The Maternal and Child Health Public Health Catalyst Program, administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration under funding opportunity number HRSA-25-025, is designed to strengthen the maternal and child health workforce by addressing gaps in public health training and curriculum. This program focuses on building capacity within academic institutions to train diverse graduate students, expand maternal and child health-specific educational offerings, and enhance faculty expertise in maternal and child health. The program aims to improve maternal and child health outcomes by fostering a well-prepared, diverse workforce capable of addressing complex health challenges faced by mothers, children, and families.

The primary objectives of this program are to recruit and train graduate students in maternal and child health public health, develop and expand maternal and child health curricula, and increase faculty capacity within schools and programs of public health. Applicants must choose one of two tracks: Track 1, maternal and child health curriculum start-up, aimed at institutions with little to no existing maternal and child health curricula, or Track 2, maternal and child health curriculum expansion, intended for institutions with existing but limited maternal and child health program offerings. Both tracks aim to establish sustainable educational programs that address critical workforce shortages in maternal and child health fields.

Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, nonprofit private institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments, and Native American tribal organizations that are institutions of higher learning. Eligible domestic organizations must be located in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. Individuals are not eligible to apply for this funding opportunity.

HRSA anticipates awarding 10 grants, with an estimated total program funding of $1,350,000. Each award has a maximum ceiling of $135,000 per year. There is no minimum award floor, and cost-sharing or matching funds are not required. Funds are intended to support curriculum development, student training, faculty development, and program evaluation to ensure long-term sustainability and impact.

Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by January 23, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Required components include a project abstract, project narrative, budget narrative, and supporting documentation as outlined in the full Notice of Funding Opportunity. Proposals should demonstrate clear objectives, innovative approaches to curriculum development or expansion, measurable outcomes, and a plan for sustainability.

Applications will be evaluated based on alignment with program goals, clarity of proposed objectives, institutional capacity, innovation in curriculum design, and the program’s potential for long-term impact on the maternal and child health workforce. Successful applicants will also demonstrate their ability to recruit and train a diverse cohort of students and ensure faculty development in maternal and child health-focused education.

For additional information or technical assistance, applicants can contact Katie Van Nuys at KVanNuys@hrsa.gov or call (240) 290-2219. Further resources and updates are available on the HRSA Grants Website at https://grants.hrsa.gov/2010/Web2External/Interface/FundingCycle/ExternalView.aspx?fCycleID=f971b6d2-a56b-4af3-bc04-e2db6e742844.