Opportunity Information: Apply for PA 14 181
Apply for PA 14 181
- The National Institutes of Health in the education health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "mHealth Tools for Underserved Populations with Chronic Conditions to Promote Effective Patient Provider Communication, Adherence to Treatment and Self Management (R21)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.286 Discovery and Applied Research for Technological Innovations to Improve Human Health 93.361 Nursing Research.
- This funding opportunity was created on Apr 18, 2014 and posted on Apr 18, 2014.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 7, 2017. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $200,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Independent school districts Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) Public and State controlled institutions of higher education County governments Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification) Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities State governments Special district governments Small businesses For profit organizations other than small businesses 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 City or township governments Private institutions of higher education.
- Other Eligible Applicants include the following Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs) Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government Faith based or Community based Organizations Hispanic serving Institutions Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized) Non domestic (non U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) Regional Organizations Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) U.S. Territory or Possession.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The NIH funding opportunity PA-14-181 is an R21 exploratory/developmental grant focused on advancing mobile health (mHealth) tools that help underserved populations manage chronic conditions more effectively. The core goal is to stimulate research that improves patient-provider communication, strengthens adherence to prescribed treatments, and supports day-to-day self-management. The announcement is grounded in the idea that widespread cellular coverage and increasingly capable, affordable smartphones make it realistic to send patient-generated health data from remote or resource-limited settings to clinicians or specialists elsewhere, receive timely feedback, and store those interactions as part of an ongoing record. In practical terms, the program is looking for interventions where mobile technologies are used to support education, goal setting, treatment reminders, progress tracking, and feedback loops that can translate into better health outcomes.
This opportunity encourages investigators to build and evaluate mHealth interventions rather than simply describing a technology concept. It explicitly welcomes development, pilot testing, and comparative effectiveness work, meaning applicants can propose studies that compare different mHealth approaches, compare an mHealth-supported program to usual care, or test which features (for example, reminders vs. coaching vs. two-way messaging) most improve communication and adherence. The emphasis on underserved populations is central, not incidental: projects are expected to consider real-world constraints that often affect these communities, such as limited access to specialty care, transportation barriers, clinician shortages, cost sensitivity, inconsistent connectivity, language and health literacy needs, and culturally appropriate design. The overall expectation is that mHealth tools can reduce gaps in access and responsiveness by enabling more frequent, actionable contact between patients and care teams without requiring in-person visits for every touchpoint.
Administratively, this is a discretionary grant program from the National Institutes of Health, tied to CFDA numbers 93.286 (Discovery and Applied Research for Technological Innovations to Improve Human Health) and 93.361 (Nursing Research). The mechanism is an R21, which typically supports early-stage or high-potential ideas where preliminary data may be limited but the concept is promising and testable. The award ceiling listed for this opportunity is $200,000, and there is no cost sharing or matching requirement. The opportunity was posted on April 18, 2014, with an original and current closing date of May 7, 2017, and it was archived on June 7, 2017, which means it is no longer open for new applications under that specific announcement number and dates, though similar NIH mHealth opportunities may exist under newer notices.
Eligibility is broad and includes many types of organizations that could realistically deliver or study mHealth interventions in community and clinical settings. Eligible applicants include public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits (both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3)), small businesses and other for-profit organizations, independent school districts, city/county/state/tribal governments, public housing authorities, special district governments, and additional categories such as faith-based or community-based organizations. The announcement also identifies specific institution types and communities of interest, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs). It also allows eligible federal agencies, U.S. territories or possessions, regional organizations, and even non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations), reflecting NIH interest in a wide range of partners who can reach underserved groups and rigorously evaluate interventions.
In summary, PA-14-181 is designed to move mHealth beyond novelty and into practical, measurable improvements in chronic disease care for underserved populations. Competitive projects under this initiative would be expected to clearly define the chronic condition context, the underserved population and setting, the specific communication and adherence problems being addressed, and the way the proposed mobile tool changes patient and provider behavior. Just as importantly, the research plan would need to show how the intervention will be tested and how outcomes such as communication quality, adherence metrics, self-management behaviors, and health indicators will be assessed, including attention to feasibility and real-world implementation constraints that underserved communities often face.
FAQs: NIH PA-14-181 (R21) mHealth for Chronic Disease Management in Underserved Populations
What is NIH funding opportunity PA-14-181?
PA-14-181 is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity for an R21 exploratory/developmental research grant. It focuses on advancing mobile health (mHealth) tools designed to help underserved populations manage chronic conditions more effectively, with an emphasis on practical, testable interventions.
