One of the major challenges that both children and adults in the United States face is not eating a well-nourished diet and not getting enough physical activity.  As a result, an epidemic of obesity has plagued this country for years.  The government realizes that to combat the problem, several steps were needed, one of these better assessment tools for calorie intake and physical activity.  To accomplish this, funding under PAR 09-224 was established as a joint effort between the Department of Education, the Department of Food and Nutrition, the Health Department, and Income Security and Social Services.  This grant will remain open until July 5, 2012 and people involved are optimistic.

Several other government agencies are involved with this particular grant, such as the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the National Cancer Institute, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and others.  With all agencies and qualified applicants working as a team, the goal is for new and innovative research to be conducted so measurement tools and systems for dietary intake and physical activity could be improved upon.

Based on the findings from the research, appropriate agencies would have the ability to take a different approach in assessing diet and physical activity, as well as create better evaluation methods and assessment tools.  One of the problems with the current system is that the solution is across the board, regardless of the person’s age.  Instead, it has become apparent that children and adults need to be assessed differently for the numbers to be accurate.

In addition to age, it has also been discovered that because various cultures have different staple diets and some ethnic groups are naturally heavier than others, using the same tools for measuring and assessing was not acceptable.  Another difference that prompted this grant is that some people are able to get more physical activity than other people can.  For instance, a child or adult with a disability would not have the same opportunity to run around as someone healthy.  Overall, analysis and measurement of dietary intake and physical activity had to change.

With these two factors being comprised of several factors to include behavior and lifestyle, the information from the research would help in numerous ways.  As an example, many chronic diseases to include obesity and cancer, among others, could be prevented.  Even helping with weight loss and weight management would be an easier process if programs were being developed on accurate information.

In addition, by having a universal system in place for analyzing and measuring dietary intake and physical activity rather than self-assessments, which are commonly used at present time, room for error would be eliminated.  The great thing about the “Improving Diet and Physical Assessment R01” grant is that assessment instruments would be developed to meet new criteria for both dietary intake and physical activity separately.

For dietary assessment, assessment instruments used today include an estimation of calories consumed for individual types of foods, food records to measure daily intake over a specific timeframe, and 24-hour food intake recalls.  While each of these is based on a viable concept, problems exist.  For estimated calories consumed, quality of data and analytic techniques are flawed.  In the case of food records, an individual would need to be highly motivated, trained, and literate.  Then with 24-hour food intake recalls, the problem is that most people do not report enough information, usually associated with forgetting, issues with reporting portion size, and even personal biases of the individuals.

Moving on to current processes for physical activity, rather than information being gathered for different ages and physical abilities, it has all been rolled into one system.  Regarding questionnaires, while several different instruments exist, this too is lacking.  In the case of information being reported for everyone, for data to be accurate the grant would be helpful in developing assessments for both short and long-term activities, as well as physical ability.

Guidelines being used today show value in being involved with activities that help build strength, flexibility, and balance, something important for everyone, especially the aging population.  However, more attention is needed on assessment of specific activity types.  Another problem is that with questionnaires, many types of daily activity are not included such as cleaning house, working in the yard, etc.  Therefore, with this grant, solutions could be implemented that would capture all types of activities.

For both dietary intake and physical activity, this means that the current standards and tools are simply not adequate.  A primary example would be with dietary intake and self-administered analysis and measurements, which actually pose serious obstacles for both intervention and metabolic studies.  Because dietary intake and physical activity are so closely connected, the research coming out of this study will allow the appropriate departments to forge ahead in developing systems that are far more accurate.  Just a few of the research highlights include:

•    Test and refine methods for diet intake and physical activity assessments based on broader criteria

•    Develop or refine innovative methods of improving self-reporting for both dietary intake and physical activity

•    Improve current methods for measuring the type of physical activity and duration, as well as improve assessment methods for intake of specific foods

For the “Improving Diet and Physical Activity Assessment R01”, eligible applicants would include:

•    Governments
•    City/Township, County, State, Special District, Native American Tribal (both Federally and non-Federally recognized)
•    Education
•    Public and State Controlled of Higher Education
•    Non-Profit Organizations with and without a 501(c)(3) Status with the IRS, other than Institutes of Higher Education
•    Private Institutions of Higher Education
•    Businesses
•    For-Profit Organizations (Excluding Small Businesses)
•    Small Businesses
•    Miscellaneous
•    Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions
•    Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government
•    Faith or Community-Based Organizations
•    Hispanic Serving Institutions
•    Black Colleges and Universities
•    Indian and Native American Tribal Governments (Not Federally Recognized)
•    Non-Domestic (Non-US) Entities (Foreign Organizations)
•    Regional Organizations
•    Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities
•    US Territory or Possession

For any eligible applicants interested in this important grant, response must be submitted electronically through the Government grants website at www.grants.gov, using the SF424 Research and Related forms and the SF424 Application Guide.  However, prior to any application being submitted, the applicant would first be required to register by visiting the same Government website no later than 5:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.  Registration must be completed a minimum of four weeks prior to the date of application being submitted.

