Science and Technology Grants

The Humanities Montana Film + Video grant program is a competitive initiative designed to foster the development, production, and distribution of documentary films and series. These projects must engage general audiences with humanities ideas in creative and appealing ways, aligning with Humanities Montana's mission to deepen public understanding of significant humanities questions. The program supports projects grounded in humanities scholarship, requiring a thoughtful, balanced, and analytical approach to subjects, while also demonstrating the potential to attract a broad general audience. The primary beneficiaries of this program are media producers collaborating with scholars, as well as the general public who will consume the resulting film and video content. The impact goals are to enhance public understanding of humanities themes, foster analytical thinking, and engage communities and cultures represented in the project content. The program aims to support projects that not only present diverse perspectives but also involve humanities scholars in all aspects, from research and script development to production and post-production. The grant prioritizes projects that focus on clearly defined humanities themes, build on sound humanities scholarship, and actively engage the general public in learning through appealing and accessible formats. Funding is categorized into three stages: Stage One for research and script development (up to $8,000), Stage Two for production (up to $10,000), and Stage Three for post-production and public distribution (up to $10,000). Each stage has specific prerequisites and expected deliverables, ensuring a structured progression of projects. Expected outcomes include the creation of completed scripts or detailed treatments in Stage One, rough cuts of films or videos in Stage Two, and fully distributed projects with public programming, outreach, and evaluation plans in Stage Three. Humanities Montana's strategic priority is to support major projects that may require multiyear support and significant stages of research, development, and production. The theory of change is that by funding high-quality, humanities-focused documentary films, they can effectively reach and engage broad audiences, thereby deepening public understanding and appreciation of the humanities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments and economic organizations in Colorado to conduct studies that assess their potential for developing semiconductor and advanced industries, excluding established industry areas.

The Alliance for Pediatric Device Innovation (APDI) is offering grants up to $50,000 for pediatric medical devices aimed at improving the monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment of youth substance use disorders and addiction. Up to $150,000 in total grant funds are available for distribution. Eligible applicants include inventors from established businesses, startups, and academic researchers with commercializable device concepts that address unmet pediatric needs. The goal is to support the development of devices that can be commercialized, with an emphasis on bridging the gap between prototyping and FDA approval, marketing, and sales. Proposals should focus on innovations such as AI-based diagnostic tools, digital therapeutics, wearable devices, and neuromodulation therapies. The application deadline is July 30, 2024, and winners will be announced on August 15, 2024.

This funding opportunity supports local governments and economic development organizations in Colorado to promote their semiconductor-related assets and attract investment, particularly in regions outside the state's core semiconductor hubs.

The DoD Reconstructive Transplant Research Investigator-Initiated Research Award is a funding opportunity aimed at supporting innovative and impactful research projects that contribute to reconstructive transplant science, improve patient care, and enhance the quality of life, with a particular focus on addressing the healthcare needs of military service members, veterans, and their families.

The Humanities Montana’s Community Project Grants support public humanities programming throughout Montana. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to strengthen community and culture by promoting civic engagement, sparking thoughtful community dialogue, and reflecting on the human experience across the state. These grants are designed to foster bold and innovative projects that are meaningful to local communities and inspire timely community conversations. The primary target beneficiaries are the general public across Montana, with a particular emphasis on engaging diverse communities and cultures. The impact goals include deepening public understanding of significant humanities questions, building on sound humanities scholarship, and fostering analytical approaches that present a variety of perspectives. The program aims to strengthen cultural understanding and civic participation through accessible and appealing formats. The program prioritizes projects focused on clearly defined humanities themes. Funding is available for a wide array of formats, including storytelling, historical analysis, public writing workshops, literacy programs, ethical inquiry, interpretation at historic sites, book festivals, exhibits, lectures, speaker series, panel discussions, teacher institutes & workshops, humanities program planning, reading & discussion programs, and various humanities events. All projects must involve humanities scholars (academic, professional, or subject-expert) in all aspects and require at least one confirmed subject-expert. Expected outcomes include increased public engagement with humanities topics, enhanced community dialogue, and a deeper reflection on the human experience. Measurable results will likely be demonstrated through the reach and participation in the programs, the quality of humanities scholarship integrated, and the active involvement of communities and cultures represented in project content. For projects involving Native American communities, letters of support from participating scholars, researchers, and/or program participants are required, outlining their involvement. The maximum award for these grants ranges from $2,000 to $10,000.

