12 Medical Grants For Patients And Research Programs (2023)

Last Updated on January 25, 2024 by Lori Pace

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To help shape the healthcare system, medical grants are available. Besides, a federal agency offers financial assistance and medical grants for patients to help pay medical bills and cover medical treatment. It can also be used to support research.

In short, grants are available to those with limited resources who cannot afford medical treatment.

Medical Grants For Patients – Healthcare Costs

Federal grants are economic assistance that the United States government issues to individuals to provide public support. So far, the U.S. has seen increased investment in research and development (R & R&D) related to medical and health.

This grant is intended to improve health care delivery. The medical grant is also provided to patients or doctors who treat the disease.

Federal Medical Grants For Patients

There are many funding agencies. However, each agency has its approach, priorities, goals, and objectives. So, understanding each agency’s mission is crucial to creating a precise grant application. Let’s take a look at these federal agencies in more detail.

National Institutes Of Health (NIH)

The NIH, the largest federal funding agency, is responsible for millions of dollars each year supporting health research. Also, NIH’s mission is to support translational research in medicine and health.

The following are the reasons it is the most desired funding agency:

Firstly, superior to all other grant institutes.

Secondly, allows for scientific experimentation in many areas.
And last, offers the best professional portfolio for medical researchers.

NIH – Types Of Medical Grants & Opportunities

The NIH offers many grant opportunities. Hence, it’s tempting to grab a grant that provides a large amount and a convenient deadline.

However, the NIH success rate is still low. This means your application and project must be outstanding to secure the deal. So, a wrong application can lead to a career disaster. Moreover, different projects fall within various categories. In short, you can find the right funding opportunity for your project by conducting a thorough search.

NIH includes 27 institutes and centres, out of which 24 grant recipients. Each year, grant proposals are made for both new and experienced investigators.

So, these are the types and methods you can apply for NIH grants.

Medical Grants Support Scientists — *Support scientists, senior post doctors with their research*.

1. Research Grants (R Series)

Research grants may come as salaries, research costs, sponsors, equipment, and supplies. Besides, these grants are for independent health investigators and professional institutes. In short, it includes:

2. Career Development Awards (K series)

The Career Development Awards (K Series) allow faculty-level scientists and senior post-doctors to do independent research. Hence, it includes:

Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award – K01
Independent Research Scientist Development Award – K02
Senior Research Scientist Award – K05

Academic Career Development Award – K07
Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award – K08
Clinical Scientist Institutional Career Development Program Award – K12

Research Career Enhancement Award for Established Investigators – K18
Career Transition Award – K22
Midcareer Investigator Award in Patient-Oriented Research – K24

Mentored Quantitative Research Career Development Award – K25
Midcareer Investigator Award in Biomedical & Behavioral Research – K26
Emerging Global Leader Award – K43

Emerging Leaders Career Development Award – K76)
Pathway to Independence Award – K99/R00

3. Research Training and Fellowships (T & F series)

Predoctoral and research students can receive institutional support through T grants. This grant also allows trainees to get experience with the research team. However, these grants are usually for senior-level applicants at research institutes.

Individual fellowship awards are F series. So, these awards are available to undergraduates and graduates. They are also available for postdoctoral researchers looking for institutional research opportunities. It includes:

International Research Fellowships – F05
Ruth L. Kirschstein Individual Predoctoral NRSA for MD/Ph.D. and other Dual Degree Fellowships – F30

Ruth L. Kirschstein Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award – F31
Ruth L. Kirschstein Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award – F32
Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards for Senior Fellows – F33

Individual Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Fellow Transition Award – F99/K00

4. Program Project/Center Grants (P series)

Multi-project grants are available that cover a variety of research activities. It includes:

Research Program Projects – P01

Exploratory Grant – P20
Center Core Grants – P30
Specialized Center – P50

5. Resource Grants (various series)

Research-related support for institutes and investigators is provided by resource grants. It covers:

Resource-Related Research Projects – R24
Education Projects – R25

Resource Access Program – X01

6. Trans-NIH Programs

These grants are used to fund clinical and biomedical research. For example, these experiments include neuroscience research (Blueprint), stem cell information (Stem cells), social sciences (OppNet), and countermeasures against chemical hazards (CounterACT):

Inactive Programs – Archive

These inactive grant programs serve information and background only. It includes:
Clinical Research Curriculum Award – K30
First Independent Research Support and Transition – R29

Short-Term Courses in Research Ethics – T15

NIH Grant provides more information about grants funding. You can find details, including application due dates, the project begins and end dates, and details about grant funding.

Medical Grants From Department Of Defense

The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), a Department of Defense office, offers grants to help control, prevent and cure diseases. Medical grants can also be provided for epilepsy, melanoma, and lupus.

Visit Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs to learn more about funded research programs.
These programs are available to apply on eBARP.

Centres for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)

The U.S. government has a CMS agency. In a nutshell, CMS analyses and collects data about healthcare. Then, it creates research reports and constantly works to eradicate fraud and abuse cases within the healthcare system. So, it is the goal of providing better health and access to care for all members of the healthcare system.

Types of CMS Programs

CMS plays a vital role in the federal and state insurance markets for health insurance. It is responsible for implementing the Affordable Care Act’s private health insurance laws. Besides, it also provides educational materials to the general public.

List of 12 Medical Grants For Patients In 2024

1. Medicare

It is a program that the government funds for seniors aged 65 and over. Specifically, Medicare provides health coverage for individuals with certain end-stage conditions. Besides, disabilities that the Social Security Administration confirms can also apply for funds.