What is the main goal of this opportunity?
The core goal is to stimulate research that improves patient-provider communication, strengthens adherence to prescribed treatments, and supports day-to-day chronic disease self-management using mobile technologies.
What kinds of health technologies are considered "mHealth" in this announcement?
Based on the description, the opportunity centers on mobile technologies such as smartphones and cellular-enabled tools that can support education, goal setting, treatment reminders, progress tracking, and feedback loops. A key concept is enabling patient-generated health data to be transmitted from remote or resource-limited settings to clinicians or specialists, with timely feedback and interactions stored as part of an ongoing record.
What types of projects does the NIH want to fund under PA-14-181?
This opportunity encourages investigators to build and evaluate mHealth interventions rather than only describing a technology concept. It welcomes development work, pilot testing, and comparative effectiveness research that measures whether the mobile intervention produces improvements in communication, adherence, self-management behaviors, and health outcomes.
Does this program support pilot studies and early-stage research?
Yes. The mechanism is an R21 exploratory/developmental grant, which is typically used for early-stage or high-potential ideas where preliminary data may be limited but the concept is promising and testable.
Is this funding opportunity focused on chronic conditions specifically?
Yes. The program is oriented toward chronic condition management, including improving adherence, self-management, and ongoing communication between patients and care teams.
Who is the intended beneficiary population?
Underserved populations are the central focus. Projects are expected to address real-world constraints that often affect underserved communities and to design mobile interventions that are feasible and culturally appropriate in those contexts.
What real-world barriers should projects consider for underserved populations?
The announcement highlights constraints such as limited access to specialty care, transportation barriers, clinician shortages, cost sensitivity, inconsistent connectivity, language and health literacy needs, and the importance of culturally appropriate design.
What kinds of intervention features are examples in the announcement?
Examples mentioned include education, goal setting, treatment reminders, progress tracking, and feedback loops. The opportunity also notes that studies may compare the impact of different features, such as reminders versus coaching versus two-way messaging, on communication and adherence.
Are comparative effectiveness studies allowed?
Yes. The announcement explicitly welcomes comparative effectiveness work, including studies that compare different mHealth approaches, compare an mHealth-supported program to usual care, or test which features most improve communication and adherence.
Does the opportunity require that the mHealth tool be integrated into clinical workflows?
The description emphasizes patient-provider communication and the ability to send patient-generated data to clinicians or specialists for timely feedback, with interactions stored as part of an ongoing record. While it does not provide a specific integration requirement, the program focus implies that proposals should clearly describe how the tool changes patient and provider behavior and supports actionable contact between patients and care teams.
What outcomes are applicants expected to measure?
Expected outcomes described include communication quality, adherence metrics, self-management behaviors, and health indicators. The summary also notes the importance of assessing feasibility and real-world implementation constraints in underserved settings.
What is the grant mechanism for PA-14-181?
The mechanism is an NIH R21 exploratory/developmental grant.
What is the award ceiling for this opportunity?
The listed award ceiling is $200,000.
Is cost sharing or matching required?
No. The opportunity states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.
Which NIH-related program classifications are tied to this opportunity?
The opportunity is tied to CFDA numbers 93.286 (Discovery and Applied Research for Technological Innovations to Improve Human Health) and 93.361 (Nursing Research).
When was PA-14-181 posted and when did it close?
It was posted on April 18, 2014. The original and current closing date listed is May 7, 2017.
Is PA-14-181 still open for applications?
No. The announcement was archived on June 7, 2017, which means it is no longer open for new applications under that specific announcement number and those dates.
If PA-14-181 is archived, does that mean NIH no longer funds mHealth research like this?
The information provided notes only that this specific announcement is no longer open, while also indicating that similar NIH mHealth opportunities may exist under newer notices.
What types of organizations are eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits (501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3)), small businesses and other for-profit organizations, independent school districts, city/county/state/tribal governments, public housing authorities, special district governments, and additional categories such as faith-based or community-based organizations.
Are minority-serving institutions specifically mentioned as eligible or encouraged?
Yes. The announcement identifies institution types and communities of interest including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs).
Can federal agencies, U.S. territories, or regional organizations apply?
Yes. The announcement allows eligible federal agencies, U.S. territories or possessions, and regional organizations.
Are foreign (non-U.S.) organizations eligible?
Yes. The eligibility description includes non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations).
What makes an application competitive based on the summary provided?
