Connecting the Community for Maternal Health Challenge: Research Capacity Building in Maternity Care Deserts (CCMH 2.0)
NIH Challenges' CCMH 2.0 supports nonprofits and Tribes in maternity care deserts to build research capacity and lead community-driven maternal health research projects.
Funder: NIH Challenges
Due Dates: September 23, 2026 (Recruitment Phase Close) | December 2, 2026 (Training Phase Close) | March 29, 2027 (Proposal Phase Close) | November 8, 2028 (Research Phase Close)
Funding Amounts: Total prize purse: $3,100,000; awards per organization: $10,000 (Training Phase), $150,000 (Proposal Phase), and up to $350,000 (Research Phase winners).
Summary: Supports U.S. nonprofits and Tribes in building research capacity to address maternal health in maternity care deserts through phased training, mentorship, and funding.
Key Information: Academic institutions are not eligible as lead applicants; only U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits and state/federally recognized Tribes may apply.
Description
This NIH-sponsored challenge aims to address the high rates of maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States by empowering nonprofit community organizations, advocacy groups, and Tribes—particularly those serving maternity care deserts—to develop research infrastructure and capacity. Through a multi-phase process, the program provides training, mentorship, and financial incentives to help these organizations lead or partner in maternal health research. The challenge is designed to overcome barriers such as limited research experience and infrastructure, ensuring that affected communities have a central role in shaping research that meets their needs. The program aligns with the NIH IMPROVE initiative and emphasizes community-driven, culturally informed research to reduce preventable maternal deaths and adverse outcomes.
