The AHRQ Health Services Research Demonstration and Dissemination Grants (R18) funding opportunity aims to support projects that improve healthcare quality, delivery, patient safety, and whole-person care across various settings. The opportunity, reissued as PA-24-156, invites grant applications aligned with AHRQ's research priorities, such as advancing healthcare quality and enhancing care delivery practices. AHRQ focuses on research across settings including hospitals, long-term care, ambulatory care, home healthcare, pharmacies, and transitions between these environments. Applications should propose research that not only generates new knowledge but also applies existing insights to improve health services. Collaboration among diverse stakeholders like patients, families, clinicians, policymakers, payers, and healthcare organizations is encouraged.

The grants will provide up to $400,000 annually, not exceeding five years, with funding availability subject to AHRQ appropriations and sufficient meritorious applications. The total cost cap includes direct and indirect expenses, which must be necessary and related to the project's goals. AHRQ’s funding aims to support research that addresses significant healthcare challenges and contributes to evidence-based improvements in practices. While applications may propose clinical trials, this is optional. Projects must reflect a research scope appropriate for the proposed budget and demonstrate a reasonable plan for accomplishing the stated objectives.

Eligibility extends to a variety of organizations, including higher education institutions, non-profits, local and state governments, federally recognized tribal entities, and other groups. For-profit organizations and foreign institutions can participate as partners or subcontractors but cannot lead the projects. The grants encourage the inclusion of priority populations such as inner-city residents, rural communities, low-income groups, minorities, and others facing healthcare disparities. Applicants should integrate plans for addressing the needs of these populations within their research designs.

Applications are accepted through standard deadlines, with the first due on May 25, 2024, and an expiration date of May 27, 2029. Projects are expected to undergo peer review approximately four months post-submission, followed by potential funding announcements. The review process will assess the scientific merit based on factors such as significance, investigator expertise, innovation, approach, and environment, with additional consideration given to human subjects protections, inclusion of priority populations, and budget justifications.

AHRQ emphasizes compliance with submission guidelines, including data management plans, adherence to human subjects’ research policies, and thorough budgetary documentation. The grants administration is subject to federal regulations, including confidentiality standards and reporting requirements for subawards. Interested applicants should prepare for the registration process in relevant federal systems such as SAM.gov and eRA Commons to ensure eligibility and successful submission.