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Pilot Grants

CHET Faculty Pilot Grant RFA Application Deadline: November 9, 2026

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Release Date: October 1, 2026

Project Duration: 12 months

Overview

The Center for Health, Engagement, and Transformation (CHET) is pleased to announce a pilot funding opportunity to support meritorious projects that focus on identifying and addressing social contributors to differences in health outcomes and promoting health for all. All applications must address how the pilot project will (1) directly contribute to improving the health of a population with high need and (2) obtain critical data to support an extramural grant submission that will promote health for such a population. Eligibility is limited to full-time faculty (all title series including regular, research, clinical and special) at the University of Kentucky who are CHET affiliates or CHET core faculty (to request CHET affiliation please complete this form: https://uky.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_06gEWVvnH6JU6PQ ). This year we will fund one pilot study in conjunction with the College of Social Work (CoSW), so applications from faculty members in CoSW are particularly encouraged.  

Investigators in training including residents, post-doctoral fellows, and clinical fellows are not eligible to serve as PI but may be co-investigators. A maximum of $25,000 will be awarded for a period of 12 months with an earliest start date of 1/19/2027. IRB approval, if appropriate, will be required prior to funds being released. Awardees will be asked to share their research findings at a future CHET event. Applications are due November 9, 2026.

Applications will be accepted through the online form at https://medicine.uky.edu/centers/chet/pilot-grants. Applications must be single-spaced, at least 11-point font, and adhere to standard grant 1/2-inch margins. Proposal submission through OSPA is not required. Applications must include the following information uploaded as one PDF file through the online application. Please name the file as [Last name]_[First name]_CHET-Pilot2026.pdf.

Application Components

Applications must include:

  • CHET Pilot Grant Cover Page (to be filled out online)
  • NIH or NSF-style SciENcvbiosketch    for each investigator (5-page limit per investigator) with each investigator’s role on the project clearly outlined. See PDO Proposal Resources https://research.uky.edu/proposal-development-office for guidance on creating a biosketch with SciENcv.
  • Budget and budget justification (1 page)
    • Include specific justifications for each budget item or category.
  • If not supported by an assistantship or fellowship for the entire duration of the 12-month award period, undergraduate/graduate or professional student stipends ($500 week maximum) are allowed with strong justification. Tuition is an allowable expense with strong justification.
  • Allowable expenses include: graduate student stipends and tuition, equipment, travel costs associated with the research, up to 1 month of summer salary for those faculty on 9-10 month contracts, participant payments and other standard research expenditures.
  • Non-allowable expenses include: conference travel, salary for 11 or 12-month faculty
    • Purchase of equipment is allowable with strong justification. 
  • Abstract (300 words or less)
  • Specific Aims (1 page)
  • Research plan (2 pages)
    • The research plan should include a clear description of the research project. The research plan should describe the study objectives, explain the significance of the research, discuss implications for addressing social contributors to health outcomes and effectiveness of reducing disparities across populations, outline the methodological approach, and specify anticipated research products. It is suggested that the research plan include the following: 
      • Significance, innovation, and approach, including the implications of the pilot study for addressing social contributors to health outcomes and advancing health across population groups especially those experiencing disparities.
    • Anticipated scholarly products, and plans for seeking extramural funding beyond the pilot project timeframe (e.g., specify planned funder and funding mechanism such an RFA, FOA, or PAR with a projected application date).
  • Timeline (1/2) Page
  • Include a timeline with milestones for accomplishments described in the research plan including deliverables. The timeline should span 1/19/26 through 1/18/2027.
  • References do not count towards 2 page total.
  • Letter(s) of support (optional, up to 2-3 letters, maximum 1 page each), which may include endorsements from community partners, consultants, or confirmation of data or facilities access needed to complete study.

Any use of AI in the development of the CHET Pilot Grant application must be disclosed.

