Below is list of funding sources for community-engaged research (CER)—including major federal agencies, foundations, nonprofits, and specialized programs—along with what these funders typically look for in proposals.
Federal Agencies and Programs
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
The NIH funds community-engaged research (CER) through standard mechanisms like R01 (Research Project Grants) and R21 (Exploratory/Developmental Grants), often through specific announcements (FOAs) that encourage partnerships.
Although NIH has historically funded CER projects through special funding mechanisms such as Community Partnerships to Advance Science for Society (ComPASS), these funding mechanisms are not currently active.
What NIH reviewers look for:
- Clear community contribution to study design and execution
- Feasibility, rigorous methodology, and measurable health impact
- Sustainability beyond the grant period
NIH Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL)
Although it does not fund research, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL) works to promote health, improve health outcomes, and strengthen partnerships through community-engaged research. CEAL teams work with community members and community organizations (such as faith communities, nonprofits, community centers, and schools) to ensure that research considers and includes the specific needs and voices of the communities of focus. Institutes across NIH provide national research leadership and expertise to CEAL teams.
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Although NSF’s Smart and Connected Communities (S&CC) and other solicitations have explicitly required that community engagement be built into research designs, the NSF does not currently have specific funding mechanisms that support community-engaged research. However, the NSF funds community-engaged research projects that meet its criteria for intellectual merit (the quality of the proposed research) and broader impacts (potential impact on society).
What NSF reviewers look for:
- Genuine partnerships with community stakeholders integrated into research planning and execution
- Interdisciplinary teams with relevant expertise
- Management and evaluation plans that reflect shared responsibilities
Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI)
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is an independent, nonprofit organization created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that receives federal support through specific fees and appropriations, but operates independently to fund research that engages patients and stakeholders in comparative clinical effectiveness research and includes engagement awards to build partnerships with communities.
What PCORI reviewers look for:
- Engagement of patients or community stakeholders in research planning, design, and dissemination
- Research focused on outcomes meaningful to patients and communities
- Diversity and inclusiveness in participant representation
AmeriCorps and National Service Programs
AmeriCorps has funded participatory research projects that engage residents and stakeholders in community planning and problem-solving.
What AmeriCorps looks for:
- Community participation in identifying and addressing local challenges
- Outcomes that strengthen civic engagement and infrastructure
Foundations, Nonprofits and Philanthropic Funds
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF)
Programs such as Systems for Action (S4A) have recently funded studies led by community organizations partnered with research teams on health equity and systemic change.
What RWJF looks for:
- Community leadership and genuine partnership with research organizations
- Research that advances equity and systems change in health
Spencer Foundation
The Spencer Foundation supports research on education that may include participatory and community approaches when relevant to improving educational outcomes.
Local and Regional Community Foundations
Below is a list of foundations and philanthropic funders in Michigan that either directly fund community-based research and engagement or support community organizations, capacity building, and projects where community-engaged research can be part of the work. We have included tips on how they typically fund so you can match your proposals to their priorities.
Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation (Flint, MI) actively funds research across its focus areas, including education, civil society, environment, and Flint-specific initiatives, supporting organizations doing data collection, policy analysis, and testing innovative models, often in partnership with universities for public health and community-based research. They provide grants for research into afterschool impact, STEM education, civic engagement, ecosystem protection, and public health, supporting both domestic and international projects. As of January 2025, the Foundation does not accept unsolicited letters of inquiry or proposals.
Relevance for community-engaged research:
- Supports research and capacity building that addresses community priorities and systems change
- Especially receptive to projects that involve partnerships between community organizations and researchers
Typical interests include:
- Strengthening civil society and community voice
- Supporting local research that informs policy and practice
- Equity-centered community solutions
How to position:
- Frame projects clearly in terms of community impact and collaboration
- Highlight how partners and community members are integrated throughout the research process
Community Foundations Across Michigan
Michigan has a large network of local community foundations (many organized under the Council of Michigan Foundations – see below). Michigan community foundations often fund research, especially research focused on local community needs, social issues, education, health, and economic development through grants to nonprofits or partnerships between nonprofits and universities.
Relevance for community-engaged research:
• Local foundations fund community projects and programs that respond to local priorities and often include evaluation or research components.
• While these foundations may not explicitly list research as a primary category, community-engaged research fits well within initiatives focused on community development, health equity, capacity building, and social impact.