Sadly, cancer has devastated the lives of millions of people and today, this disease continues to strike people of all ages, lifestyles, genders, races, and income levels.  With this grant listed as Funding Opportunity Number PA-08-267, applicants would have a wonderful opportunity to get involved until September 7, 2012.  The grant is being promoted through the Department of Education and the Department of Health with an award ceiling of $200,000.

As a part of the ongoing fight against cancer, the “Exploratory Studies in Cancer Detection, Diagnosis, and Prognosis (R21)” grant, organizations and institutions would have the opportunity to develop but also test innovative methods for detecting, diagnosing, and understanding the prognosis of cancer.  Although research would cover many areas, the primary focus would be in identifying, developing, and testing methods that would make the detection of cancer more accurate and effective.

With this, the research would make it possible for different characteristics of this disease to be detected, which in turn would make clinical management of people with the disease better.  However, with this focus, experts believe the information would also help in reducing risk of developing cancer.  To accomplish this, it would be essential for the research to look at unique characteristics of tumors, pre-malignant, and normal tissues to identify differences at the cellular and molecular levels.

From there, the differences would be correlated with clinical parameters, which ultimately would aid in the process of getting needed answers for the detection, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cancer.  This particular grant is unique in that so much of the focus will be on early and conceptual states of different research projects.  Over the years, the one area that has remained a challenge is getting necessary support for early studies because most are exploratory.  Because of this, the studies have a history of not being developed on a sufficient level and even thought of as too high risk.

However, with this new grant, the goal is for it to serve as a foundation so future clinical research could be planned more efficiently.  This particular grant will also involve research and studies to support new ideas, as well as in-depth preliminary information that could be used as evidence in the detection, diagnosis, and prognosis of this horrific disease.  Without doubt, for better screening of cancer and more effective risk assessment for pathologic characters of malignant tumors and disease prognosis, it is essential for new laboratory assays and biomarkers to be developed.

With this grant being a partnership between the Division of Cancer Prevention and the Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, hope is high for an excellent outcome.  A few examples of the topics that would be deemed appropriate and goals for this grant include the following:

•    Innovative approaches to clinical questions pertaining to the adoption, adaptation, and optimization of assays and techniques.  For instance, laboratory assays would need to use people with cancer and comparison of assay formats would be critical.

•    Translational studies would need to be supported to help identify promising new ways to detect and diagnosis cancer.  With this, early but also critical information would be available whereby the course of action could be justified.

•    Pursue new clinical insights

•    Provide rationale in proposing an assay or biomarker for addressing a specific and serious clinical issue

Applicants that would be eligible for applying for this grant would include the following:

•    Governments
•    State
•    County
•    City/Township
•    Native American Tribal (Federally Recognized)
•    Education
•    Special Districts
•    Independent School Districts
•    Public and State-Controlled Institutions of Higher Education
•    Private Institutions of Higher Education
•    Organizations and Authorities
•    Native American Tribal Organizations (Non-Federally Recognized)
•    Public Housing Authorities/Indian Housing Authorities
•    Non-Profit Organizations with and without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (excluding institutions of higher education)
•    For Profit Organization (Excluding Small Businesses)
•    Small businesses
•    Miscellaneous
•    Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions
•    Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government
•    Faith or Community-Based Organizations
•    Historically Black Colleges/Universities
•    Hispanic-Serving Institutions
•    Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Non-Federally Recognized)
•    Non-Domestic (Non-US) Entities (Foreign Organizations)
•    Regional Organizations
•    Tribally-Controlled Colleges/Universities
•    US Territory/Possession

Before applying, the applicant would need to register on the government grant website a minimum of four weeks prior to submitting the application.  Then, SF424 application package and SF424 application guide can be downloaded by visiting the government grant website at http://www.grants.gov/apply.

For decades, obesity in the United States has been at epidemic levels.  Although a number of government sponsored programs and public education has helped, more is needed to understand the underlying causes of obesity, as well as more effective preventative measures and treatments.  Under the Funding Opportunity Number PA-10-027, a grant called Obesity Policy Research – Evaluation and Measure (R01) was posted in 2009.

This grant, which is being supported through the Department of Education, Department of Food and Nutrition, Department of Health, and Income Security and Social Services, will remain open for eligible applicants until January 2013.  Organizations heavily involved include the National Cancer Institute, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.  Obesity at any age leads to a variety of serious health risks, which is why so much attention is being given to this opportunity.

The grant will serve two purposes to include the evaluation research on natural experiments related to obesity such as activity and diet, and to develop and/or evaluate methodologies and instruments used to understand physical activity and diet within the community.  With the research completed, the goal is to provide grant leaders with information specific to activity and diet so the health and wellness of people in the United States could be improved upon specific to obesity.

Through research, it has been shown that activity, diet, and even body weight play a significant role in the development of various health risks and chronic diseases to include cardiovascular disease and cancer.  Of all illnesses, these two are easily prevented for non-smoking people.  By learning ways to prevent obesity or overcome an existing case of obesity, risk of developing cardiovascular disease and cancer is greatly reduced.