Application Components

Applications must include:

  • CHET Pilot Grant Cover Page (to be filled out online)
  • NIH or NSF-style SciENcvbiosketch    for each investigator (5-page limit per investigator) with each investigator’s role on the project clearly outlined. See PDO Proposal Resources https://research.uky.edu/proposal-development-office for guidance on creating a biosketch with SciENcv.
  • Budget and budget justification (1 page)
    • Include specific justifications for each budget item or category.
  • If not supported by an assistantship or fellowship for the entire duration of the 12-month award period, undergraduate/graduate or professional student stipends ($500 week maximum) are allowed with strong justification. Tuition is an allowable expense with strong justification.
  • Allowable expenses include: graduate student stipends and tuition, equipment, travel costs associated with the research, up to 1 month of summer salary for those faculty on 9-10 month contracts, participant payments and other standard research expenditures.
  • Non-allowable expenses include: conference travel, salary for 11 or 12-month faculty
    • Purchase of equipment is allowable with strong justification. 
  • Abstract (300 words or less)
  • Specific Aims (1 page)
  • Research plan (2 pages)
    • The research plan should include a clear description of the research project. The research plan should describe the study objectives, explain the significance of the research, discuss implications for addressing social contributors to health outcomes and effectiveness of reducing disparities across populations, outline the methodological approach, and specify anticipated research products. It is suggested that the research plan include the following: 
      • Significance, innovation, and approach, including the implications of the pilot study for addressing social contributors to health outcomes and advancing health across population groups especially those experiencing disparities.
    • Anticipated scholarly products, and plans for seeking extramural funding beyond the pilot project timeframe (e.g., specify planned funder and funding mechanism such an RFA, FOA, or PAR with a projected application date).
  • Timeline (1/2) Page
  • Include a timeline with milestones for accomplishments described in the research plan including deliverables. The timeline should span 1/19/26 through 1/18/2027.
  • References do not count towards 2 page total.
  • Letter(s) of support (optional, up to 2-3 letters, maximum 1 page each), which may include endorsements from community partners, consultants, or confirmation of data or facilities access needed to complete study.

Any use of AI in the development of the CHET Pilot Grant application must be disclosed.

Review Criteria

Proposals will be reviewed by the CHET Research Committee as well as by selected external reviewers. Scoring of proposals will be based on the standard NIH 9-point scoring system (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/review/rev_prep/scoring.htm). Each proposal will be evaluated based on the following criteria: 

  • Significance: (i.e., Does the project address an important problem or critical barrier to progress in the field? Does the study have potential to generate knowledge relevant to addressing health disparities?)
  • Innovation: (i.e., Does the proposal utilize novel theoretical concepts, approaches, methodologies, instrumentation or apply existing concepts to new populations or problems?) 
  • Approach: (i.e., Are the intended research activities well-described and likely to be feasible? Are the overall strategy, methodology, and analyses well-reasoned and appropriate to accomplish the specific aims of the project? Are study limitations acknowledged/addressed?)
  • Investigator(s): (i.e., Does the PI have the appropriate experience and training, evidence of productivity and/or potential to be an investigator in the area of health disparities research? Does the PI and research team have the required expertise and experience to conduct the proposed research study?) 
  • Evidence of future research and funding potential: (i.e., Does the proposed research show clear evidence of future potential in research to address health disparities)? 

The review committee will also assess whether the proposed budget and timeline are appropriate for the scope and nature of the project and whether there are any human subjects' considerations that may affect study implementation.

Review Criteria

Proposals will be reviewed by the CHET Research Committee as well as by selected external reviewers. Scoring of proposals will be based on the standard NIH 9-point scoring system (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/review/rev_prep/scoring.htm). Each proposal will be evaluated based on the following criteria: 

  • Significance: (i.e., Does the project address an important problem or critical barrier to progress in the field? Does the study have potential to generate knowledge relevant to addressing health disparities?)
  • Innovation: (i.e., Does the proposal utilize novel theoretical concepts, approaches, methodologies, instrumentation or apply existing concepts to new populations or problems?) 
  • Approach: (i.e., Are the intended research activities well-described and likely to be feasible? Are the overall strategy, methodology, and analyses well-reasoned and appropriate to accomplish the specific aims of the project? Are study limitations acknowledged/addressed?)
  • Investigator(s): (i.e., Does the PI have the appropriate experience and training, evidence of productivity and/or potential to be an investigator in the area of health disparities research? Does the PI and research team have the required expertise and experience to conduct the proposed research study?) 
  • Evidence of future research and funding potential: (i.e., Does the proposed research show clear evidence of future potential in research to address health disparities)? 

The review committee will also assess whether the proposed budget and timeline are appropriate for the scope and nature of the project and whether there are any human subjects' considerations that may affect study implementation.