The summary indicates competitive projects would clearly define: (1) the chronic condition context, (2) the underserved population and setting, (3) the specific communication and adherence problems being addressed, and (4) how the proposed mobile tool changes patient and provider behavior. It also emphasizes a research plan that tests the intervention and assesses outcomes such as communication, adherence, self-management behaviors, and health indicators, with attention to feasibility and implementation constraints in underserved communities.
Is this opportunity about proposing a new app idea, or testing an intervention?
It is oriented toward building and evaluating interventions. The announcement encourages development and evaluation (including pilot testing and comparative effectiveness) rather than simply describing a technology concept.
What settings are implied for the interventions?
The description highlights community and clinical settings, particularly remote or resource-limited environments where mobile tools can connect patients to clinicians or specialists without requiring in-person visits for every interaction.
How does this opportunity describe the role of cellular coverage and smartphones?
It is grounded in the idea that widespread cellular coverage and increasingly capable, affordable smartphones make it realistic to transmit patient-generated health data from underserved settings to clinicians, receive timely feedback, and maintain an ongoing record of those interactions.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Education Health
Next opportunity: Advancing Kosovo Together Local Solutions
Previous opportunity: mHealth Tools for Underserved Populations with Chronic Conditions to Promote Effective Patient Provider Communication, Adherence to Treatment and Self Management (R01)
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for PA 14 181
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PA 14 181) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| National Cooperative Drug Discovery/Development Groups (NCDDG) for the Treatment of Mental Disorders, Drug or Alcohol Addiction (U01) Apply for PAR 14 184 Funding Number: PAR 14 184 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Revisions to Add Biomedical Big Data Training to Active NLM Institutional Training Grants in Biomedical Informatics (T15) Apply for RFA HG 14 006 Funding Number: RFA HG 14 006 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIDA Core Center of Excellence Grant Program (P30) Apply for PAR 14 186 Funding Number: PAR 14 186 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Lasker Clinical Research Scholars Program (Si2) Apply for RFA OD 14 004 Funding Number: RFA OD 14 004 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NLM Information Resource Grants to Reduce Health Disparities (G08) Apply for RFA LM 14 001 Funding Number: RFA LM 14 001 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Wild Horse and Burro Contraception Apply for L14AS00048 Funding Number: L14AS00048 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Chronic Wounds Advancing the Science from Prevention to Healing (R01) Apply for RFA NR 15 001 Funding Number: RFA NR 15 001 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $350,000 |
| Long Term Retention in Care for U.S. Substance Using Populations (R34) Apply for PA 14 222 Funding Number: PA 14 222 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $225,000 |
| Long Term Retention in Care for U.S. Substance Using Populations (R21) Apply for PA 14 223 Funding Number: PA 14 223 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Long Term Retention in Care for U.S. Substance Using Populations (R01) Apply for PA 14 224 Funding Number: PA 14 224 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Clinical Evaluation of Adjuncts to Opioid Therapies for the Treatment of Chronic Pain (R01) Apply for PAR 14 225 Funding Number: PAR 14 225 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Exploratory Studies of Smoking Cessation Interventions for People with Schizophrenia (R21/R33) Apply for PAR 14 230 Funding Number: PAR 14 230 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Exploratory Studies of Smoking Cessation Interventions for People with Schizophrenia (R33) Apply for PAR 14 231 Funding Number: PAR 14 231 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $225,000 |
| National Cooperative Drug Discovery/Development Groups (NCDDG) for the Treatment of Mental Disorders, Drug or Alcohol Addiction (U19) Apply for PAR 14 234 Funding Number: PAR 14 234 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Collaborative Research Projects to Enhance Applicability of Mouse Models for Translational Research (Collaborative R01) Apply for PAR 14 240 Funding Number: PAR 14 240 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $450,000 |
| Research Projects to Enhance Applicability of Mouse Models for Translational Research (R01) Apply for PAR 14 241 Funding Number: PAR 14 241 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $450,000 |
| Oncology Models Forum (U24) Apply for PAR 14 239 Funding Number: PAR 14 239 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Limited Competition Biospecimen Banks to Support NCI Clinical Trials Network (NCTN) (U24) Apply for RFA CA 14 501 Funding Number: RFA CA 14 501 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $11,750,000 |
| Molecular and Cellular Characterization of Screen Detected Lesions Coordinating Center and Data Management Group (U01) Apply for RFA CA 14 011 Funding Number: RFA CA 14 011 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Molecular and Cellular Characterization of Screen Detected Lesions (U01) Apply for RFA CA 14 010 Funding Number: RFA CA 14 010 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "PA 14 181", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.