However, along with obesity being directly linked to these two illnesses, this condition has also been proven to cause acute pancreatitis, gallstones, chronic kidney disease, and a number of other digestive diseases.  Of course, diabetes is without doubt the greatest challenge, with more than 24 million adults age 20 and older living with this disease.  With diabetes linked to obesity, using this and other grants as a means of learning how to lower the number of obesity incidences would be extremely beneficial.

Sadly, even with greater health awareness specific to obesity, to include inadequate activity, poor diet, and excessive weight, the numbers are still climbing.  In looking at the numbers over the past 25 years, we see that in the United States alone, the number of obese people has doubled.  Even worse, obesity is not just a disease affecting adults but incidences in children over the same time period have tripled, making this a serious issue for everyone.

Research performed in the past focused primarily on activity behavior and changing diet but methods for change have been unsuccessful.  With this new grant, research will focus differently to include prevalence in school lunches, portion control, activity environments such as street design and sidewalks, high cost for fresh and nutritional foods, technological advances, and more.  The experts anticipate by using this grant to focus on different research, new clues to causes, preventions, and treatments can be discovered and implemented.

A few examples of how this new grant will look use natural experiments for the evaluation of obesity, consider the following:

•    New grocery stores being built in underserved neighborhoods
•    Improved school lunches and better physical activity
•    Information campaigns to better educate the public about health risks associated with obesity
•    Financial incentives to farmers markets and others for improving diet
•    Calorie labeling in restaurants
•    Creation of environments such as the addition of or improved sidewalks

Eligible applicants for the “Obesity Policy Research – Evaluation and Measures (R01) grant include the following:

•    Governments
•    State
•    County
•    City/Township
•    Native American Tribal (Federally Recognized)
•    Education
•    Special Districts
•    Independent School Districts
•    Public and State-Controlled Institutions of Higher Education
•    Private Institutions of Higher Education
•    Organizations and Authorities
•    Native American Tribal Organizations (Non-Federally Recognized)
•    Public Housing Authorities/Indian Housing Authorities
•    Non-Profit Organizations with and without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (excluding institutions of higher education)
•    For Profit Organization (Excluding Small Businesses)
•    Small businesses
•    Miscellaneous
•    Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions
•    Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government
•    Faith or Community-Based Organizations
•    Historically Black Colleges/Universities
•    Hispanic-Serving Institutions
•    Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Non-Federally Recognized)
•    Non-Domestic (Non-US) Entities (Foreign Organizations)
•    Regional Organizations
•    Tribally-Controlled Colleges/Universities
•    US Territory/Possession

In addition, any individual with necessary skills, resources, and knowledge to carry out the proposed research under this grant are invited to apply, as well as individuals underrepresented racial and ethnic groups and people with disabilities.

The SF424 application package along with the SF424 application guide can be downloaded by visiting the government grant website at http://www.grants.gov/apply.  However, prior to application, a registration process must be completed four weeks prior.  Any applicant should make sure their organization or institution is not already registered with the government grant program and the commons, at which time the registration process would not need to be repeated.

The Grant for Reducing Health Disparities among Minority and Underserved Children listed under the Funding Opportunity Number PA-07-391 is a joint venture between the Department of Education, Department of Health, and Income Security and Social Services.  First opened in 2008, this grant is associated with several other government grants to include:

•    93.273 – Alcohol Research Programs
•    93.361 – Nursing Research
•    93.393 – Cancer Cause and Prevention Research
•    93.837 – Heart and Vascular Diseases Research
•    93.846 – Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research
•    93.865 – Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research

In today’s society, every person has the same right to proper healthcare, regardless of age, race, income status, gender, lifestyle, etc.  Unfortunately, this is not reality for millions of children.  The goal is for this government grant to create research opportunities that would identify ways of reducing health disparities for children of minority groups and those being underserved.  Primarily, the grant would benefit children in the following scenarios.

•    Low literacy
•    Hearing and/or Visually Impaired
•    Mentally and/or Physically Disabled
•    Immigrant and Refugee Families
•    Language Minority
•    Rural and Low-Income Populations
•    Geographically Isolated

Although research approved under this grant would cover a number of areas, the following are those deemed the most critical.

•    Perform research that would use a minimum of two factors such as physiological, social, genetic, economic, psychological, environmental, demographic, and cultural to determine which are adding to the problem of healthcare disparity

•    Develop behavioral markers that would help identify risks, determine the course of a disease, and show the progression of the illness

•    Develop appropriate interventions as a means of promoting more and better physical activity, healthier diets, and improved behaviors in support of a healthier lifestyle

•    Conduct studies specific to improved childcare, developmental care, and preventative care

•    Use research to determine potential risks when children are not provided expedient and proper treatment

•    Identify various interventions that would promote better health in children with known disabilities and/or illnesses

The problem is that many children have little or no access to resources the same as other children.  In addition, many of the same privileges that protect certain children from health issues are not available to minority and underserved children.  Obviously, this situation needs to change and with the research covered under this grant, it is certainly a step in the right direction for change to happen.