Reporting Requirements

  • All publications, presentations, and other creative activities resulting from this award must include the following acknowledgement: “Funding was provided, in part, by the Center for Health, Engagement, and Transformation (CHET) at the University of Kentucky.” 
  • One (1) page final report due no later than April 1, 2028, detailing study enrollment, results, dissemination, and plans for future funding. In addition, recipients are expected to be responsive to ongoing contact from CHET to assess progress and outcomes from the award and share results.

 

Reporting Requirements
  • All publications, presentations, and other creative activities resulting from this award must include the following acknowledgement: “Funding was provided, in part, by the Center for Health, Engagement, and Transformation (CHET) at the University of Kentucky.” 
  • One (1) page final report due no later than April 1, 2028, detailing study enrollment, results, dissemination, and plans for future funding. In addition, recipients are expected to be responsive to ongoing contact from CHET to assess progress and outcomes from the award and share results.

 

Deadlines and Key Dates

Application deadlines and key dates: 

  • November 9, 2026: Applications due 

    Early December 2026: Selected Applicants notified 

  • Project period: 12 months from project start date (project start date dependent on IRB approval and disbursement of funds, start date no later than 1/30/2027 unless prior approval is granted).
Deadlines and Key Dates

Application deadlines and key dates: 

  • November 9, 2026: Applications due 

    Early December 2026: Selected Applicants notified 

  • Project period: 12 months from project start date (project start date dependent on IRB approval and disbursement of funds, start date no later than 1/30/2027 unless prior approval is granted).

Additional Questions

Please address specific application questions to Delvon Mattingly, PhD at delvonmattingly@uky.edu.

Additional Questions

Please address specific application questions to Delvon Mattingly, PhD at delvonmattingly@uky.edu.

Pilot Grant Archive

2026 Doctoral Pilot Awardees

In the fall of 2025, CHET awarded pilot funding to three doctoral students to support research projects focused on improving the health of a population of high need.

Zachary Siegel, a student in the Department of Psychology, will use a community-engaged approach to better understand Eastern Kentucky residents’ perspectives regarding interest in trauma-focused mental health interventions. Building on research collaborations following the historic 2022 flood in Eastern Kentucky, Siegel hopes that the results of this study will directly inform development and refinement of a trauma-focused treatment approach that will integrate evidence for treatment efficacy and effectiveness with the unique cultural and social considerations experienced by people living in Appalachian Eastern Kentucky.

Abigail Moore, a student in the Department of Psychology, will assess how adolescents cope in the current political climate. Utilizing a community-based participatory action design, Moore and her research team will expand research on adolescent mental health and ways of coping with political stressors by mapping methods for engaging in long-term collaborative research development, data collection and findings dissemination.

Thilini Samadhi Weeraratne, a student in the Department of Family Sciences, will examine the relationships between climate risk exposure and chronic health outcomes among a nationally representative sample of U.S. older adults. Weeraratne’s project builds on the idea that interactions across socio-demographic, cultural, contextual and biophysical pathways with climate stressors result in adverse health outcomes and exacerbate existing health inequities among the aging population.

Learn More

2025 Doctoral Pilot Awardees

In the fall of 2024, CHET awarded four doctoral students funding for pilot research projects. 

Reya Andrews, MS, CN a student in the Division of Nutritional Sciences and a Research Nutritionist in the Department of Family and Community Medicine proposed a pilot intervention study to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a Kitchen Makeover whole-food plant-based Diet Jumpstart, and explore whether a spouse's co-adoption impacts adherence to a WFPB diet among low-income adults with CVD risk factors. The study aimed to reduce health disparities by focusing on public housing residents with limited access to healthy food options.

Felipe Gonzalez Seguel, PT, MSc, a student in the Department of Physical Therapy, investigated differences in rehabilitation delivery between Spanish- and English-speaking adults with critical illness. The goal of the study was to identify the disparities and communication challenges impacting Spanish-speaking patients, and develop strategies to enhance equitable rehabilitation delivery.

Carleigh Litteral, BS a student in the Department of Psychology sought to analyze the familial patterns of addiction by exploring the prevalence of substance use and behavioral addictions across extended family networks. The goal of the study was to enhance understanding of familial and social contributors to addiction, inform targeted intervention strategies for at-risk individuals, and address disparities in SUD outcomes.

Tolulope Oladele, MBBS, MPH, FWACS (OBGYN), a student in the Department of Health Management and Policy, focused on assessing the impact of Medicaid reimbursement on the uptake of doula services, examining resulting maternal and infant health outcomes, and evaluating the policy’s effectiveness in reducing racial and socioeconomic disparities in maternal care. The purpose of the study was to provide evidence on the policy’s effectiveness, informing future expansions of Medicaid-funded doula services.

