The Maternal and Child Health Research Consortium (MCH RC) is a grant opportunity offered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) under the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB). The purpose of this program is to establish a research infrastructure and conduct studies to address critical evidence gaps in maternal and child health (MCH), particularly in pregnancy, postpartum, and pediatric populations. The program seeks to fund up to three research centers that will conduct high-priority research aligned with MCHB’s goals and Title V performance measures. These centers will contribute to advancing research, translating findings into practice, and improving MCH outcomes through innovative interventions.

The MCH RC will support research that addresses key maternal and child health challenges, including disparities in healthcare access, maternal mental health, childhood preventive care, and stillbirth prevention. Research centers funded through this grant will conduct single-site or multi-site studies, create evidence-based strategies, and collaborate with strategic partners, including people with lived experiences. The centers are expected to publish findings, share best practices, and mentor early-career investigators, particularly those from underserved communities.

The funding scope allows for a three-year performance period, with each awardee receiving up to $600,000 in the first year and up to $800,000 in the subsequent two years. The total available funding for fiscal year 2025 is $1.8 million. Recipients must engage in strategic partnerships, including collaboration with community organizations and HRSA programs such as Healthy Start and Title V initiatives. The research should focus on one or more priority areas, such as maternal cardiovascular health, implementation of clinical guidelines, pediatric mental health, and family collaborative care models.

Eligibility is limited to public or nonprofit institutions of higher education, as well as public or private nonprofit agencies engaged in research related to maternal and child health. Individuals and foreign entities are not eligible to apply. The program requires applicants to have an active registration with SAM.gov and Grants.gov. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by the deadline of April 23, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

Applicants must submit a detailed proposal, including a project abstract, research plan, methodology, budget, and sustainability plan. The evaluation criteria for funding include the significance of the research need (15 points), response and methodology (35 points), performance reporting (10 points), project impact (20 points), resources and capabilities (10 points), and budget alignment (10 points). The HRSA review panel will assess applications based on these factors, along with risk assessment and past performance of the applicant institution.

Successful applicants will be notified by August 1, 2025, with the anticipated project start date set for September 1, 2025. Grant recipients are required to submit annual progress reports, federal financial reports, and performance evaluations. They are also expected to participate in HRSA’s research meetings and ensure compliance with all federal regulations and guidelines. The program aims to create a sustainable research network that will continue beyond the grant period, securing additional funding and expanding MCH research capacity.

For further information, applicants can contact Jessica DiBari, PhD, MHS, and Maura Maloney, PhD, MS, at MCH_RC@hrsa.gov or Carla Lloyd, Grants Management Specialist, at CLLOYD@hrsa.gov. HRSA will also conduct an informational webinar for potential applicants, with details available on Grants.gov.