In this case, children would include anyone from age 0 to 21 and instead of looking at the challenges individually it is strongly believed that a multi-tier solution involving the child, along with healthcare professionals, the community, and others in society, is the better solution.  The grant would also help in identifying and development tools and mechanisms for the different types of interventions needed.

Numerous studies conducted over the years prove that the number of racial and ethnic children who live with chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure are disproportioned.  Then, considering that these children are exposed to a variety of health risks due to the environment in which they live, we can see that something must be done.  Even with the new healthcare reform under President Obama, there will still be pockets of children without coverage, which means not being provided with proper healthcare.

In looking at the statistics, it becomes clear the degree of this problem.  For instance, the mortality rate for African American babies is 2.5 times greater than for Caucasian babies.  Additionally, hospitalization specific to asthma is between 40% and 100% more likely than children living outside of minority groups are, again because of the environment in which the children are forced to live.  Even the complex and long-lasting effects associated with obesity are a much greater problem for minority children simply because of lack of education and poor nutrition.

Minority and underserved children should have the same access and quality of care than any other children but in addition, with experts forecasting that by 2050 the majority of the population in the United States will be comprised of minority groups, unless something is done costs for healthcare will skyrocket and affect everyone.

Eligible applicants for the “Reducing Health Disparities among Minority and Underserved Children (R21)” grant include the following:

•    Governments
•    State
•    County
•    City/Township
•    Special District
•    Indian/Native American Tribal (Federally Recognized)
•    Indian/Native American (Non-Federally Recognized)
•    Education
•    Public and State-Controlled Institutions of Higher Education
•    Private Institutions of Higher Education
•    Hispanic-Serving Institution
•    Historically Black Colleges and Universities
•    Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities
•    Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions
•    Organizations and Authorities
•    Native American Tribal Organizations (Non-Federally Recognized)
•    Indian/Native American Tribally Designated Organization
•    Regional Organization
•    United States Territory or Possession
•    Small Business
•    Non-Profit with and without 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Non-Institution of Higher Education)
•    For-Profit Organization (Non-Small Business)
•    Non-Domestic (Non-US) Entity (Foreign Organization)
•    Miscellaneous
•    Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government
•    Community and Faith-Based Organizations
•    Individuals
•    Any single person with the appropriate knowledge, skills, and resources to conduct the proposed research for this grant are invited to work with his/her organization in developing a support application
•    Any single person who is underrepresented within an ethnic or racial group
•    Any single person with a disability

Additional information regarding application or collaborative organization for this government grant can log onto the grants website at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/multi_pl.

Research on Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders (R01)

In the past decade, the number of confirmed cases of Autism has skyrocketed.  Although medical professionals, scientists, and researchers have some ideas regarding the cause of such dramatic increase, as well as the disorder itself, more research is needed.  Currently, the US government’s Department of Education, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Health, and Social Security Administration have joined forces in offering a grant called Research on Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders under the Funding Opportunity Number of PA-10-158.

This governmental grant will remain open for applicant submittal until May 7, 2013.  In addition to this grant under R01, several other grants are open that relate directly or indirectly to Autism to include the following that could be researched using the CFDA number:

•    93.113 – Environmental Health
•    93.173 – Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders
•    93.213 – Research and Training in Complementary and Alternative Medicine
•    93.242 – Mental Health Research Grants
•    93.361 – Nursing Research
•    93.853 – Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders
•    93.865 – Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research

Sadly, Autism has affected millions of lives, not just the person with the disorder but his or her family and friends as well.  Autism on any level is challenging but when a person faces serious symptoms, everyday existence becomes extremely challenging.  The concept and types of symptoms associated with Autism are shared across the board, but when the disorder reaches extreme levels of manifestation, the situation can often feel hopeless.  In addition, some people with severe Autism are quiet and subdued whereas others become loud and violent.

One of the many things about Autism that make this particular challenge so frustrating and disheartening is that often the individual is born healthy and for the first few years of life appears to be normal as any other child.  This means for the first year or two of life, a parent experiences the joy of a happy and healthy child only to begin seeing odd behaviors that ultimately leads to a diagnosis of Autism.

To understand the importance of grants such as the Research on Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders (R01), consider the following statistics:

•    The number of confirmed cases of Autism are 1 in 500 or 1 in 2,500 depending on criteria being used

•    For children between the ages of 3 and 17, 1% have an Autism spectrum disorder
•    Approximately 1 to 1.5 million people in the United States alone live with Autism, with numbers expected to reach 4 million by 2020
•    Of all developmental disabilities, Autism is increasing the fastest with a growth rate of 1,148%
•    Currently, $60 billion are spent annually on research, diagnosis, and treatment of Autism but by 2020, it is expected the numbers will climb to $200 to $400 billion annually
•    Boys are four times more likely to develop Autism than girls are

With this government grant research would be encouraged to develop or better processes for etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and service delivery specific to Autism Spectrum Disorders, also referred to as ASD.  In the past few years, the public put tremendous pressure on the government to identify the reason or reasons that Autism is such a serious risk and concern.