The National Academy of Sciences Gulf Research Program is investing $50 million in the Gulf Futures Challenge to fund projects addressing critical challenges in the Gulf region. The Challenge aims to discover and promote innovative and transformative solutions by leveraging the talent and knowledge of the Gulf's people. The competition focuses on three main areas: energy transition, environmental change along the coast, and healthy and resilient communities. Up to ten finalists will receive up to $1 million in project development support, with two finalists awarded $20 million each to implement their solutions. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, state, local, and tribal governments, and academic institutions from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, or Texas, with projects located within 100 miles of the Gulf coastline. The registration deadline is August 20, 2024, and the application deadline is September 20, 2024.

The DoD Reconstructive Transplant, Advanced Technology Development Award is a funding opportunity aimed at supporting research that translates promising preclinical findings into products or knowledge-based resources that can improve reconstructive transplantation, particularly for military service members, veterans, and their families, with a budget not exceeding $1.0M for single PI applications and $1.5M for multiple PI applications.

The CDMRP Neurofibromatosis Clinical Trial Award is designed to support the implementation of clinical trials that aim to significantly improve the treatment or management of Neurofibromatosis, encouraging collaborations among various sectors including academia, industry, military services, and federal agencies.

This grant provides funding for innovative research proposals from universities, non-profits, and businesses to develop disruptive technologies that enhance the U.S. Army's capabilities for future operations.

The 2024 General Grants Program, managed by The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County, offers general operating support (unrestricted grants) to eligible nonprofits. This program directly aligns with the Foundation's mission to support charitable organizations whose programs primarily benefit San Luis Obispo County residents, thereby improving the overall quality of life in the community. The flexibility of general operating support allows recipient organizations to allocate funds where they are most needed, supporting their foundational work and ensuring the sustained delivery of critical services within the county. The program targets a broad range of beneficiaries across San Luis Obispo County, focusing on direct services for those in need. Specifically, the grants aim to impact individuals benefiting from services related to arts, environment, health & human services, and seniors and people with disabilities. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen the local nonprofit ecosystem, enabling these organizations to more effectively address key community challenges and enhance the well-being of the county's residents. The program prioritizes several key focus areas. In the arts, it supports organizations that promote the creation, engagement, and appreciation of diverse art forms and local history. Environmental grants concentrate on education and sustainability, including efforts in climate mitigation, sustainable agriculture and forestry, and water and land conservation. Health & Human Services funding is directed towards improving the quality of life through basic needs provision and social service programs. Finally, a dedicated focus area supports organizations providing direct services for individuals with disabilities and/or seniors. Organizations can apply for either a one- or two-year grant, with maximum amounts of $12,000 and $24,000 respectively, and a clear preference for these durations. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the expected outcomes are tied to the successful implementation of programs within the focus areas, leading to improved community engagement in the arts, enhanced environmental sustainability, better access to basic needs and social services, and improved quality of life for seniors and people with disabilities. The Foundation's strategic priority is clearly to invest in organizations that directly serve and benefit San Luis Obispo County residents, fostering a healthier and more vibrant community.

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County is launching its 2024 BUILD (building unity, infrastructure, leadership, and development) Grant Program, a direct reflection of its mission to strengthen charitable organizations within the county. This program specifically targets nonprofit agencies with an annual operating budget of $500,000 or less, aiming to bolster their capacity and infrastructure. The foundation's strategic priority is clearly to empower smaller, local nonprofits, recognizing their vital role in serving San Luis Obispo County residents. The primary beneficiaries of the BUILD Grant Program are these smaller nonprofit organizations, along with the communities they serve. The impact goal is to enhance the operational effectiveness and sustainability of these agencies, thereby improving their ability to deliver programs and services to the residents of San Luis Obispo County. By strengthening these organizations from within, the foundation seeks to create a ripple effect that ultimately benefits the broader community through more robust and impactful charitable work. The program prioritizes both general operating purposes and specific projects in several key areas. These include capacity building, staff or board training and development, communications or donor development efforts, and capital equipment improvement (such as hardware, software, or furniture). The foundation will specifically prioritize one-year grants, offering $5,000 to successful applicants. This focused approach ensures that funding directly addresses critical needs that contribute to an organization's long-term health and efficiency. Expected outcomes include improved organizational infrastructure, enhanced staff and board capabilities, more effective communication strategies, and modernized equipment, all contributing to increased operational efficiency and program delivery. While the description doesn't explicitly detail measurable results, the focus on tangible improvements in capacity, training, and equipment suggests that the foundation expects a clear, positive impact on the grantees' ability to fulfill their missions. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by investing in the foundational strength of smaller nonprofits, it can catalyze greater community benefit and resilience in San Luis Obispo County.

