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 research project under a Field Initiated 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. Please note that this will be the funding opportunity for Field Initiated Projects Research proposals. We will invite Field Initiated Projects Development 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.

Business

• Small businesses
• For-profit organizations other than small businesses

Government

• Special district governments
• State governments
• County governments
• City or township governments
• Federally recognized Native American tribal governments

Nonprofit

• Nonprofits non-higher education with 501(c)(3)
• Nonprofits non-higher education without 501(c)(3)
• Other Native American tribal organizations

Education

• Public and state institutions of higher education
• Private institutions of higher education