The "REACHing Communities (REACH) Consortium (U01) Clinical Trials Optional" is a forecasted funding opportunity by the FDA’s Office of Minority Health and Health Equity (OMHHE) to advance minority health and health equity. This initiative aims to create a consortium of multiple cooperative agreement recipients to conduct research, outreach, and communication activities addressing health disparities. It will also support training and mentoring programs for diverse students, fellows, and researchers, fostering a pipeline of professionals dedicated to health equity.

The funding supports innovative, community-focused strategies that promote minority health through collaboration and capacity-building. Projects under this initiative may involve clinical trials, though they are optional. The REACH Consortium seeks to enhance scientific understanding and public engagement, targeting systemic inequities in health outcomes among racial and ethnic minority populations.

The program anticipates six awards, each funded at $3,000,000. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement. Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities, such as state and local governments, public and private higher education institutions, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, for-profit organizations, Native American tribal governments and organizations, public housing authorities, independent school districts, and special district governments.

Applicants should propose comprehensive plans addressing minority health research and outreach while incorporating training components for underrepresented groups in health sciences. The proposed activities should demonstrate measurable impacts on health equity and align with OMHHE’s mission to promote inclusive health outcomes.

While specific application and award dates are not yet available, the forecasted date for this opportunity is August 14, 2024, for projects to begin in Fiscal Year 2025. Interested applicants should monitor updates and prepare proposals that align with the goals outlined in the forecast.

For more information, contact Terrin Brown at terrin.brown@fda.hhs.gov or call 240-402-7610. Additional details will be provided when the funding opportunity is officially posted.