As a result, the Combating Autism Acts of 2006 was passed by Congress to increase the pace at which scientific study is performed, but also coordination efforts with various organizations and professionals in the discovery of underlying causes for Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders.  With Autism Spectrum Disorders, one of the challenges with research is that impairments involve so many different things such as communication, behavior, social interaction, activities, interests, diet, health, education, etc.

Because Autism reaches so many areas of a person’s life, research must be a collaborative effort amongst different government departments and organizations to ensure all aspects of the disorder and risk factors can be addressed and improved upon.  Usually, Autism is a lifelong problem so solutions identified or developed from research need to focus on long-term goals.  Some possible areas being looked into more carefully as potential risk factors for the development of Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders includes environmental, infectious, metabolic, genetic, and immunologic influences, or a combination of one or more.

Autism has been studied and researched for years and while significant insight has been achieved, the purpose of this grant is to encourage the right people and organizations to push the boundaries by delving into these areas at a deeper level, as well as new areas.  The government, medical experts, scientists, and researchers are optimistic that the Research on Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders (R01) grant will allow pathophysiology factors to be dissected more but also innovative diagnostic research instruments, treatments, and even interventions for this disorder to be developed.

Numerous areas of interest will be focused on with this grant but a few examples of what the grant will touch include:

•    Screening, Early Detection, and Diagnosis – The grant will also provide funding so research in all three of these areas can be done, ultimately helping professionals to identify the developmental stages of Autism so more effective assessment, diagnostic, and treatment plans can be formed.

•    Genetic Studies – Research in this area will help identify any specific genes or epigenetic mechanisms a person with Autism has so detailed mapping could be conducted, heterogeneity detected, and interaction with environmental triggers for this disorder identified.

•    Brain Function – With studies of mechanisms of the brain, development, regulation, and modulation of specific Autistic behaviors can be characteristics.  Although several mechanisms would be addressed, communication and social interaction are considered priorities.

•    Cognitive Science – As mentioned, many people who end up having Autism appear to be normal, healthy babies so with this grant money, criteria needed to establish a guideline specific to developmental behaviors in infancy such as vocalization, gaze, initiative, play, attachment, compliance, self-recognition would be possible.

To receive funding associated with the grant on Research on Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders (R01), the following would be eligible applicants:

•    Governments
•    State
•    County
•    City/Township
•    Native American Tribal (Federally Recognized)
•    Education
•    Special Districts
•    Independent School Districts
•    Public and State-Controlled Institutions of Higher Education
•    Private Institutions of Higher Education
•    Organizations and Authorities
•    Native American Tribal Organizations (Non-Federally Recognized)
•    Public Housing Authorities/Indian Housing Authorities
•    Non-Profit Organizations with and without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (excluding institutions of higher education)
•    For Profit Organization (Excluding Small Businesses)
•    Small businesses
•    Miscellaneous
•    Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions
•    Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government
•    Faith or Community-Based Organizations
•    Historically Black Colleges/Universities
•    Hispanic-Serving Institutions
•    Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Non-Federally Recognized)
•    Non-Domestic (Non-US) Entities (Foreign Organizations)
•    Regional Organizations
•    Tribally-Controlled Colleges/Universities
•    US Territory/Possession

All applications must be received electronically through www.grants.gov no later than 5:00 pm on the closing date of May 7, 2013, using the SF424 Research and Related form.  Keep in mind that paper applications are automatically rejected.  However, prior to applications being submitted, eligible parties are required to complete the registration process a minimum of four weeks prior.  Request for a full application package is available through customer service at www.grants.gov/customerservice.

The Department of Education along with National Institutes of Health under the US Federal Government is offering this grant under the Funding Opportunity Number of PA-08-084.  Eligible applicants have until May 07, 2011 to apply for this grant, which has an award ceiling of $200,000.  While this is a primary grant for the subject, several others are being offered in parallel to include the following:

•    92.233 – National Center on Sleep Disorders Research
•    93.242 – Mental Health Research Grants
•    93.279 – Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs
•    93.393 – Cancer Cause and Prevention Research
•    93.394 – Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research
•    93.395 – Cancer Treatment Research
•    93.399 – Cancer Control
•    93.837 – Heart and Vascular Diseases Research
•    93.838 – Lung Diseases and Resources Research
•    93.866 – Aging Research

The Effect of Racial and Ethnic Discrimination/Bias on Healthcare Delivery (R21) grant was created as a means to encourage applicant organizations for both exploratory and development of three primary areas.  First, the goal is to improve the way in which racial and ethnic discrimination in the delivery of healthcare services and systems is measured.  For this, the goal is improve instrumentation, data collection, and analytical/statistical techniques.

The second focus of the grant is to enhance the overall understanding how racial and ethnic discrimination influences the delivery of healthcare services, along with the association of disease incidence, treatment, and outcome disparities specific to minority groups to include those of different race and ethnic backgrounds.  The third area this grant was developed for is to reduce the number and degree of disparities among these groups by developing methods of intervention of the delivery of healthcare systems and services being delivered to racial and ethnic groups within the United States.