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County is offering its Senior Dance Grants Program, aligning with its mission to support community building and social interaction. This program is specifically designed to fund 501(c)(3) organizations that offer music and dancing programs aimed at seniors. The grant duration is up to one year, with individual awards ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, and a maximum grant award of $10,000 per concentration. This initiative underscores the Foundation's strategic priority to foster programs that directly benefit specific demographics within San Luis Obispo County, thereby contributing to its broader theory of change which emphasizes community well-being through engagement and support for local non-profits. The target beneficiaries of this program are seniors within San Luis Obispo County, with a primary goal of encouraging social interaction and community building. The Foundation's focus is on programs that use music and dancing as a medium to achieve these objectives. The expected outcomes include increased social engagement among seniors, improved community connections, and enhanced quality of life through participation in structured, enjoyable activities. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the funding amounts and grant duration, the emphasis on "social interaction and community building" suggests that successful applicants would demonstrate how their programs contribute to these areas, potentially through participation rates, feedback, or observed improvements in social connectivity. Eligibility for the Senior Dance Grants Program requires applicants to possess current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or a memorandum of understanding for fiscal sponsorship. The Foundation has a clear set of exclusions, indicating its priorities and what it deems outside the scope of its funding. These exclusions include grants to individuals, organizations that discriminate, fraternal organizations (unless for community-wide programs), governmental organizations, and those with indirect administrative costs exceeding 15% of the awarded funds. The Foundation also excludes funding for fundraising events, religiously affiliated organizations (unless open to all), political campaigns, organizations outside San Luis Obispo County (unless for specific local benefit), debt repayment, endowment funds, and scholarships or research. These exclusions highlight the Foundation's strategic priorities: to support programs that are inclusive, directly benefit the community, operate efficiently with reasonable administrative costs, and focus on direct program delivery rather than fundraising or political activities. By carefully defining what it will not fund, the Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County ensures that its resources are directed towards programs that most effectively align with its mission of enhancing community life, particularly for seniors, through direct and impactful interventions in San Luis Obispo County.

The NFRP Investigator-Initiated Research Award supports highly rigorous, high-impact research projects that have the potential to make an important contribution to NF research and/or patient care. Research projects may focus on any phase of research, excluding clinical trials. The rationale for a research idea may be derived from laboratory discovery, population-based studies, a clinicians firsthand knowledge of patients, or anecdotal data. Applications must include preliminary and/or published data that are relevant to NF and the proposed research project.

