The Transformative Research to Address Health Disparities and Advance Health Equity funding opportunity, offered by the National Institutes of Health, supports innovative intervention research to address social determinants of health. The initiative seeks projects that could significantly impact the prevention, reduction, or elimination of health disparities while advancing health equity. Applicants are encouraged to focus on interventions that address social, economic, and structural factors that shape conditions of daily life. Proposals should emphasize transformative and innovative approaches rather than traditional methods, and preliminary data are not required. The funding announcement prioritizes the use of meaningful community partnerships and adherence to a Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspectives.

This funding opportunity is open to a wide range of applicants, including public and private higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, local governments, and tribal entities. Research must address health disparities experienced by populations such as racial and ethnic minorities, people with lower socioeconomic status, underserved rural populations, and others who face systemic disadvantages. Projects must target one or more social determinants of health as defined by the NIH and demonstrate meaningful community engagement. Proposals addressing individual or family-level circumstances without considering broader determinants will not be eligible.

Applications must adhere to NIH submission requirements, including completing registrations in systems such as SAM.gov and eRA Commons. Letters of intent are encouraged but not required. Proposals must include a clear description of project aims, a detailed research strategy, and a timeline for deliverables within the project period. Budget requests are limited to $500,000 in direct costs annually, and project periods cannot exceed five years. Costs related to construction or major renovations are unallowable. Applicants must also include a robust Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspectives, detailing strategies to ensure inclusivity throughout the research.

Evaluation criteria for applications include the significance of the research, its potential to address gaps in knowledge, the scientific rigor and feasibility of the proposed approach, and the expertise and resources of the investigative team. Community partnerships and the Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspectives will also be assessed as part of the scientific review. Proposals that fail to meet these criteria or do not address social determinants of health in a meaningful way will not be considered for funding.

Important deadlines include a letter of intent due by January 29, 2025, with the application due by February 28, 2025. The earliest possible start date for funded projects is September 2025. Applications must be submitted electronically through approved NIH systems, and late submissions will not be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals early to address any submission issues.

NINR intends to commit $3 million in fiscal year 2025 to fund four to six awards. Funding decisions will be based on scientific merit, program priorities, and the availability of funds. For additional guidance or questions, applicants are encouraged to contact NIH staff listed in the announcement. More details about the submission process, eligibility requirements, and review criteria can be found in the funding opportunity announcement.