While some people would rather turn a blind eye, people of racial and ethnic backgrounds often times do not receive the same level of care and follow up by professionals in the healthcare industry.  With this grant, it is anticipated that a better understanding why this practice is happening, as well as ways in which the problem can be prevented and corrected.  After all, people of all races and ethnic backgrounds deserve the same medical care as anyone else does.

Eligible applications for The Effect of Racial and Ethnic Discrimination/Bias on Healthcare Delivery (R21) grant include the following:

•    Governments
•    State
•    County
•    City/Township
•    Special District
•    Native American Tribal (Federally and Non-Federally Recognized)
•    Independent School Districts
•    Public/State Controlled Institutions of Higher Educations
•    Public and Indian Housing Authorities
•    Non-Profit Organizations with and without a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (Other than Institutions of Higher Education)
•    Private Institutions of Higher Educations
•    For-Profit Organizations (Other than Small Businesses)
•    Small Businesses
•    Miscellaneous
•    Foreign Institutions
•    Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government
•    Faith or Community-Based Organizations

Only electronic applications will be accepted so any received via paper format will not be accepted.  Guidelines to apply for this grant can be found at www.grants.gov/apply.  However, a minimum of four weeks prior to submitting the application, it is mandatory for the applicant to complete a registration process according to the rules of Section IV.

Youth of this country desperately need focus and direction.  The Federal Government realizes that some of the risky behaviors seen in today’s youth relates back to issues in the home, bullying, drugs, etc.  To fight this problem and give youth a real chance at an incredible life, the Department of Education along with National Institutes of Health have joined forces to develop this grant under the Funding Opportunity Number of PA-08-242.  Eligible applicants will have through September 7, 2011 to apply.

This particular government grant is being offered in coordination with several others, also focused on today’s youth.  The additional grants that applicants may want to consider applying for include:

•    93.273 – Alcohol Research Programs
•    93.279 – Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs
•    93.393 – Cancer Cause and Prevention Research
•    93.865 – Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research

Under the Reducing Risk Behaviors by Promoting Positive Youth Development (R03) grant, the purpose is very distinct.  With this, the goal is to encourage, both small project research and applications specifically from organizations, as well as institutions as a means of understanding of how positive youth development programs can improve and enhance the lives of these youths.  In addition, the focus of this grant is to understand the mechanisms and environments that encourage and support positive health and development, as well as those that have a negative effect on youth.

With the studies that will come out of this Federal grant, it is anticipated than several components can be evaluated in depth for existing programs, but also programs currently being considered or developed.  With this, identifying the various mechanisms of the programs that are and are not working would be possible.  By having this information, it would then be possible to analyze assets of children and teenagers, as well as their behaviors and positive/negative influences.

Interestingly, this grant will delve even deeper by evaluating youth’s family, as well as the community in which they live, social assets, liabilities, and more.  All of these things together will make it possible to identify and then understand the very things that are causing risky behavior so solutions could be developed.

Because this particular grant supports a number of projects, such as self-contained research projects, research methodology development, and feasibility studies, among others, government experts strongly believe the outcome of this grant will make a substantial difference in helping the youth of today go down the right path and avoid risky behavior.

To be eligible to apply for this grant, people or groups would need to be one of the following:

•    Governments
•    State
•    County
•    City/Township
•    Special District
•    Native American Tribal (Federally and Non-Federally Recognized)
•    Indian/Native American Tribal (Non-Federally Recognized)
•    Independent School Districts
•    Public/State Controlled Institutions of Higher Educations
•    Public and Indian Housing Authorities
•    Non-Profit Organizations with and without a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (Other than Institutions of Higher Education)
•    Private Institutions of Higher Educations
•    For-Profit Organizations (Other than Small Businesses)
•    Small Businesses
•    Miscellaneous
•    Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions
•    Hispanic Serving Institutions
•    Historically Black Colleges and Universities
•    Non-Domestic (Non-US) Entities (Foreign Organizations)
•    Regional Organizations
•    Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities
•    US Territory or Possession

Only electronic applications will be accepted so any received via paper format will not be accepted.  Guidelines to apply for this grant can be found at www.grants.gov/apply.  However, a minimum of four weeks prior to submitting the application, it is mandatory for the applicant to complete a registration process according to the rules of Section IV.  If an applicant were to have trouble accessing information or needed additional

Dependence on alcohol and/or nicotine is a problem that millions of people struggle with on a daily basis.  While alcohol consumption on rare occasions is not necessarily harmful, nicotine is always dangerous to a person’s health.  However, when a person depends on one or both of these addictive habits, two things happen.  First, the individual’s health would be at risk but behavior changes with alcohol, which leads to drunk driving, domestic violence, and more.

To understand and identify means of combating the various mechanisms associated with alcohol and nicotine co-dependence, this grant was developed.  Eligible applicants can submit an electronic application no later than May 7, 2012.  The Funding Opportunity Number for the grant is PA-09-098, which has an award ceiling of $200,000.

The Department of Education along with the Department of Health are optimistic that this grant along with two running parallel, 93.273 – Alcohol Research Programs and 93.279 – Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs, the public can be better educated and programs created to help people stop the dependency.