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County is offering grants to individuals seeking self-sufficiency and requiring transitional assistance to overcome short-term or one-time barriers. This program aligns with the foundation's mission, established through a testamentary gift by former Mayor Ron Dunin and his wife Helen, to assist those attempting to help themselves, echoing their own experiences as immigrants who received crucial support. The Dunins' goal was to give back to the community and help San Luis Obispo County residents in need, a sentiment deeply embedded in the foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change, which centers on empowering individuals to achieve independence through timely, targeted support. The target beneficiaries are individuals striving for self-sufficiency in San Luis Obispo County who face a temporary obstacle. The impact goals are to provide "a leg up" through one-time assistance that removes significant barriers to self-sufficiency. The program focuses on individuals who have demonstrated initiative in helping themselves and aims to fill gaps in existing support networks, rather than supplanting other funding or addressing ongoing needs. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in specific barriers to self-sufficiency for as many individuals/families as possible, with sufficient support provided to ensure effective barrier removal. Funding priorities include one-time assistance that creates a substantial difference in removing hurdles to self-sufficiency, targeted at those actively trying to improve their circumstances. The foundation prioritizes aid that provides "a leg up" for long-term impact, rather than short-term or ongoing needs. This assistance should benefit as many individuals/families as possible while still being robust enough to overcome the identified barrier. Crucially, the support must fill a gap in the existing support network and not replace other available funding. The foundation's theory of change emphasizes the power of strategic, one-time interventions to catalyze self-sufficiency. By collaborating with organizations that have established relationships with target populations, possess the capacity to administer hardship assistance, and can maximize direct aid while leveraging existing infrastructure, the program aims to achieve a high return on investment. The foundation's strategic priority is to support charitable organizations whose programs directly benefit San Luis Obispo County residents, ensuring that grant funds are efficiently and effectively deployed to foster community well-being and individual empowerment. The maximum grant award is $5,000, with a one-year grant period.

With this solicitation, NIJ seeks to provide funding for operation of the Secretariat of Subcommittee 37 (SC 37) under the Joint Technical Committee 1 (JTC 1) of the International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/IEC).

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County's "Growing Together: An LGBTQ Fund" is an initiative established in 2001 to address the needs of the LGBTQI community within San Luis Obispo County. This fund aligns with the foundation's broader mission to support charitable organizations and promote philanthropy by specifically focusing on providing grants and raising community awareness for this often underserved population. The foundation aims to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment through targeted funding and community engagement efforts, reflecting its strategic priority of addressing critical community needs. The grant program primarily targets 501c3 organizations within San Luis Obispo County that are implementing programs benefiting the LGBTQ+ community. The core beneficiaries include queer and trans people of color (QTPOC), transgender and nonbinary individuals, and LGBTQ+ people in areas lacking affirming community spaces. The overarching impact goals are to reduce discrimination, advance healthcare equity, improve physical and mental health outcomes, and enhance community connectedness and safety for LGBTQ+ individuals throughout the county. The fund prioritizes one-year grants for programs that focus on three key areas. First, it seeks to demonstrate strategies to reach out to, involve, and center QTPOC, recognizing the amplified discrimination they face due to intersecting systems of oppression like racism, sexism, and heterosexism. Second, it focuses on advancing medical and mental health care for transgender and nonbinary people, addressing the significant health disparities, stigma, and lack of culturally competent care they encounter. Third, the fund aims to create queer spaces in currently unserved areas of the county, acknowledging the importance of safe community spaces for promoting safety, connectedness, and mental well-being among LGBTQ+ individuals. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a reduction in health disparities for QTPOC and transgender/nonbinary people, evidenced by changes in organizational policies and practices, and improved physical and mental health statistics. For queer spaces, outcomes would involve the expansion of resources for local organizations to create physical spaces and the development of new, sustainable support or wellness groups. The foundation's theory of change posits that by supporting initiatives that directly address discrimination, improve access to care, and create affirming community environments, it can contribute to a more equitable, healthy, and connected San Luis Obispo County for its LGBTQ+ residents. The fund's commitment to supporting creative initiatives and strategies that move QTPOC from the margins to the center is a testament to this strategic priority.

The "Privacy-Preserving Data Sharing in Practice" grant aims to fund research and development projects that create practical, scalable technologies for sharing data in a way that preserves privacy, with a focus on advancing privacy-enhancing technologies for artificial intelligence, developing tools and testbeds for safe data sharing, and promoting the usability and inclusiveness of these solutions.

