Community Research Institute
Request for Applications (RFA)
Released July 29th, 2014
Description:
The University of Minnesota’s Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Center for Health Equity and
Program in Health Disparities Research are please to present the third annual Community Research Institute
(CRI). CRI is a 6-week workshop series designed to enhance the capacity of community organizational leaders
and staff in health-related research methodology to be able to take the lead on and/or increase their
partnership capacity in developing and conducting grant-fundable research projects.
During the Institute, the participating community organization teams will hear from University of Minnesota
professionals on different research topics, i.e. designing a research question & specific aims, ethics,
community-engaged research, preparing a grant budget, and dissemination of community research results to
diverse audiences. Participants will then have an opportunity to apply the knowledge to a project currently
being planned or conducted at his/her organization. Teams will also have the opportunity to receive two 1hour consultation sessions on the project with an academic professional on topics not covered in CRI or for
more in-depth questions.
Upon successful completion of the Institute, participating organizations will receive a $1,000 mini-grant to be
used for the implementation of the research project and/or to compensate for staff time dedicated to
participation in the Community Research Institute. In addition, Institute participants will be provided with all
materials needed to participate in the Institute, including parking and lunch.
Eligibility:
Applicants eligible to apply include leaders and staff from community-based organizations with an interest in
further developing their skills to conduct health-related research.
Applicants must describe an existing or potential health-related research project that they will actively work
on throughout the Institute. Any organization that is eligible can apply, however organizations that are
currently implementing a research project or are planning to submit a grant proposal within the next year
may benefit most from this Institute.
The Institute will be most beneficial to organizations who can commit to sending the same 2-4 participants
each week.
Expectations:
Institute participants are expected to attend all sessions and participate fully in the Institute. All participants
must attend the first and last session. At least two of the individuals must attend five out of the six sessions.
All participants must complete pre and post-evaluation measures.
Community Research Institute
Request for Applications (RFA)
Released July 29th, 2014
Selection Criteria:
Organizations will be selected based on:




The organization’s need for CRI (30%)
How the organization plans to apply the skills and knowledge from the CRI (30%)
The project’s relevance to health (20%)
Support from the organization for participation in the CRI (20%)
*Priority will be given to organizations that have not participated in previous Community Research Institutes.
Schedule:
Fridays from 9:00-12:30 p.m. from October 3rd through November 7th. Lunches will be included.
Application Instructions:
Apply here!
Completed applications are due no later than 4:00 p.m. (CST) Monday, August 25th
2014. Applicants will be notified of their status by September 16, 2014.
Address questions to:
Clinical and Translational Science Institute
Office of Community Engagement for Health
Deb Hendricks (612) 624-4247
dlhendri@umn.edu
Center for Health Equity
Megan Hoffman (612) 626-4120
hoff0511@umn.edu
Program in Health Disparities Research
Kristin Eide (612) 626-8497
keide@umn.edu
The Community Research Institute is co-sponsored by the University of Minnesota’s Clinical and Translational
Science Institute, Center for Health Equity, and Program in Health Disparities Research.