Field Initiated Projects Program (Development)

Forecasted opportunity (not yet open for applications; expected to be posted around 2026-10-12; estimated application due date 2026-12-14). The purpose of the Field Initiated Projects program is to generate new knowledge through research or to develop methods, products, procedures, or technologies -- to maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, independent living, family/caregiver support, and economic and self-sufficiency of people with disabilities, especially people with disabilities who have the greatest support needs. In carrying out a development project under a Field Initiated Projects development grant, a grantee must use knowledge and understanding gained from research to create materials, devices, systems, methods, measures, techniques, tools, prototypes, processes, or intervention protocols that are beneficial to the target population of people with disabilities. Please note that this will be the funding opportunity for Field Initiated Projects development proposals. We will invite Field Initiated Projects research proposals under a separate announcement. NIDILRR plans to make 16 Field Initiated Projects awards. NIDILRR's Field Initiated Projects will include a combination of research applications and development applications, depending on the combined ranking of individual research and development applications by the peer review panel. Grants will have a 36-month project period, with three 12-month budget periods.