The Academy of Kidney Cancer Investigators (AKCI) is a unique, interactive virtual academy that provides, intensive mentoring, national networking, and a peer group for scientist and clinician junior faculty. The KCRP created the Academy of Kidney Cancer Investigators in FY19 to align with several program priorities, which include to build research capacity in kidney cancer; increase collaborations to advance kidney cancer research, and support innovative research conducted by the next generation of kidney cancer scientists and clinicians. The overarching goal of the AKCI is to increase research capacity in kidney cancer through the development of successful, highly productive kidney cancer researchers in a collaborative research and training environment. The AKCI is a virtual career development and research training platform that currently consists of 11 Early-Career Scholars (ECS)/Designated Mentor pairs from different institutions, and one Academy Director. It is expected that six Early-Career Scholars will graduate by the fall of 2025 and four FY23 AKCI Early-Career Scholars/Designated Mentor awards will be made by September 2024. In addition, Academy graduates will continue to participate in the annual Academy meetings. Information about the Academy is available on the KCRP webpage and in the Kidney Cancer Program Booklet at https://cdmrp.health.mil/kcrp. The AKCI leadership team will identify opportunities for engagement with KCRP AKCI Scholars-Designated Mentors and KCRP FY25 (and subsequent year awardees) Postdoctoral and Clinical Fellowship Awardees. The Academy Director and Deputy Director catalyze the growth and professional development of the Early-Career Scholars in collaboration with their Designated Mentors, assess the progress of the ECSs, and facilitate communication and collaboration among all of the Academy members. The AKCI leadership team will also identify and offer opportunities for engagement (e.g., invitations to seminar series and in-person meetings) with FY24 Postdoctoral and Clinical Fellowship Awardees with FY24 KCRP AKCI-ECS-Designated Mentors (and subsequent year awardees). This FY24 funding opportunity is soliciting applications for an Academy Director (Principal Investigator [PI]) and Deputy Director (Partnering PI) to lead the AKCI. The newly selected FY24 Academy Director and Deputy Director will initiate their responsibilities no later than October 2025. The Academy Director and Deputy Director (hereafter referred to as Academy Leadership) must be established kidney cancer researchers and can be at different institutions. The Academy Leadership must demonstrate a strong record of mentoring and training early career investigators, a commitment to leadership, the ability to articulate methods toward research collaborations, and the ability to objectively assess the progress of all Scholars with their Designated Mentors in the AKCI. Other objectives will include execution of research that will engage AKCI FY24 Scholars (including subsequent-year Scholars), develop tools for Scholars to enable success, and provide opportunities to broaden their knowledge in kidney and renal pelvis cancers. The leadership team will identify and offer occasion(s) for the AKCI to network with KCRP FY24 Postdoctoral and Clinical Fellowship Awardees (and subsequent year awardees). Designated Mentors on FY24 KCRP AKCI Early-Career Scholar Award applications and Designated Mentors on open FY19 through FY23 KCRP AKCI Early-Career Scholar Awards (with the exception of those graduating in 2024) are not eligible to apply for this award. Note: An invited oral presentation is a requirement for application review of the KCRP AKCI LA, as described in Section II.D.2.b.iv, Additional Application Components. Responsibilities of the Academy Leadership include, but are not limited to: Act as a resource for all Scholars and Designated Mentors in the Academy over the Scholars 4-year period of performance. Facilitate communication and collaboration among all Scholars and Designated Mentors (including periodic interactive communication among all Academy members). Develop assessment criteria to evaluate the research progress made by all Scholars, as well as their career progression and sustainment as independent investigators in kidney cancer research. Conduct collaborative kidney cancer pilot project(s) that include Academy Scholars. These pilot projects should have the potential to improve collaboration within the Academy, as well as impact kidney cancer research and/or kidney cancer patients/survivors. o Examples of pilot research projects may include but are not limited to (a) funding an extended statistical or bioinformatics analysis with AKCI Scholars, (b) performing a large-scale meta-analysis of human or animal datasets with AKCI scholars, (c) provide access to critical biorepositories or animal models to expand AKCI investigator analyses or increase study rigor. Provide constructive critiques with the goal of advancing the research and professional careers