With this grant, the primary issuers are the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes on Drug Abuse, and National Institutes of Health are working together to encourage both the exploratory and developmental mechanisms associated with alcohol and nicotine dependency.  With this, neurobiological and behavioral mechanisms would be studied to identify contributing factors that go along with alcohol and nicotine use, as well as dependence.

As this grant runs parallel with several other grants, the Federal government is encouraged that solid information will be identified and then analyzed.  The findings would then provide a look into underlying causes for this type of dependency so professionals can find legitimate and effective solutions so people can overcome addictions such as these.  However, the actual number of awards will be based on fund availability, as well as a sufficient number of eligible applications received.

Opportunity for this particular Federal grant is quite amazing, with the following list of eligible applicants.

•    Governments
•    State
•    County
•    City/Township
•    Special District
•    Native American Tribal (Federally and Non-Federally Recognized)
•    Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Non-Federally Recognized)
•    Independent School Districts
•    Public/State Controlled Institutions of Higher Educations
•    Public and Indian Housing Authorities
•    Non-Profit Organizations with and without a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (Other than Institutions of Higher Education)
•    Private Institutions of Higher Educations
•    For-Profit Organizations (Other than Small Businesses)
•    Small Businesses
•    Miscellaneous Applicants
•    Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions
•    Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government
•    Faith or Community-Based Organizations
•    Hispanic-Serving Institutions
•    Historically Black Colleges and Universities
•    Non-Domestic (Non-US) Entities (Foreign Organizations)
•    Regional Organizations
•    Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities
•    US Territory or Possession

Prior to submitting an application, a registration process must be completed at least four weeks prior.  The rules for registration must be followed exact and can be found in Section IV of the Grants section of the government’s website.  All applications must be received electronically, so any submitted in paper format will automatically be rejected.  Applicants can visit www.grants.gov/apply for specific guidelines for this and other relevant grants.

While Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is not a new illness, it has become more widely diagnosed.  People with this illness suffer from extreme fatigue to the point of life being completely debilitated.  Because the number of people now getting a firm diagnosis, it has become apparent to the Department of Education in coordination with the Department of Environment, Department of Health, and Income Security and Social Services that more in-depth research is needed on all levels to identify the underlying cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, as well as effective treatment options.

The grant number PA-08-247, eligible applicants are invited to apply.  The current closing date for the $200,000 award funds is September 07, 2011.  In addition to this grant, others with similar focus are also open for eligible applicants to include the following:

•    93.113 – Environmental Health
•    93.114 – Applied Toxicological Research and Testing
•    93.115 – Biometry and Risk Estimation Health Risks from Environmental Exposures
•    93.121 – Oral Diseases and Disorders Research
•    93.213 – Research and Training in Complementary and Alternative Medicine
•    93.273 – Alcohol Research Programs
•    93.361 – Nursing Research
•    93.846 – Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research
•    93.853 – Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders
•    93.855 – Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation Research
•    93.856 – Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Research
•    93.865 – Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research
•    93.866 – Aging Research

For the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – Pathophysiology and Treatment (R21) grant, certain people, and groups are eligible to apply.  Those from whom applications would be accepted are:

•    Governments
•    State
•    County
•    City/Township
o    Special District
o    Native American Tribal (Federally and Non-Federally Recognized)
•    Independent School Districts
•    Public/State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education
•    Public and Indian Housing Authorities
•    Non-Profit Organizations with and without a 501(c)(3) Status with the IRS (Other than Institutions of Higher Education)
•    Private Institutions of Higher Education
•    For-Profit Organizations (Other than Small Businesses)
•    Small Businesses
•    Miscellaneous Applicants
•    Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions
•    Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government
•    Faith or Community-Based Organizations
•    Hispanic-Serving Institutions
•    Historically Black Colleges and Universities
•    Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Non-Federally Recognized)
•    Non-Domestic (Non-US) Entities (Foreign Organizations)
•    Regional Organizations
•    Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities
•    US Territory or Possession

The primary purpose of this grant is to encourage investigators and to initiate applications whereby the etiology, diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome would be examined at a more in-depth level.  This illness, also called Myalgic Encephalomyelitis affects a wide variety of people of different genders, ages, and lifestyles, making it a challenge to understand.

Some of the applications that look at gaps in the understanding and connection of biological and environmental risk factors associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome need to be analyzed and addressed.  In addition, determinants of heterogeneity of the groups of patients with this illness, as well as the shared mechanisms that influence a number of organs and systems within the body that are triggered or affected by people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome also need to be researched and understood.

Although a number of areas are focused on with this grant, the main interest has to do with interdisciplinary research.  The anticipation coming out of this research is that ultimately, expert’s knowledge of this particular disease process would be expounded on and enhanced.  This along with evidence-based solutions whereby treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome could be improved is a key component of the grant as a means of improving the diagnosis and treatment for this illness so patients would be able to enjoy a better quality of life.

