The Minority Research Grant Program (MRGP) is a funding opportunity provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Office of Minority Health. The program aims to support innovative research focused on health equity to improve outcomes for minority populations. It addresses systemic health disparities, exploring factors such as social determinants of health (SDOH) and their impact on care accessibility and quality. Research funded through this program is expected to inform CMS's efforts to enhance equity in health care systems.

This program has an anticipated total funding of $1,275,000 and intends to award up to six grants, each with a maximum of $212,500 over a two-year period. A cost-sharing requirement mandates applicants to contribute at least 1% of the total project cost. Eligible applicants include public and private higher education institutions that are Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institutions, tribal colleges, and similar organizations serving underrepresented communities.

Applicants must address significant health equity issues, propose innovative solutions, and focus on specific areas such as housing stability, community-clinical linkages, food security, and transportation needs. The research should leverage existing CMS programs or policies and provide measurable outcomes to reduce disparities. The application should include a project abstract, detailed narrative, budget narrative, work plan, timeline, and supporting documents such as letters of support and Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval plans.

Applications are due by April 1, 2025, with an optional letter of intent submission by March 6, 2025. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov, following strict formatting and documentation requirements. Initial reviews will assess completeness and eligibility, while merit reviews will evaluate the significance, approach, innovation, and alignment of the project with CMS priorities.

Selected projects will be notified by September 30, 2025, and will begin no earlier than that date. Post-award requirements include progress reports, financial documentation, and adherence to nondiscrimination laws. Compliance with CMS and federal reporting standards is mandatory, ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of grant funds.