of the Scholars and strengthening the mentorship of the Designated Mentors. Provide avenues to increase the promotion of the Academy and visibility of Scholars within kidney cancer research and advocacy communities (e.g., peer review, conferences, editorial boards). Support the professional development, to include laboratory management skills, of the Scholars into leading researchers through invited presentations by experts outside of the AKCI LA. Plan and host an annual 1-day workshop and, biennially, a multi-day workshop for all Scholars/Designated Mentor pairs as well as Academy graduates to present their research, share knowledge, and develop collaborative efforts within the AKCI. Scholars will be responsible for their own travel costs to in-person Academy meetings. Include KCRP FY24 Postdoctoral and Clinical Fellowship Awardees in at least one meeting of the FY24 AKCI. These investigators will be responsible for their own travel costs, funds for which are included in their research awards. Establish a panel of patient advocates and Veteran(s) (i.e., the Patient Advocacy Panel) to inform the AKCI on the needs of the patient community. Establish the Designated Mentor Panel to facilitate collaborations among the AKCI participants including the Scholars, Academy Director/Deputy Director, and the Designated Mentors. The Academy of Kidney Cancer Investigators Leadership Award is structured to support two PIs. The Academy Director will be identified as the Initiating PI and will be responsible for the majority of the administrative tasks associated with application submission. The Deputy Director will be identified as the Partnering PI. The collaboration between the Academy Director and the Deputy Director should be supported by complementary expertise and experience. Initiating and Partnering PIs each have different submission requirements, as described in Section II.D.2, Content and Form of the Application Submission; however, both PIs should contribute significantly to the development of the proposed research project. The application should clearly demonstrate that both PIs have equal levels of input on the proposed Academy Leadership and clearly define the components to be addressed by each to support the success of the Scholars. While it is up to the Academy Director and the Deputy Director to define their roles, both Academy Leaders should have interactions with each Scholar-Designated Mentor pair, (and the Scholars Designated Mentors); acting as administrative support does not fulfill the intent of the Director and Deputy Director. If recommended for funding, each PI will be named on separate awards to the recipient organization(s). Each award will be subject to separate reporting, regulatory, and administrative requirements. For individual submission requirements for the Initiating and Partnering PI(s), refer to Section II.D.2, Content and Form of the Application Submission. Organizational-Level Emphasis: The following areas of emphasis are broadly applicable to many CDMRP programs, not just the KCRP. Investigators are encouraged to consider addressing these areas in their applications if doing so is appropriate for their line of research, addresses the FY24 KCRP strategic priorities and/focus areas described in Section II.A.1 and Section II.A.2. Nuclear Medicine: Innovative research involving nuclear medicine and related techniques to support early diagnosis, more effective treatment, and improved health outcomes of active-duty Service Members and their Families is encouraged. Such research could improve diagnostic and targeted treatment capabilities through noninvasive techniques and may drive the development of precision imaging and advanced targeted therapies. Womens Health: CDMRP encourages research on health areas and conditions that affect women uniquely, disproportionately, or differently from men, including studies analyzing sex as a biological variable. Such research should relate anticipated project findings to improvements in womens health outcomes and/or advancing knowledge for womens health. Metastatic Cancer Task Force: A congressionally mandated Metastatic Cancer Task Force was formed with the purpose of identifying ways to help accelerate clinical and translational research aimed at extending the lives of advanced state and recurrent patients. As a member of the Metastatic Cancer Task Force, CDMRP encourages applicants to review the recommendations (https://health.mil/Reference-Center/Congressional-Testimonies/2018/05/03/Metastatic-Cancer-Research) and submit research ideas to address these recommendations provided they are within the limitations of this funding opportunity and fit within the FY24 KCRP priorities. Rigorous Study Design: All projects should adhere to a core set of standards for rigorous study design and reporting to maximize the reproducibility and translational potential of clinical and preclinical research. The standards are described in SC Landis et al., 2012, A call for transparent reporting to optimize the