[Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute](https://www.pcori.org)

September 2026

Up to $750,000 direct costs per award (max 24 months); total funds available up to $10 million

Funds studies developing and validating measures of stakeholder engagement in research, focusing on partner involvement across the research lifecycle.

Invitation-only; limited to eligible current PCORI Broad Pragmatic Studies (BPS) awardees.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity supports supplemental studies that aim to develop and validate measures of engagement in research, specifically focusing on the involvement of research partners—such as patients, families, caregivers, and other stakeholders—throughout the planning, conduct, and dissemination phases of research projects. The objective is to address critical evidence gaps in defining, measuring, and understanding the effectiveness of engagement strategies in research, thereby advancing the science and practice of meaningful stakeholder involvement. The program is not intended for studies focused on clinical or self-care patient engagement, but rather on partner engagement in research activities themselves. Eligible projects must leverage existing PCORI-funded Broad Pragmatic Studies (BPS) infrastructure and personnel, and must propose work that develops or validates measures capturing the structure, context, process, and outcomes of engagement. Participation in PCORI’s Science of Engagement Learning Network is required for awardees. --- ## Due Dates - **Full Application Deadline (anticipated/projected):** September 2026 *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Maximum award:** Up to $750,000 in direct costs per project - **Maximum project period:** Up to 24 months (cannot extend the parent BPS project timeline) - **Total funds available:** Up to $10 million for this announcement --- ## Eligibility - **Invitation-only:** Only invited organizations with active PCORI Broad Pragmatic Studies (BPS) contracts are eligible. - **BPS awardees must:** - Have submitted at least one Interim Progress Report by the eligibility cutoff. - Have a Final Progress Report due July 2028 or later. - Be in good standing (on-time milestones, cumulative extension ≤18 months). - **Prior SWAS supplement awardees:** May apply if all other criteria are met. - **Individuals are not eligible to apply.** - **Foreign organizations:** Must justify U.S. relevance and include U.S. patient/stakeholder engagement. --- ## Application Process - **By invitation only:** Applicants must receive a formal invitation from PCORI. - **Submission portal:** All materials must be submitted via [PCORI Online](https://pcori.force.com/engagement). - **Required steps:** - Register in PCORI Online. - (Optional) Submit a study concept and schedule a consultation with PCORI. - Complete and upload required templates, including: - Research Plan - Methodology Standards Checklist - Scientific PI & Key Personnel Biosketches - Patient & Stakeholder Partner Profiles - Project/Performance Sites and Resources - Leadership Plan (if dual-PI) - Milestones Template - Budget Summary and Justification - Letters of Support - Submit for institutional authorization before the deadline. - **Formatting and compliance:** Strict adherence to page limits, formatting, and administrative requirements is enforced. --- ## Additional Information - **Scope:** Studies must develop and/or validate measures related to one or more of the following: - Engagement context (e.g., partner representativeness, resources, barriers/facilitators) - Engagement activities (e.g., planning, participation, management, level of engagement) - Research outcomes (e.g., research efficiency, patient-centeredness, importance of findings) - **Engagement:** Applicants must address PCORI’s [Foundational Expectations for Partnerships in Research](https://www.pcori.org/engagement-research/engagement-resources/foundational-expectations) and budget for meaningful engagement. - **Learning Network:** Participation in quarterly virtual and annual in-person Science of Engagement Learning Network meetings is required. - **Allowable costs:** No patient care costs; funds must directly support research and engagement activities. - **Review criteria:** Includes significance of the measurement gap addressed, potential for impact, scientific merit, investigator/environment, patient-centeredness, and quality of engagement plan. --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Full Announcement](https://www.pcori.org/funding-opportunities/announcement/swas-supplemental-funding-announcement) - [Full Funding Announcement PDF](https://www.pcori.org/sites/default/files/PCORI-2025-Cycle-2-SWAS-SFA.pdf) - [Submission Instructions](https://www.pcori.org/sites/default/files/PCORI-2025-Cycle-2-SWAS-Submission-Instructions.pdf) - [PCORI Methodology Standards](https://www.pcori.org/research-results/about-our-research/research-methodology/pcori-methodology-standards) - [Foundational Expectations for Partnerships in Research](https://www.pcori.org/engagement-research/engagement-resources/foundational-expectations) - [Applicant Resources](https://www.pcori.org/funding-opportunities/applicant-and-awardee-resources/applicant-resources) - [Budgeting for Engagement Activities](http://www.pcori.org/sites/default/files/PCORI-Budgeting-for-Engagement-Activities.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Inquiry Type | Contact | |-------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Programmatic & Technical | [pfa@pcori.org](mailto:pfa@pcori.org) / [Contact form](https://www.pcori.org/about/contact-us) | | Helpdesk Phone | (202) 627-1885 | | General Info | [info@pcori.org](mailto:info@pcori.org) | | Funder Address | 1333 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20036 | ---

Broad Pragmatic Studies Supplemental Funding Announcement (SFA) to Support Studies within a Study Focused on Developing and Validating Measures to Advance the Science of Engagement in Research -- Cycle 2 2025

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