Research Grants to Rigorously Evaluate Innovative and Promising Approaches to Prevent Firearm-Related Violence and Injuries

The Research Grants to Rigorously Evaluate Innovative and Promising Approaches to Prevent Firearm Related Violence and Injuries opportunity is administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through its National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. As part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC plays a central role in public health research and prevention efforts. This funding opportunity reflects the agency’s commitment to advancing evidence based strategies that address firearm related injuries, deaths, and violence while explicitly maintaining respect for the rights of lawful firearm ownership. The program is structured to support investigator initiated research that contributes to a stronger scientific understanding of prevention strategies across diverse populations and settings. The primary purpose of this opportunity is to rigorously evaluate innovative and promising approaches aimed at reducing firearm related harm. The scope of research includes, but is not limited to, mass shootings, firearm related homicides and assaults, suicides and self harm, unintentional injuries and deaths, defensive gun use, and broader firearm related crime. Applicants are encouraged to explore interventions across multiple levels, including individual, family, community, and societal factors. Research may also focus on specific populations such as youth, veterans, rural communities, and individuals at risk of harming themselves or others, as well as different environments such as homes, schools, and online settings. The funding structure provides two distinct options. Funding Option A supports projects that rely exclusively on existing data and do not involve implementing new prevention activities. These projects may receive up to 350000 dollars per year for a period of up to two years. Funding Option B supports projects that include new data collection or implementation of prevention strategies and may receive up to 650000 dollars per year for a period of up to three years. Both options allow for direct and indirect costs, and applicants must choose only one option when submitting their proposal. The total estimated program funding is 13500000 dollars with approximately twelve awards anticipated. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive, reflecting the unrestricted nature of the program. Eligible applicants include public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations with or without 501c3 status, small businesses, for profit entities, and various levels of government including state, county, city, and tribal governments. Independent school districts and public housing authorities are also eligible. Faith based organizations are explicitly included. While eligibility is open, additional clarifications are expected to be detailed in the full Notice of Funding Opportunity when released. The application process requires electronic submission through appropriate federal grant systems, with applications due no later than 1159 pm Eastern Time on the stated deadline. While specific application components are not detailed in the forecast, applicants can expect standard federal research proposal requirements including project narratives, budgets, and supporting documentation. Evaluation criteria will likely emphasize scientific rigor, methodological soundness, feasibility, and potential public health impact, consistent with CDC research funding practices. The timeline for this opportunity indicates that it is currently in a forecast stage. The estimated posting date is October 1 2026, with an anticipated application deadline of December 1 2026. Awards are expected to be made by August 28 2027, with a projected project start date of September 30 2027. This opportunity does not require cost sharing or matching funds. As a forecasted opportunity, applicants are encouraged to begin early preparation and monitor for the official Notice of Funding Opportunity release, which will provide comprehensive application instructions and requirements. For additional information, applicants may contact Joyce Dieterly at the CDC via the provided email ncipc_erpo at cdc dot gov or by phone at 4047185301. As this is a federal research initiative with significant public health implications, applicants should ensure alignment with CDC priorities and demonstrate strong evaluation methodologies in their proposed work.

Emphasize rigorous evaluation methods, clear evidence based approach, and alignment with firearm injury prevention priorities