predictive value of preclinical research, Nature 490:187-191 (https://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v490/n7419/full/nature11556.html). While these standards are written for preclinical studies, the basic principles of randomization, blinding, sample-size estimation, and data handling derive from well-established best practices in clinical studies. Military Service Involvement: Applications from investigators within the military services and applications involving multidisciplinary collaborations among academia, industry, the military services, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and other federal government agencies are highly encouraged. These relationships can leverage knowledge, infrastructure, and access to unique clinical populations that the collaborators bring to the research effort, ultimately advancing research that is of significance to Service Members, Veterans, and/or their Families. If the proposed research relies on access to unique resources or databases, the application must describe the access at the time of submission and include a plan for maintaining access as needed throughout the proposed research. Clinical trials are not allowed under this funding opportunity. A clinical trial is defined in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 45, Part 46.102 (45 CFR 46.102) as a research study in which one or more human subjects are prospectively assigned to one or more interventions (which may include a placebo or another control) to evaluate the effects of the interventions on biomedical or behavioral health-related outcomes. Studies that do not seek to measure safety, effectiveness, and/or efficacy outcome(s) of an intervention are not considered clinical trials. For the purposes of this funding opportunity, research that meets the definition of a clinical trial is distinct from clinical research. Clinical research encompasses research with human data, human specimens, and/or interaction with human subjects. Clinical research is observational in nature and includes: (1) Research conducted with human subjects and/or material of human origin such as data, specimens, and cognitive phenomena for which an investigator (or co-investigator) does not seek to assess the safety, effectiveness, and/or efficacy outcomes of an intervention. Research meeting this definition may include but is not limited to: (a) mechanisms of human disease, (b) diagnostic or detection studies (e.g., biomarker or imaging), (c) health disparity studies, and (d) development of new technologies. (2) Epidemiologic and behavioral studies that do not seek to assess the safety, effectiveness, and/or efficacy outcomes of an intervention. (3) Outcomes research and health services research that do not fit under the definition of clinical trial. Excluded from the definition of clinical research are in vitro studies that utilize human data or specimens that cannot be linked to a living individual and meet the requirements for exemption under 46.104(d)(4) of the Common Rule. The funding instrument for awards made under the program announcement will be cooperative agreements (31 USC 6305). Substantial CDMRP programmatic involvement with recipients is anticipated during the performance of award activities. Substantial involvement means that, after award, CDMRP staff will assist, guide, coordinate, or participate in project activities including but not limited to: Participating in the Steering Committee that oversees study conduct. Make recommendations for continued funding based on (a) overall study progress, including sufficient patient and/or data accrual; (b) cooperation in carrying out the research (e.g., attendance at Steering Committee meetings, implementation of group decisions, compliance with the terms of award and reporting requirements); and/or (c) maintenance of a high quality of research. The anticipated combined direct costs budgeted for the entire period of performance for a FY24 KCRP AKCI LA should not exceed $1,500,000. Refer to Section II.D.5, Funding Restrictions, for detailed funding information. Awards supported with FY24 funds will be made no later than September 30, 2025. The CDMRP expects to allot approximately $2.4M to fund approximately one KCRP Academy of Kidney Cancer Investigator Leadership Award application (consisting of an Initiating PI application and a Partnering PI application). Funding of applications received is contingent upon the availability of federal funds for this program, the number of applications received, the quality and merit of the applications as evaluated by peer and programmatic review, and the requirements of the government. Funds to be obligated on any award resulting from this funding opportunity will be available for use for a limited time period based on the fiscal year of the funds. It is anticipated that awards made from this FY24 funding opportunity will be funded with FY24 and FY26 funds, which will expire for use on September 30, 2030, and September 30, 2032, respectively.

