deadline of February 25, 2025, an expected award date of June 1, 2025, and a project start date of July 1, 2025. The period of performance extends for two years, ending on June 30, 2027.

Eligible applicants include public or non-profit institutions of higher education and public or private non-profit agencies engaged in research related to maternal and child health. Individuals and for-profit entities are not eligible. All applicants must propose projects that strictly analyze existing national datasets—any proposal involving new data collection will be deemed ineligible. Additionally, each research team must include a senior investigator and an early-stage investigator (ESI) as co-investigators to support mentorship and workforce development.

The application process involves submitting a complete proposal through Grants.gov, including a project abstract, project narrative, methodology, high-level work plan, and a publication and dissemination plan. Each application will be reviewed based on six criteria: Need (15 points), Response (40 points), Performance Reporting and Evaluation (10 points), Impact (15 points), Resources and Capabilities (15 points), and Support Requested (5 points). Applications that exceed the funding ceiling or do not comply with eligibility and submission requirements will not be considered.

Successful applicants must submit at least two manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals, report demographic data to HRSA’s Electronic Handbooks (EHBs), and present findings to MCHB staff at the end of the project. The HRSA also requires annual progress reports and a final comprehensive report summarizing the study's impact on public health. The MCH SDAR program is crucial in fostering new research insights while developing the next generation of MCH researchers from diverse backgrounds.

For additional inquiries regarding this funding opportunity, applicants may contact Akosua Mainoo, MPH, at MCHSDAR@hrsa.gov or call 240-535-5430​.