2. Medicaid | Medical Grants

This government-sponsored program provides health care coverage for people with low incomes. So, patients receive assistance with the cost of doctor visits, hospital stays, long term care, and other fees.

The state’s Medicaid agency can accept applications or apply online through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

*Medicare vs Medicaid. Source: AARP Medicare Plans*

3. CHIP

Parents with children younger than 19 years old who cannot afford regular health insurance can get the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). However, there are variations of this program in each state. Therefore, eligibility requirements can vary.

Moreover, vaccinations, doctor visits and hospital care are all free.

4. National Science Foundation (NSF).

NSF grants nearly $190 million annually to small businesses and startups. In short, medical grants support research and development in science and technology that can lead to commercial success.

Small businesses can receive Phase I and II funding through the National Science Foundation Seed Fund. Before you submit your complete proposal, you will need to submit a 3-page pitch. It is possible to pitch your idea even before setting up a company.

Once you have submitted your pitch, you can be set up as a U.S. legal corporation that meets the ownership guidelines. Then, you can submit a complete proposal. Visit SeedFund for more information.

5. Medical Grants From Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

VA offers many health benefits that will help you keep healthy. Each Veteran’s benefits package is different. So, these services can be of assistance:

Treat injuries and illnesses
Enhance your ability to function

Improve your quality of living
Prevent future health problems

Visit Veterans Affairs (VA) to learn more about VA vision care or VA dental care.

6. Veterans Transportation Program

To address the needs of veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs established the Veterans Transportation Program (VTP). VTP also provides innovative solutions for Veterans who have difficulty arranging transportation to VA medical appointments.

So, register for Veterans Service Organization (VSO), through this website www.grants.gov, during the Notice of Funding Available.

7. Food And Drug Administration (FDA).

The Food and Drug Administration collaborates with US government partners to support medical innovation. FDA activities include responding to health emergencies and addressing existing challenges. In short, this provides continuous surveillance for issues that could lead to human harm. Besides, FDA also determine possible risks to human health, and inspections of regulated institutions, among other things.

The FDA recently awarded six medical grants to help fund research into rare diseases. Furthermore, these grants were awarded through the congressionally-funded Orphan Products Grants Program. Visit their website to keep up with funding opportunities.

8. Agency fFor Healthcare Research And Quality

AHRQ funds research that improves the safety and quality of the health care system. In short, AHRQ’s mission is to make healthcare more affordable, accessible, fair, safer, and accessible.

Visit the AHRQ page to find more information about the basics of the grant application and how AHRQ grants can be funded.

9. Centers For Disease Control And Prevention | Medical Grants

The Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention grants funds for research and non-research programs in public health. In short, its mission is to keep Americans healthy and safe.

How do I apply for a CDC Grant?

Firstly, check out the Notice on Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to see the eligibility criteria.
Secondly, you can find the funding opportunities on Grants Gov.

Thirdly, prepare grant applications. Visit the Centre for Disease Control & Prevention to find out some tips.
And lastly, when you are ready, submit your application!

10. Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute, (PCORI)

PCORI funds focus on patient-centred outcomes instead of comparative efficacy research.

Patient-Centred Outcomes research (PCOR)
PCOR assists patients and other healthcare stakeholders like caregivers, policymakers, insurers, clinicians and insurers. It also makes informed decisions about their healthcare and options.
Comparative Clinical Effectiveness (CER)
CER allows you to compare outcomes and assess their benefits and risks. Therefore, these results help patients and clinicians make informed decisions to improve their health care.

CER Eligibility Criteria

Private Sector – Nonprofit research organisations as well as profit organisation

Public Sector – University and college campuses, hospitals and health systems, laboratories, manufacturers and units of state or federal government
US Organizations – Must be recognised and approved by the Internal Revenue Service.
Under certain conditions, foreign and US organisations’ non-domestic components can operate. The US healthcare system should benefit from the engagement, and scientists should be satisfied. Engagement plans should be relevant to US healthcare and include US patients.

However, individuals – NOT ELIGIBLE TO APPLY

11. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

HRSA grants provide health care support for medically or geographically vulnerable patients. In fact, many programs are available for service providers, pregnant, people living with HIV/AIDS, rural families. Moreover, anyone who would otherwise be unable to access high-quality healthcare can also apply.

HRSA Grant Application

These steps are required to receive HRSA medical grants.

Firstly, comply with mandatory registrations
Secondly, find out your eligibility
Thirdly, determine your grant

And last, be a great reviewer

Visit HRSA for more information.

12. U.S. Agency for International Development, USAID | Medical Grants

In short, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is a federal grant program that supports humanitarian and economic development.

Furthermore, USAID grants are available to US-based non-profit entities, US-based local, state, and regional governments. These grants also for private voluntary organisations and foreign-based nonprofits.

How do I apply for a USAID Grant?

You can review the available grant announcements on grants.gov, usaid.gov or the USAID bureau website.
Then, follow all instructions in the Request for Application (RFA) when an announcement about a grant is available.

Of course, please send your complete proposal to grants.gov before the deadline.
The proposal must include the project goals and objectives and a budget. Also, all agreements and certifications required must be attached.
After the proposal has been approved, a USAID Agreement Officer will negotiate for a grant award.

Visit USAID for more information.

Medical Grants Are Constantly Updated

It can be difficult and time-consuming to find the proper medical grants. Once you have seen them, complete the application and submit it. Federal grants are constantly being updated! So, you might be eligible for additional federal grants.