Typical interests:
• Strengthening local nonprofits and community coalitions
• Equity & inclusion efforts
• Local data gathering or community assessments that inform action
How to position:
• Emphasize how the research directly supports local decision-making, capacity building, or community planning.
• Partner with local organizations or leaders to jointly apply or participate in advisory processes.
Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF)
CMF itself offers grant opportunities, primarily for community foundations and capacity building but also serves as a hub for philanthropic partnerships and funding collaborations statewide. (michiganfoundations.org)
Relevance for researchers:
• CMF often partners with state agencies or other funders to support innovative community-led projects and initiatives.
• Some CMF funds (e.g., those for racial equity or capacity building) can support research components that strengthen community responses or evaluate collective impact.
Typical interests:
• Capacity building for local foundations
• Race equity and community innovation
• Cross-sector collaborative approaches
How to position:
• Propose research that helps understand and improve community investment strategies, supports local decision-making, or strengthens philanthropic practice.
Regional Donor-Advised Funds & Equity-Focused Funds
Some community foundations offer field-of-interest or equity funds that support initiatives aligned with specific priorities such as inclusion, storytelling, health equity, youth opportunity, etc. For example, the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fund supports grassroots projects serving diverse communities.
Relevance for community-engaged research:
• Projects that include community documentation, participatory evaluation, or storytelling can align well with field-of-interest funds.
How to position:
• Identify local funds that match your topic area (e.g., equity, health, youth) and propose a community-engaged research add-on tied to program outcomes.
Michigan Health Endowment Fund
The Michigan Health Endowment Fund awards grants to nonprofit organizations and agencies to support innovative, evidence-based work to improve the health and wellness of Michigan residents. In 2026, MHEF’s grantmaking programs are: health aging, health kids, capacity building, and behavioral health.
Relevance for researchers:
• While not exclusively a research funder, the Health Fund supports projects where community engagement and evidence gathering are essential to achieving health outcome and health equity goals.
Typical interests:
• Community health, health equity, and capacity building
• Support for data collection, evaluation, and learning
How to position:
• Frame community-engaged research as a tool for strengthening nonprofit impact and informing evidence-based health strategies in communities.
Tips for Applying to Michigan Foundations
1. Emphasize Community Partnerships
Demonstrate:
• roles and leadership of community partners
• how community input shaped the research agenda
• shared decision-making in design and implementation
2. Connect Research to Local Impact
Foundations often prioritize actionable knowledge—data and insights that:
• inform community planning
• support advocacy or policy change
• improve services through local evidence
3. Align With Foundation Priorities
Local foundations vary widely in interests—from health equity, youth development, arts, to economic inclusion. Use their grant criteria and past awards to tailor your proposal.
4. Collaborate with Community Organizations
Joint applications with nonprofits, civic hubs, or community coalitions strengthen the case for community-engaged research and make the project more fundable at the local level.
What Funders Commonly Look for in Community-Engaged Research Proposals
Across federal agencies, foundations, and nonprofit funders, strong proposals typically demonstrate the following:
Genuine Partnership and Shared Leadership
• Community partners are co-designers, co-investigators, or co-PIs, not just participants.
• Letters of collaboration from community organizations describing their role strengthen proposals.
Relevance and Community Priority
• The research question reflects a priority identified by the community.
• Projects should address issues that matter to the community’s needs and aspirations.
Clear Engagement Plan
• Detailed descriptions of how communities will participate in each phase of the research (design, data collection, interpretation, and dissemination).
• Plans to share results back with the community in accessible formats.
Feasibility, Evaluation and Sustainability
• Realistic methods, timelines, and budgets.
• Evaluation strategies that measure outcomes meaningful to both academic and community audiences.
• Sustainability beyond the grant period or pathways for future funding.
Equity, Inclusion & Capacity Building
• Demonstrated commitment to equitable engagement and inclusion of diverse voices.
• Plans to build community capacity (skills, resources) through the project.
Tips for Identifying and Targeting Funders
• Search online databases for funding opportunities.
o For federal grants use grants.gov
o For foundation grants, use Candid’s Foundation Directory Online: https://libguides.lib.msu.edu/grants
• Network with peers and attend funder webinars/workshops.
• Review past awards to see the kind of projects funders have supported.
• Tailor each proposal to align with funder mission, criteria, and language (not just general research goals).