The FY24 KCRP Concept Award supports highly innovative, untested, potentially groundbreaking novel concepts in kidney cancer. The Concept Award is not intended to support an incremental progression of an already established research project but, instead, it allows Principal Investigators (PIs) the opportunity to pursue serendipitous observations. Preliminary data are not allowed and should not be discussed. This award mechanism supports high-risk studies that have the potential to reveal entirely new avenues for investigation. Applications must describe how the new idea will enhance the existing knowledge of kidney cancer or develop an innovative and novel course of investigation. Research completed through a Concept Award may generate sufficient preliminary data to enable the PI to prepare an application for future research.Organizational-Level Emphasis Areas:The following areas of emphasis are broadly applicable to many CDMRP programs, not just the KCRP. Investigators are encouraged to consider addressing these areas in their applications if doing so is appropriate for their line of research, addresses the FY24 KCRP strategic priorities and/or focus areas described in Section II.A.1 and Section II.A.2.Nuclear Medicine: Innovative research involving nuclear medicine and related techniques to support early diagnosis, more effective treatment, and improved health outcomes of active-duty Service Members and their Families is encouraged. Such research could improve diagnostic and targeted treatment capabilities through noninvasive techniques and may drive the development of precision imaging and advanced targeted therapies.Womens Health: CDMRP encourages research on health areas and conditions that affect women uniquely, disproportionately, or differently from men, including studies analyzing sex as a biological variable. Such research should relate anticipated project findings to improvements in womens health outcomes and/or advancing knowledge for womens health.Metastatic Cancer Task Force: A congressionally mandated Metastatic Cancer Task Force was formed with the purpose of identifying ways to help accelerate clinical and translational research aimed at extending the lives of advanced state and recurrent patients. As a member of the Metastatic Cancer Task Force, CDMRP encourages applicants to review the recommendations (https://health.mil/Reference-Center/Congressional-Testimonies/2018/05/03/Metastatic-Cancer-Research) and submit research ideas to address these recommendations provided they are within the limitations of this funding opportunity and fit within the FY24 KCRP priorities.Rigorous Study Design: All projects should adhere to a core set of standards for rigorous study design and reporting to maximize the reproducibility and translational potential of clinical and preclinical research. The standards are described in SC Landis et al., 2012, A call for transparent reporting to optimize the predictive value of preclinical research, Nature 490:187-191 (https://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v490/n7419/full/nature11556.html). While these standards are written for preclinical studies, the basic principles of randomization, blinding, sample-size estimation, and data handling derive from well-established best practices in clinical studies.Military Service Involvement: Applications from investigators within the military services and applications involving multidisciplinary collaborations among academia, industry, the military services, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and other federal government agencies are highly encouraged. These relationships can leverage knowledge, infrastructure, and access to unique clinical populations that the collaborators bring to the research effort, ultimately advancing research that is of significance to Service Members, Veterans, and/or their Families. If the proposed research relies on access to unique resources or databases, the application must describe the access at the time of submission and include a plan for maintaining access as needed throughout the proposed research.Reviewers will be blinded to the identity of the Principal Investigator (PI), collaborator(s), and their organization(s). Refer to Section II.D.2.b.i, Full Application Guidelines, for more information.Clinical trials are not allowed under this funding opportunity.A clinical trial is defined in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 45, Part 46.102 (45 CFR 46.102) as a research study in which one or more human subjects are prospectively assigned to one or more interventions (which may include a placebo or another control) to evaluate the effects of the interventions on biomedical or behavioral health-related outcomes.Studies that do not seek to measure safety, effectiveness, and/or efficacy outcome(s) of an intervention are not considered clinical trials.For the purposes of this funding opportunity, research that meets the definition of a clinical trial is distinct from clinical research. Clinical research encompasses research with human data, human specimens, and/or interaction with human subjects. Clinical research is observational in nature and includes:(1) Research conducted with human subjects and/or material of human origin such as data, specimens, and cognitive phenomena for which an investigator (or co-investigator) does not seek to assess the safety, effectiveness, and/or efficacy outcomes of an intervention. Research meeting this definition may include but is not limited to: (a) mechanisms of human disease, (b) diagnostic or detection studies (e.g., biomarker or imaging), (c) health disparity studies, and (d) development of new technologies.(2) Epidemiologic and behavioral studies that do not seek to assess the safety, effectiveness, and/or efficacy outcomes of an intervention.(3) Outcomes research and health services research that do not fit under the definition of clinical trial.Excluded from the definition of clinical research are in vitro studies that utilize human data or specimens that cannot be linked to a living individual and meet the requirements for exemption under 46.104(d)(4) of the Common Rule.The funding instrument for awards made under the program announcement will be grants (31 USC 6304).The anticipated direct costs budgeted for the entire period of performance for an FY24 KCRP Concept Award should not exceed $100,000. Refer to Section II.D.5, Funding Restrictions, for detailed funding information.Awards supported with FY24 funds will be made no later than September 30, 2025.The CDMRP expects to allot approximately $1.44M to fund approximately nine Concept Award applications. Funding of applications received is contingent upon the availability of federal funds for this program, the number of applications received, the quality and merit of the applications as evaluated by peer and programmatic review, and the requirements of the government. Funds to be obligated on any award resulting from this funding opportunity will be available for use for a limited time period based on the fiscal year of the funds. It is anticipated that awards made from this FY24 funding opportunity will be funded with FY24 funds, which will expire for use on September 30, 2030.