National Native Health Research Training Initiative | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the National Native Health Research Training Initiative?

The National Native Health Research Training Initiative is a federal cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Indian Health Service (IHS). Its purpose is to strengthen American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) health research capacity through a sustained, nationwide training and networking effort.

What is the main goal of this funding opportunity?

The main goal is to support an enduring, national forum led by an AI/AN-focused membership organization so it can expand outreach and education for AI/AN students, faculty, and health professionals, while also advancing broader objectives of the IHS research program. The focus is not a one-time project, but building ongoing capacity, connections, and momentum in AI/AN health research.

What type of applicant is this opportunity meant to support?

This opportunity is centered on supporting a national membership organization made up of AI/AN scientists, researchers, and students that can serve as a national convener and expand nationwide training and networking.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status other than institutions of higher education.

Are colleges and universities eligible to apply?

No. The eligibility description limits applicants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations other than institutions of higher education.

Is this a grant or a cooperative agreement?

This is a cooperative agreement, which is a discretionary funding mechanism.

What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement?

A cooperative agreement means IHS expects to have substantial involvement and collaboration with the recipient in carrying out the work funded under the award.

How many awards does IHS expect to make?

The opportunity indicates one expected award, aimed at supporting a single recipient organization to serve as the national convener.

What is the maximum award amount?

The maximum award amount listed is $225,000.

What is CFDA 93.933?

CFDA 93.933 is the program listing number provided in the opportunity information for this award.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is HHS-2017-IHS-DPER-001.

Which federal agency is offering this opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Indian Health Service (IHS).

What populations and communities are intended to benefit from this initiative?

The initiative is intended to strengthen health research that directly matters to Tribal and urban American Indian and Alaska Native populations, and to support the broader workforce serving Tribes and other AI/AN communities, including urban populations.

Is this funding for a one-time research project?

No. The opportunity emphasizes building an enduring forum and sustained nationwide training and networking effort, rather than funding a one-off project.

What is the required annual activity under this initiative?

A major required focus is the planning and delivery of an annual national training event that highlights health research methods and research findings important to AI/AN people and communities.

What is the purpose of the annual national training event?

The annual gathering is intended to convene health researchers and key stakeholders to exchange recent research results, learn new methodologies, discuss best practices in service delivery, reinforce understanding of human research protections, and provide practical professional development related to research funding opportunities.

What topics are expected to be addressed at the annual training event?

Based on the opportunity description, the event is expected to highlight AI/AN-relevant health research methods and findings, best practices in service delivery, human research protections, and information about research funding opportunities and how to pursue them.

How does the initiative support AI/AN researchers and students?

The initiative is designed to provide a primary platform for AI/AN researchers and students to present their work, receive constructive feedback from other researchers and from Tribal health professionals, and strengthen the quality and relevance of research conducted in AI/AN settings.

How is mentorship included in this initiative?

Mentorship and career development are built into the purpose, particularly for students. The annual training event is positioned as a place where students can identify and connect with mentors and begin building longer-term professional relationships.

Why is consistency of the annual national training events emphasized?

The announcement notes that consistency is important not only for skills development, but also for morale across the health research and broader health professional workforce serving Tribes and other AI/AN communities, including urban populations.

Who is expected to participate in or be convened by the annual event?

The event is intended to convene health researchers and key stakeholders, and to include AI/AN researchers, students, and Tribal health professionals as part of the exchange of findings, methods, and feedback.

What role does the recipient organization play nationally?

The award is aimed at supporting a single recipient organization to serve as the national convener, maintaining a sustained, nationwide training and networking effort through an AI/AN-led membership organization.

When was this opportunity originally posted, and what was the original closing date?

The opportunity was originally posted on September 15, 2016, with an original closing date of October 30, 2016.

What broader program objectives does this initiative support?

The initiative is intended to advance the broader objectives of the IHS research program by strengthening AI/AN health research capacity and expanding outreach and education tied to AI/AN students, faculty, and health professionals.