The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is inviting applications for its Conference Grant Programs (R13), aimed at supporting conferences that align with AHRQ's mission to improve healthcare safety, quality, accessibility, and affordability. This opportunity seeks to fund conferences that produce evidence-based findings and foster stakeholder collaboration to implement strategies for improving healthcare. Eligible conference types include Research Development, Research Design and Methodology, Dissemination and Implementation, and Research Training and Career Development. AHRQ encourages projects that plan to disseminate conference outcomes beyond attendees through publications, web postings, or other media.

AHRQ will fund conference grants of up to $50,000 in direct costs annually, with a project period limited to one year for single-year conferences or up to three years for recurring conferences. Facilities and administrative costs (indirect) are not allowed, and any funding beyond AHRQ's contribution must be clearly detailed in a composite categorical budget. The types of costs covered include equipment rental, travel, and consultant services, though certain costs such as food and honoraria are not allowed. Conferences can be held in-person, virtually, or as hybrid events, but cost efficiency must be justified, especially for in-person meetings.

Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, non-profits, state and local governments, and tribal organizations. For-profit entities may only participate as members of consortia or subcontractors. Foreign institutions are not eligible to apply as the primary applicant, but they may participate as part of a consortium. The project must demonstrate a substantive role by the applicant organization, particularly if consortium activities are significant.

Applicants are required to submit their proposals electronically via Grants.gov, following the SF424 Research & Related Application Guide, with specific additional instructions for AHRQ. Submissions must include a detailed budget, a conference plan with clear goals, and strategies for the dissemination of outcomes. The first application due date is December 12, 2022, with additional standard deadlines applicable.

Applications will be reviewed based on alignment with AHRQ's mission, the potential impact of the conference, and the applicant’s plan for dissemination of conference results. AHRQ is particularly interested in conferences that engage priority populations, such as minorities, low-income groups, and rural communities.