Pilot Grant Program

Pilot Grant Program is sponsored by Healthier Workforce Center of the Midwest (NIOSH Total Worker Health® Center). This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

Opportunity Listing - NIOSH Centers of Excellence for Total Worker Health® (U19) NIOSH Centers of Excellence for Total Worker Health® (U19) Agency: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - ERA Assistance Listings: 93. 262 -- Occupational Safety and Health Program Last Updated: July 28, 2026 View version history on Grants. gov NIOSH intends to support the Centers of Excellence in Total Worker Health® (TWH).

These Centers will conduct rigorous research and translation activities to prevent harmful exposures, improve working conditions, and advance worker well-being. The Centers will develop practical, scalable solutions for employers and workers. All projects must use the NIOSH Worker Well-Being Questionnaire (WellBQ) and share data with the HERO Worker Well-Being Clearinghouse.

Large Research Projects require economic evaluation. • High-risk occupations: First responders, vehicle mechanics, and technicians, with emphasis on occupational exposures, related health risks, and prevention strategies • Artificial intelligence (AI), digital technologies This is a multi-component NOFO. Percentages indicate maximum share of total budget.

Overall Component (Required) Provides Center leadership and integration. Applicants should show strong coordination, scientific direction, and alignment across projects. Administration, Evaluation, and Emerging Issues Core (Required; up to 15%) Supports management and Center-wide evaluation.

Applicants should describe oversight, data governance, and quality assurance. Optional activities include emerging issues and shared research resources. Outreach, Dissemination, and Impact Core (Required; up to 15%) Supports communication, worker/employer engagement, training, translation, implementation, and dissemination strategies.

Research Projects (Required; about 60 to 70%) Includes all research activities. Applicants may propose a mix of projects. Research project distinctions are based on scope and complexity rather than cost.

Projects should demonstrate scientific rigor and potential for sustained impact. Small Research Projects (Required; at least one project; up to 3 years) Exploratory, feasibility, early-stage intervention, surveillance, or measurement studies. Priority areas: high-risk occupations, young workers, SMEs.

Should show innovation and potential to expand. Large Research Projects (Required; at least one project; up to 5 years) Multiyear etiologic, mechanistic, intervention, or translational studies. Priority areas: chronic disease, mental health, substance use disorder.

Economic evaluation is required. Projects should include strong design and analytic plans. Pilot/Feasibility Program (Optional; 12–18 months) Short-term studies generating preliminary data or testing AI/digital technology approaches.

Nonprofits non-higher education with 501(c)(3) Nonprofits non-higher education without 501(c)(3) Other Native American tribal organizations Independent school districts Public and state institutions of higher education Private institutions of higher education For-profit organizations other than small businesses Special district governments Public and Indian housing authorities Federally recognized Native American tribal governments City or township governments Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions) are not eligible to apply.

Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply. Foreign components, as defined in the HHS Grants Policy Statement, are not allowed. Grantor contact information Maria Lioce, MD, Scientific Program Official No documents are currently available.

Link to additional information Estimated Application Due Date : Estimated Due Date Description : Estimated Project Start Date : Funding opportunity number : Cost sharing or matching requirement : Funding instrument type : Opportunity Category Explanation : Category of Funding Activity : Your account requires additional identity verification.