As mentioned, this particular grant runs parallel to many others, which would allow research to be delved into for a variety of areas.  That way, all potential triggers could be identified and others ruled out.  However, since the scope and nature of this type of research is going to vary for each application, the actual size and duration of each award would also be different.  In fact, the total amount and number of awards funded and given out would depend on several factors such as mechanism, quality, duration, numbers, and cost for the grant applications received.

Since no paper applications will be considered, eligible applicants are required to submit the application electronically.  The specific guidelines to apply for the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – Pathophysiology and Treatment R21 grant, application rules can be found at www.grants.gov/apply.  However, prior to completing the application process, applicants would be required to register a minimum of four weeks prior, according to Section IV.

Under the umbrella of the US Department of Education, the US Department of Health and Human Services is offering a grant called “Critical Illness and Injury in Aging (R21).  In addition to this phase, two additional phases are also being offered, which would include (R01) and (R03).  For eligible applications, information for this federal grant would be listed as well under the grant number of PA-10-044.

This particular grant is open to eligible applicants through January 7, 2013, which is created with an award ceiling of $200,000.  Additional grants that coordinate with this grant include CFDA number 93.361 – Nursing Research, CFDA number 93.838 – Lung Diseases Research, and CFDA number 93.866 – Aging Research.  With the Critical Illness and Injury in Aging grant being a joint effort between the Department of Education and Department of Health and Human Services, more applicants would be able to apply and ultimately, the outcome would benefit a greater number of people.

To be eligible to apply for this federal grant, applicants would need to fall in one of the following categories:

•    State Governments
•    County Governments
•    City Governments
•    Special District Governments
•    Independent School Districts
•    Public and State-Controlled Institutions of Higher Education
•    Federally-Recognized and Non-Federally-Recognized Native American Tribal Governments
•    Public Housing Authorities
•    Indian Housing Authorities
•    Non-Profit Organizations with and without 501(c)(3) IRS Status (other than institutions of higher education)
•    Private Institutions of Higher Education
•    For-Profit Organizations (other than small businesses)
•    Small Businesses

In addition to the primary list of eligible applicants for the grant on Critical Illness and Injury in Aging, additional groups and/or individuals would be eligible to include:

•    Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions
•    Federal Government (eligible agencies)
•    Community or Faith-Based Organizations
•    Historically Black Colleges/Universities
•    Hispanic Service Institutions
•    Non-Domestic (non-US) Entities (Foreign Organizations)
•    Indian and Native American Tribal Governments (not Federally recognized)
•    US Territory or Possession
•    Tribally Controlled Colleges/Universities

From the list of eligible applicants, it is easy to see that this particular grant is open to a vast number of people.  Because this topic has become so serious in the past decade, the government realizes that groups needing information and education pertaining to aging people trying to deal with critical illness and/or injury needs to be improved upon.  With the creation of this grant, the government is optimistic this goal will be accomplished.

The primary goal of the grant is to encourage more and better developmental and exploratory research so mechanisms of critical illness and injury in the aging, as well as the management of can be improved.  The proposed studies include those that would be interventional, observational, and mechanistic.  That way, the ongoing problem can be looked at and analyzed from all applicable angles, thus helping to produce a more efficient solution.

Along with this type of research, the grant is also pushing for the analysis of datasets already in existence, which would include those coming from clinical trials, as well as observational studies.  Although using animals in studies such as this is difficult for most people, because the research and analysis required under this grant is not appropriate for human testing, animal laboratory testing would be required.  It is important for people to remember that to identify underlying issues and develop solutions such as those needed for critical ill or injured aging, this type of testing is difficult to avoid.

To complete the developmental and exploratory portions of the grant, the mechanisms of this grant (R21) will run in parallel with another grant listed as PA-10-042.  The federal government is encouraging eligible applicants of the R21 grant to consider applying for the other two coordinating grants to include R01 (PA-10-042) and R03 (PA-10-043).  While each of these grants have unique focuses and characteristics, they all focus on the growing concern specific to critical ill and injured aging.

Applicants need to remember that for all three of these grants, with varying factors for the nature and scope, the actual size, as well as duration of each award will also vary.  The government will consider numbers, quality, mechanism, duration, and cost associated with the applications received to determine the exact dollar amount and number of awards that would be offered.

To apply for the Critical Illness and Injury in Aging R21 grant, all applications must be submitted electronically.  For this, the government website of http://www.grants.gov would be used.  Once inside the site, the SF424 Research and Related (R&R) forms along with the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide would be used.  Any application received in paper format will automatically be rejected.

Prior to applications being submitted, the eligible applicant would first need to complete a registration process.  Because of the time involved to process all the forms and applications, it is strongly recommended this registration process be completed between four and six weeks prior to application submittal.  In addition, Letters of Intent Receipt Dates are not applicable for this grant and all applications must be received no later than January 8, 2013.  Any application received past the deadline will not be considered.

For this grant, more than one application can be submitted by eligible applicants as long as each is scientifically distinct.  If generation information is needed regarding the electronic submission of the application, applicants can visit http://era.nih.gov/electronicreceipt.  Finally, for the deaf and hearing impaired, TTY and TDD services are available by calling 301-451-5936.