FY15 Announcement of Availability of Funds for Embryo Donation and/or Adoption Grant Projects | Apply Online

Opportunity Summary:

The FY15 Announcement of Availability of Funds for Embryo Donation and/or Adoption Grant Projects (Funding Opportunity Number PA EAA 15 001) is a discretionary federal grant opportunity in the health category administered by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (HHS). It is built around a practical reality created by the growth of assisted reproductive technologies: many couples who undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) end up with cryopreserved embryos they do not ultimately use. Rather than keeping embryos in long-term storage indefinitely, some families may choose to donate them for another individual or couple to attempt pregnancy. Because embryo donation/adoption is still an emerging and often misunderstood option, the program funds projects meant to expand accurate information, reduce barriers, and strengthen the quality and consistency of support available to donors and recipients.

The announcement solicits applications in two main project categories, and applicants can propose work in either category or combine both into one integrated project. The first category focuses on public awareness. These projects can use traditional media, advertising, and newer media approaches such as online content and blogging, along with broad educational efforts that explain the basics of embryo donation/adoption to large audiences. Applicants are expected to show that the people developing and delivering the messaging truly understand the medical, legal, and psychosocial aspects of embryo donation/adoption, since credibility and accuracy are central goals. Applicants are also encouraged to weave in Reproductive Life Planning concepts, meaning messaging that helps people think proactively about whether, when, and how many children they want and what resources and health considerations are involved in reaching those goals. Another stated priority is to directly address and correct common misconceptions that circulate in news and social media, using up-to-date findings from medical, legal, and social science research (for example, myths about how long frozen embryos remain viable). Applications in this category are expected to explain, in the narrative, how the campaign will be designed, what strategies will be used, which audiences will be targeted (general public and/or professionals), and what concrete educational materials will support the outreach (brochures, manuals, handouts, visual aids, and similar resources).

The second category supports administrative and/or medical services for people who are currently involved, or may soon be involved, in embryo donation/adoption. For this program, counseling counts as a medical service. Administrative services are defined broadly as help that addresses non-medical hurdles such as legal complexity, financial obstacles, and other practical barriers that can derail or delay embryo donation/adoption. The FOA explicitly allows projects that train professionals to provide these services, recognizing that many patients face a fragmented landscape where clinicians, clinic staff, attorneys, counselors, and storage facilities may not be aligned on processes or expectations. Applicants are pushed to describe, in detail, how they will assist clients through the process and to propose strategies that increase the likelihood that embryos currently in storage become available for donation/adoption. A notable emphasis is on "front loading" support, especially counseling, so that individuals or couples learn about the advantages, disadvantages, costs, and implications of embryo donation/adoption earlier in their infertility journey, ideally before they commit to IVF. To make that early intervention realistic, projects that involve Ob/Gyn practices are strongly encouraged. The FOA also gives examples of acceptable service models, such as a call-in center that provides specific information about state and federal regulations related to frozen embryo transfer.

A major through-line in the services section is capacity building through training. The program anticipates that successful projects will use current, evidence-based information to shape training design, delivery, and evaluation, and it expects applicants to show a strong track record in creating and evaluating trainings for diverse audiences. Training may be aimed at a wide range of professionals who touch embryo donation/adoption in different ways, including reproductive endocrinologists, nurses, embryologists, IVF clinic staff, embryo storage facility staff, family law attorneys, adoption counselors, social workers, ethicists, and others. Trainings should be tailored to the role and skill level of participants, and the agency expects continuing education credits to be available when appropriate. Distance learning approaches are permitted as part of the training strategy, as long as delivery matches the content and learner needs.

The announcement also lays out core requirements around equity and non-discrimination. Services funded under this program must be provided consistent with 42 CFR 59.5(a)(4), meaning they must be delivered without regard to religion, race, color, national origin, handicapping condition, age, sex, number of pregnancies, or marital status. Applicants are expected to demonstrate familiarity with professionally recognized medical and legal standards relevant to embryo donation/adoption and to show real experience working with potential donors and/or recipients. Proposed service approaches are expected to be economically feasible, equitable, and ethically sound, and applicants are encouraged to include the ability to conduct a rigorous evaluation of the project as part of their organizational capacity.

Eligibility is limited to organizations rather than individuals, including public agencies and nonprofit or for-profit organizations. Educational institutions, including academic medical centers and affiliated clinics, are eligible, as are American Indian/Alaska Native/Native American organizations. The application must name one primary applicant organization that holds legal responsibility, while allowing additional partners to participate as collaborators, subgrantees, or subcontractors. Faith-based and community-based organizations may apply if they meet eligibility requirements, but the grant funds cannot be used for inherently religious activities (such as worship, religious instruction, or proselytization), and any such activities must be separated from the grant-supported program in time or location and must be voluntary. The program also prohibits discrimination against beneficiaries based on religion or religious belief (including refusal to hold a belief or participate in a religious practice).

Finally, the FOA includes clear funding and administrative details. The program anticipated making about six awards, with an award floor of $100,000 and a ceiling of $300,000, and it does not require cost sharing or matching. The CFDA number listed is 93.007 (Public Awareness Campaigns on Embryo Adoption). The opportunity was posted January 21, 2015, with an application closing date of April 21, 2015, and an archive date of May 21, 2015. The funding rules also include an important restriction: project funds cannot be used to pay for human tissues or anything that could be interpreted as compensating someone for donating human tissue. The notice specifically states that reimbursing a donor for already accrued embryo storage fees is not an acceptable use of funds under this program. For assistance, the listed contact was Robert Scholle at HHS (240-453-2848; Robert.Scholle@hhs.gov).

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