Spinal Cord Injury Research Grant

The Pennsylvania Department of Health is seeking research grant applications under RFA 67-211 to improve health outcomes for Pennsylvanians living with spinal cord injuries under Act 77 of 2001, with a Letter of Intent due November 9, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. ET and complete applications due December 10, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. ET via SharePoint. Eligible applicants are Pennsylvania-based nonprofits, hospitals, and higher education institutions; at least 98 percent of research must be conducted at Pennsylvania facilities.

The RFA offers three funding tiers: Pilot Project Grants (up to $200,000), Standard Research Grants (up to $300,000), and Clinical/Translational Research Grants (up to $500,000). The anticipated grant period runs July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2031 (48 months). Total available funding is $1,300,030.08, with the Department anticipating three to six award agreements. Indirect costs cannot exceed 16.1 percent of total direct costs, excluding consultant services, subcontract services, and equipment. Biomedical research is limited to no more than 50 percent of total funding. At least 50 percent of funds must be allocated to clinical or health services research. Prohibited uses include motor vehicle purchases, international travel, patient travel and subsistence, continuing medical education development, and educational programs for school children.

Applicants must demonstrate collaboration among Pennsylvania institutions and submit a Letter of Intent before the full application. Research proposals must focus on pharmacologic, biologic, medical device, brain stimulation, and rehabilitative approaches to spinal cord injury treatment and management. Evaluation uses a two-stage process: peer review by subject matter experts assessing scientific merit, followed by departmental review by the Department Review Committee, with final selection by the Secretary of Health. Grantees must execute compliance certifications covering ethical standards (NIH federal requirements and 45 CFR 74 and 92), recombinant/synthetic nucleic acid research and vertebrate animal use, human subjects protection with active IRB certification, and Pennsylvania labor and workplace safety laws under Executive Order 2021-06. All applicants must be registered with the Pennsylvania SAP vendor system. The Department will post answers to clarification questions by October 22, 2026 at www.emarketplace.state.pa.us.