The Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Coordinating Center (U24 - Clinical Trial Optional) funding opportunity, issued by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), is designed to establish a national coordinating center (RCMI CC) to support NIMHD-funded RCMI Specialized Centers. This program aims to enhance institutional research capacity, foster investigator development, promote community engagement, and improve research focused on minority health and reducing health disparities. The RCMI CC will work closely with RCMI centers, NIMHD staff, and other stakeholders to facilitate collaboration, evaluation, and dissemination of scientific findings.

The primary goals of the RCMI Coordinating Center are to support the research and career development of early-stage investigators, provide biostatistical and methodological expertise, and coordinate national efforts among RCMI centers. The RCMI CC will oversee activities such as organizing an annual RCMI grantee meeting, coordinating pilot project programs, centralizing study operations, and managing data collection and analysis. The CC will also facilitate partnerships with academic institutions, community-based organizations, and NIH-funded programs to expand collaboration and enhance research addressing minority health disparities. A key responsibility is evaluating the overall RCMI program and establishing standardized metrics to measure its success, including outcomes like extramural research funding, scientific publications, and community impact.

NIMHD intends to commit $5 million in fiscal year 2025 to fund one award under this program. The maximum budget allowed is $3,500,000 in direct costs annually, with a project period of up to five years. Applications are limited to institutions that previously received RCMI funding under specified program announcements. Eligibility is restricted to U.S.-based institutions with a historical mission of educating underrepresented students or delivering healthcare to medically underserved communities. Applicants must demonstrate expertise in research program coordination, methodological support, and initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion in the biomedical research workforce.

Applications must include plans to support investigator development, organize collaborative meetings, maintain a centralized data management system, and promote community engagement. Required components include a detailed evaluation plan, project management structure, and strategies for disseminating scientific findings. The application must outline the CC's capacity to support clinical trials, biostatistical analyses, and standardized protocols for multi-site research projects. Letters of support from institutional leadership are required to confirm commitment to the program’s goals.

Applications are due January 25, 2025, at 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization. Early submission is encouraged to allow for corrections if needed. Applicants must follow the NIH guidelines for electronic submission through ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or an institutional system-to-system solution.

Applications will be reviewed based on significance, investigator qualifications, innovation, approach, and environment. Reviewers will evaluate the CC's ability to facilitate collaboration, provide technical and biostatistical support, coordinate pilot projects, and promote the career development of early-stage investigators. Plans for evaluation, data management, and dissemination of findings will also be assessed. Final funding decisions will consider scientific merit, programmatic priorities, and availability of funds.

For additional information, applicants can contact NIMHD staff, including Rada Dagher, Ph.D. (rada.dagher@nih.gov) for scientific/research inquiries and Priscilla Grant, JD (grantp@mail.nih.gov) for financial or grants management questions. Complete submission and program details are provided in the NIH Application Guide. This funding opportunity underscores NIMHD’s commitment to advancing research and fostering collaborations to improve minority health and reduce health disparities.