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2024 Faculty Pilot Awardee

Funding from the mHealth Application Modernization and Mobilization (MAMMA) Alliance and CHET supported a project led by Dr. Carrie Oser to develop an mHealth ecological momentary intervention (EMI). The purpose of the EMI was to address the social network characteristics and stressors experienced by rural individuals who are in recovery and involved in the criminal legal system.

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2023 Doctoral Pilot Awardees

In the fall of 2022, CHET announced its inaugural call for doctoral pilot awards. Two students in the College of Arts & Sciences received $10,000 pilots to further their research and training. 

Abigail Stephens in the Department of History investigated historical factors associated with vaccine hesitancy and resilience in Kentucky’s Black communities, using historical research methods to understand how the  Louisville, Kentucky Black community mounted a public health response to the 1897-1902 smallpox epidemic despite violence and government neglect. 

Ghazal Khaksari in the Department of Anthropology examined how the COVID-19 pandemic amplified the social and economic marginalization of newly arrived refugees in the Atlanta area, and the extent to which refugee-serving NGOs were able or unable to pivot in facilitating access to health care and other services for the diverse groups they serve.

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2023 Faculty Pilot Awardees

In 2023, CHET and the Food as Health Alliance (FAHA) awarded pilot funding to support two faculty members’ research projects to identify, reduce and eliminate health disparities. The goal of Dr. Jessica Burris' project was to provide insight into what barriers and facilitators exist for LGBTQ+ affirming care and tobacco cessation treatment delivery in the context of cancer care. 

Dr. Yuqing Zheng's Food as Health Alliance pilot addressed food insecurity and diet-related chronic disease by using machine learning to sift through in-store consumer purchase data to predict select health outcomes, like BMI, cholesterol, diabetes and hypertension, based on the types of food purchased.

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2022 Faculty Pilot Awardees

CHET and and the Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) collaborated to award pilot funding to two research projects that addressed health disparities. Makenzie Barr, PhD, RD, assistant professor in the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment,  was funded to test the effectiveness of an eight week, geo-targeted, place-based text message intervention with Black post-bariatric surgery patients to improve post-surgery text message support. 

Aubrey Jones, PhD, assistant professor in the College of Social Work, assembled a community advisory board to help guide qualitative research among parents and staff in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), with plans to develop a toolkit for parents, healthcare providers and scholars to support positive NICU experiences for queer families.

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2021 Faculty Pilot Awardees

In 2021, CHET collaborated with the UNITE Research Priority Area to support two faculty members’ research aimed at identifying, reducing and eliminating health disparities. Courtney Luecking, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition evaluated the impact of new state-level obesity prevention policies for children including meal planning requirements, screen time reductions and active play time. The goal of her study was to address unintended consequences of policy changes in child care programs and contribute new information about strategies to support equitable translation of obesity prevention policies for children. 

Shuoli Zhao, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics, estimated the potential impact of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation on dietary intake and diabetes management under the monthly cycle, with a goal of giving insight on the extent to which cyclical food hardship due to SNAP payment schedules may complicate glucose control among SNAP participants of different racial and ethnic backgrounds.

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2020 Faculty Pilot Awardees

In 2020, CHET awarded its inaugural pilot grants to three impactful research teams committed to addressing health disparities in vulnerable populations. Ann Coker, PhD, Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and her collaborator Dr. Camille Burnett sought to understand how Kentucky’s “Healthy at Home” COVID-19 prevention program may have affected families experiencing various forms of violence within the home. Their study focused on health care providers, police and community-based service professionals providing care for those experiencing intimate partner violence, sexual violence or child abuse. 

Danelle Stevens-Watkins, PhD, an Associate Professor in Department of Educational, School and Counseling Psychology, interviewed African American women in Kentucky about breastfeeding messages and myths they have been exposed to and trained breastfeeding peer support counselors known as “Community Transformers.” One goal of the study was to identify generational and cultural messages and how they influence women’s choices to initiate and continue breastfeeding. 

Amanda Fallin-Bennett, PhD, an Assistant Professor in the College of Nursing, tested the impact of an eight-week tobacco treatment intervention that incorporates smoking cessation education, group social support and group physical activity, tailored for women in residential substance use disorder (SUD) treatment.

Learn More