The purpose of the Field Initiated (FI) Projects program is to develop knowledge, methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technology that maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, independent living, family support, and economic and social self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities, especially those with the highest support needs. Another purpose of the FI Projects program is to improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Act).

In carrying out a research activity under a FI Projects research grant, a grantee must identify one or more hypotheses or research questions and, based on the hypotheses or research questions identified, perform an intensive, systematic study directed toward producing (1) new scientific knowledge or (2) better understanding of the subject, problem studied, or body of knowledge.

An applicant should consult NIDILRR’s Long-Range Plan for Fiscal Years 2018-2023 (the Plan) when preparing its application. The Plan is organized around the following outcome domains that are critical to the lives of people with disabilities: (1) community living and participation; (2) health and function; and (3) employment. Applicants for FI projects must specify in their abstract and project narrative which of these major outcome domains their proposed project will focus on. Although applicants may propose projects that address more than one domain, they should specify the primary domain addressed in their proposed project.

Invitational Priority: In FY 2023, there are three invitational priorities of interest to the agency. NIDILRR does not give applications that address these invitational priorities a competitive or absolute preference over other applications.

1. Research or development projects that address the needs, experiences, or outcomes of people with disabilities from underserved communities. People with disabilities from underserved communities include those from communities or populations defined in Section 2 of the Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, including: people with disabilities who are racial and ethnic minorities; people with disabilities who are members of religious minorities; people with disabilities who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer; people with disabilities who live in rural areas; or people with disabilities otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.
2. Research or development projects to explore or address the relationship between climate change and the needs, experiences, and outcomes of people with disabilities.
3. Research or development projects related to oral health among people with disabilities.

FI Projects development applicants must define the stage or stages of development that they propose to conduct. If the FI Projects grant is to conduct development that can be categorized under more than one stage, those stages must be clearly specified. These stages: proof of concept, proof of product, and proof of adoption, are defined on page 5 of the FOA in Attached Files below.

• City or township governments
• County governments
• For profit organizations other than small businesses
• Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
• Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
• Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
• Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
• Private institutions of higher education
• Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
• Others (see text field entitled "Additional Eligibility Criteria" for clarification)
• Small businesses
• Special district governments
• State governments

Estimated Total Program Funding: