Grant Program Research Articles

Promoting clean energy transition and industry emergence: leveraging public funding for the commercialisation of fuel cell technologies

ABSTRACT The effectiveness of public funding in promoting clean energy transition through technology innovation and industry emergence is an important issue for policy making. This study examines the role of public funding in commercialising fuel cell technologies by considering different types of partners in publicly funded projects. Our findings, based on data from the U.S. Department of Energy’s hydrogen and fuel cell commercialisation program, suggest that publicly funded projects with non-profit partners have a lower likelihood of commercialisation compared to those with for-profit partners. However, the size of the public grant significantly impacts this trend: projects with non- profit partners are more likely to be commercialised if they receive larger grants, while the opposite is true for projects with for-profit partners. This study advocates for the proficiency of public grant programs with regard to their role in supporting private efforts in commercialising clean energy technologies and fostering industry emergence.

LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT AS A CATALYST FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Objective and relevance. The purpose of this article is to study the role of local self-government in the development of social entrepreneurship in Ukraine, in particular in the context of decentralisation. In many countries, including Ukraine, local governments play an important role in stimulating the development of social entrepreneurship. In the context of decentralisation in Ukraine, local communities have been empowered to manage their resources, which opens up new opportunities to support businesses focused on the public good. This article explores how local self-government can become a catalyst for the development of social entrepreneurship, looking at both the opportunities and challenges of this process. As local communities gain more autonomy in managing their resources and addressing local issues, social entrepreneurship becomes a key tool for addressing social, economic and environmental challenges. This topic is highly relevant given the ongoing decentralisation reforms in Ukraine, the social and economic impact of the war, and the potential of social enterprises to contribute to sustainable community development. This study uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. The authors reviewed the literature on social entrepreneurship theory and practice, as well as examples of successful social enterprises in Ukraine and abroad. Interviews with local authorities and social entrepreneurs were used to collect primary data. In addition, a comparative analysis of the legal and regulatory framework for social enterprises at the local level was conducted. This study shows that local governments can play a significant role in promoting social entrepreneurship through financial support, simplifying administrative procedures, and facilitating partnerships between the private sector and civil society organizations. However, challenges remain, including limited financial resources, bureaucratic barriers, and a lack of awareness of the potential of social entrepreneurship among both local officials and the public. This article provides practical recommendations for local authorities to strengthen their support for social entrepreneurship, including the development of targeted grant programs, educational initiatives and cooperation projects with the private sector. By implementing these measures, local authorities can contribute to solving pressing social problems while stimulating economic growth and innovation at the community level.

Community-Driven Health Promotion: Evaluation of a Rural Microgrant Program.

Microgrants for health promotion have the potential to engage communities in designing and implementing place-based interventions to improve health and social outcomes. However, the evidence base around microgrants for health promotion is limited. This study presents the evaluation of a health service-funded microgrant program for health promotion in rural Australia. The evaluation framework was developed through a participatory approach and involved collaborative logic model building and co-prioritized evaluation questions with health service staff and grant recipients. Evaluation questions focused on participation, short-term outcomes, and the perceived value of program activities. Qualitative methods (reflexive thematic analysis) were used to answer the evaluation questions. Data sources included semi-structured interviews with grantees (n = 11) and the health service's health promotion team (n = 4), electronic field notes kept by the health promotion team (n = 50 documents), electronic progress reports completed by grantees (n = 6) and information and feedback forums (n = 2). Since the program's inception in 2019, the health service has received 22 grant applications of which 15 were approved and 14 disbursed. Evaluation results show that grantees were community members with multiple roles, often with previous experience in applying for grants. Expected outcomes have been partially met, especially with regard to the program's aim of community empowerment. The most notable impact was the enhancement of participants' perception of and relationship with the health promotion team, as well as the creation of opportunities for community members such as exposure to art and bridging of social groups. Microgrants represent a feasible way to increase health opportunities and foster community participation in the planning and delivery of health promotion programs. The key program activities identified and suggested improvements can help guide program replication and adaptation by other small organizations. Community members who had previously received a health service grant were invited to participate in collaborative workshops and follow-up surveys to codesign the grant program evaluation framework, co-prioritize evaluation questions and guide the results' dissemination plan.

Well-Spaced: Mapping Institutional Urbanicity and TRIO Student Success Support Program Availability in Texas

ABSTRACT Research indicates first-generation college students whose parents have yet to complete college face significant challenges in accessing postsecondary education. Therefore, widening participation in college enrollment for this population through college support programming has become a focal point of U.S. education policy. Still, only some studies engage with geography’s importance in shaping college support programs’ availability. Centered on federally funded TRIO Student Support Service (SSS) programs, this study descriptively explores an association between TRIO SSS programs, institutional types, and urbanicity in Texas. Findings reveal a pattern between city types and types of institutions awarded grants for TRIO SSS programs.

The impact of temperature on non-typhoidal Salmonella and Campylobacter infections: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological evidence

As temperatures rise, the transmission and incidence of enteric infections such as those caused by Salmonella and Campylobacter increase. This study aimed to review and synthesise the available evidence on the effects of exposure to ambient temperatures on non-typhoidal Salmonella and Campylobacter infections. A systematic search was conducted for peer-reviewed epidemiological studies published between January 1990 and March 2024, in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Original observational studies using ecological time-series, case-crossover or case-series study designs reporting the association between ambient temperature and non-typhoidal Salmonella and Campylobacter infections in the general population were included. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to pool the relative risks (RRs) per 1°C temperature increase, and further meta regression, and subgroup analyses by climate zone, temperature metrics, temporal resolution, lag period, and continent were conducted. The Navigation Guide systematic review methodology framework was used to assess the quality and strength of evidence. The study protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). Out of 3472 results, 44 studies were included in this systematic review encompassing over one million cases each of Salmonella and Campylobacter infections. Geographically, the 44 studies covered 27 countries across five continents and most of the studies were from high income countries. The meta-analysis incorporated 23 Salmonella studies (65 effect estimates) and 15 Campylobacter studies (24 effect estimates). For each 1°C rise in temperature, the risk of non-typhoidal Salmonella and Campylobacter infections increased by 5% (RR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.04-1.06), and 5% (RR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.04-1.07%), respectively, with varying risks across different climate zones. The overall evidence was evaluated as being of "high" quality, and the strength of the evidence was determined to be "sufficient" for both infections. These findings emphasise the relationship between temperature and the incidence of Salmonella and Campylobacter infections. It is crucial to exercise caution when generalising these findings, given the limited number of studies conducted in low and middle-income countries. Nevertheless, the results demonstrate the importance of implementing focused interventions and adaptive measures, such as the establishment of localised early warning systems and preventive strategies that account for climatic fluctuations. Furthermore, our research emphasises the ongoing need for surveillance and research efforts to monitor and understand the changing dynamics of temperature-related enteric infections in the context of climate change. Australian Research Council Discovery Projects grant (ARC DP200102571) Program.

Homology-independent targeted insertion-mediated derivation of M1-biased macrophages harbouring Megf10 and CD3ζ from human pluripotent stem cells

Macrophages engineered with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) are suitable for immunotherapy based on their immunomodulatory activity and ability to infiltrate solid tumours. However, the production and application of genetically edited, highly effective, and mass-produced CAR-modified macrophages (CAR-Ms) are challenging. Here, we used homology-independent targeted insertion (HITI) for site-directed CAR integration into the safe-harbour region of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). This approach, together with a simple differentiation protocol, produced stable and highly effective CAR-Ms without heterogeneity. These engineered cells phagocytosed cancer cells, leading to significant inhibition of cancer-cell proliferation invitro and invivo. Furthermore, the engineered CARs, which incorporated a combination of CD3ζ and Megf10 (referred to as FRP5Mζ), markedly enhanced the antitumour effect of CAR-Ms by promoting M1, but not M2, polarisation. FRP5Mζ promoted M1 polarisation via nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), ERK, and STAT1 signalling, and concurrently inhibited STAT3 signalling even under M2 conditions. These features of CAR-Ms modulated the tumour microenvironment by activating inflammatory signalling, inducing M1 polarisation of bystander non-CAR macrophages, and enhancing the infiltration of T cells in cancer spheroids. Our findings suggest that CAR-Ms have promise as immunotherapeutics. In conclusion, the guided insertion of CAR containing CD3ζ and Megf10 domains is an effective strategy for the immunotherapy of solid tumours. This work was supported by KRIBB Research Initiative Program Grant (KGM4562431, KGM5282423) and a Korean Fund for Regenerative Medicine (KFRM) grant funded by the Korean government (Ministry of Science and ICT,Ministry of Health and Welfare) (22A0304L1-01).

The Promises and Potential Pitfalls of Highway Reclamation for Population Health: A Research Framework.

Highway reclamation (i.e., the removal of highways or placing existing highways underground to create mixed-use urban areas) is being implemented around the United States, often touting co-benefits for population health. As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods grant program is a first-of-its-kind investment in launching even more highway reclamation projects. Depending on how the projects are implemented, these projects may create gentrification (i.e., the displacement of poor long-time residents by wealthier new people), thereby displacing the populations these projects are designed to protect. However, little work has systematically examined the extent to which highway reclamation projects provide the promised benefits for neighborhood environments (e.g., reduced air pollution), minimize gentrification, and improve health outcomes. This commentary proposes a framework by which the multidimensional impacts of highway reclamation can be evaluated, unlocking potential new structural pathways toward urban health equity.

Research and program grants will support health equity

The philanthropic arm of health insurance company Humana Inc. has announced a series of grants devoted to advancing health equity, with several of the funded initiatives focused on mental health. The Humana Foundation on Oct. 16 announced investments totaling $15.2 million for research and programmatic initiatives emphasizing emotional health and community connection. Among the funded research projects, investigators at Indiana University's Bloomington campus will use grant support to examine connection between school staff and marginalized students for suicide prevention, while researchers at the University of South Florida will test a nutrition education intervention for low‐income older adults with behavioral health conditions. Program grantees include Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana, which plans to establish a youth mental health center in Kentucky, and Spring Branch Community Health Center in Texas, which intends to open a mental health center at a high school with a large proportion of students struggling with mental health issues. Older adults and school‐age children have been priority populations in the foundation's overall giving mission. “This commitment from the Humana Foundation offers a major investment in creating practical tools that will have wide application in reconnecting older adults to social and community networks,” said Tom Kamber, executive director of grant recipient agency Older Adults Technology Services, which will use its grant to educate communities on the difficulties many seniors have in combating social isolation.

Biochemical Society support in action: experiences from our community

Throughout the year, the Biochemical Society offers a programme of grants for all career stages supporting research, attendance at scientific conferences and the sponsorship of events. So far this year, we have awarded over £200,000 towards conference participation, summer vacation studentships, international collaboration and the organization of independent seminars and postgraduate days. In this article, we are delighted to share a few insights from our community that highlight the variety of projects and opportunities made possible by our funding. For more information about our funding opportunities and the application process, please visit our website.

Biochemical Society support in action: experiences from our community

Throughout the year, the Biochemical Society offers a programme of grants for all career stages supporting research, attendance at scientific conferences, and the sponsorship of events. So far this year, we have awarded over £312,000 towards conference participation, international collaboration, diversity projects and PhD scholarships. In this article, we are delighted to share a few insights from our community that highlight the variety of projects and opportunities made possible by our funding. For more information about our funding opportunities and the application process, please visit our website.

The Use of the CDC Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant to Address Social Determinants of Health to Advance Health Equity.

State public health departments use federal funding to examine and address social determinants of health (SDOH) within their communities to improve health and advance health equity. Yet, most federal funding is categorical (ie, funding used for a specific program or narrow purpose), which can create barriers to addressing social and structural drivers of inequity. The Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant (PHHS Block Grant) is a flexible funding mechanism that provides health departments the latitude to identify and fund initiatives that address local public health needs. It is unclear, however, to what extent health departments use this flexible resource to incorporate SDOH into their programs. Cross-sectional, descriptive analysis of state health department PHHS Block Grant program administrative data. This study examined PHHS Block Grant budgets and workplans for the federal Fiscal Year 2021 to assess whether state health departments aligned their grant-funded program with the national objectives associated with the Healthy People 2030 SDOH Framework. Forty-seven states and the District of Columbia were included in this study. Percent of states that used PHHS Block Grant funds to address SDOH; proportion of funding allocated to address SDOH; percentage of programs that addressed SDOH. Three-fourths (75%) of states allocated funds to 97 programs aligning with at least 1 Healthy People 2030 SDOH-related objective. Fifty of the programs were fully or primarily funded by the PHHS Block Grant. Results also show that as the states' PHHS Block Grant funding level increased so did the percent of states that allocated funding toward SDOH programs. This study shows that state health departments are using the PHHS Block Grant to address SDOH, and that the grant plays an important funding role for these programs. States are incorporating the grant into their funding strategies to address SDOH.

Seed Grant Programs to Promote Community Transformation in Higher Education Institutions

Used in higher education for many decades, seed grants are now beginning to be applied as a strategy to advance diversity, equity and inclusion goals, including rebuilding community post-pandemic. There is little research on the effectiveness of seed grants for such communal goals. This work is innovative in two key ways. First, these seed grants focus on promoting a strong sense of community at the institution rather than promoting individual investigators and research projects. Second, engaging students and staff as principal investigators (PIs) disrupts power structures in the academy. We present a systematic analysis of seed grant project reports (n = 45) and survey data (n = 56) from two seed grant programs implemented at the same institution. A diverse set of projects was proposed and funded. Projects had a positive impact on awardees and their departments and colleges. Seed grant program activities were successful at building community among awardees and recognizing individual efforts. Most noteworthy are the career development opportunities for graduate students, postdocs and staff, which are afforded by changes to PI eligibility. We conclude that seed grant programs have the potential for organizational learning and change around community building in higher education.

National Maritime Heritage Grant Program—Preservation Grants (DOI)

National Maritime Heritage Grant Program—Preservation Grants (DOI)

Federal—State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program (DOT)

Federal—State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program (DOT)

Consolidated Multifamily Housing Technical Assistance Grant Program (USDA)

Consolidated Multifamily Housing Technical Assistance Grant Program (USDA)

Role of Grants in Ensuring Socio-Economic Stability in the Conditions of War in Ukraine

Grant programs are a key tool for solving global human problems. They promote business development, especially businesses founded by women or veterans. In times of crisis, grants become indispensable support for overcoming difficulties. In Ukraine, grants stimulate the development of various spheres of society, supporting reforms, civil society, science, culture and economy, especially in the context of geopolitical and economic challenges. The purpose of the article is to analyze and systematize available grant programs for the population and business in wartime conditions, to determine effective ways to find and receive them. The authors consider grants as free financial assistance provided for the implementation of projects, education or business development. Grants have a number of advantages compared to other financial instruments, such as loans, attracting investors or crowdfunding. In particular, grants do not need to be returned, and they can be raised systematically, which expands the financial capabilities of organizations. The article also discusses the goals of granting grants in wartime, which may include supporting innovation, solving current security problems, developing certain sectors of the economy, and transferring experience and financial resources from more developed countries. In the article, the author analyzes the experience of programs such as "Horizon Europe" and "EU4Business", emphasizing their role in supporting Ukrainian enterprises and the economy. The conclusions of the article indicate that grants are an important source of funding that allows implementing ideas, conducting scientific research, supporting charitable organizations, and improving the quality of life. The article offers an overview of the different types of grants, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as recommendations for finding and receiving grant support, including public and private grant programs.

Walmart Foundation grants available for local community projects

The Walmart Foundation is currently accepting applications for funding under its Spark Good Local Grant program, which it established to support nonprofit organizations operating within the service areas of individual U.S.‐based Walmart stores, Sam's Clubs and logistics facilities. These grants are smaller and more locally focused than the foundation's national programs, which tend to fund a broader range of program areas, and range from $250 up to $5,000 each, the foundation said.

Socioeconomic Impact Of Department Of Social Welfare And Development’s (DSWD’S) Implementation Of Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) 2021 At Del Carmen, Siargao Islands, Surigao Del Norte

This study evaluates the socioeconomic impact of the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) implemented in 2021 within the community of Del Carmen, Siargao Islands, and Surigao Del Norte. The primary objective is to assess the program's effectiveness in enhancing the economic conditions and overall well-being of its beneficiaries. Utilizing a mixed-methods research design, the study involved 100 beneficiaries of the SLP-Livelihood Assistance Grant Program, each of whom received a grant of P15, 000 in 2021. Data collection encompassed both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, and subsequent analysis employed statistical tools such as frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation, Kruskal-Wallis Test, and Spearman Rho Correlation. The findings reveal that the SLP has yielded substantial positive impacts on the lives of participants, notably enhancing income levels, employment rates, and overall quality of life. These improvements underscore the program's efficacy in fostering economic empowerment and social well-being within the community. However, the study also identifies areas where further attention and intervention are required. Specifically, challenges persist in promoting environmental sustainability and facilitating asset acquisition among beneficiaries. Based on these findings, the study proposes several recommendations to optimize the program's impact. These recommendations include integrating training on environmentally sustainable practices into the program, facilitating access to asset acquisition mechanisms such as grants and microfinance, tailoring interventions to address the specific needs of beneficiaries based on their income levels, establishing robust monitoring and evaluation systems, and promoting a holistic program design that encompasses not only economic empowerment but also social and environmental well-being. Addressing these identified challenges and implementing the proposed recommendations, the positive impact of the SLP can be amplified, contributing to sustainable community development and a marked improvement in the quality of life for beneficiaries in Del Carmen.

Socioeconomic Impact Of Department Of Social Welfare And Development’s (DSWD’S) Implementation Of Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) 2021 At Del Carmen, Siargao Islands, Surigao Del Norte

This study evaluates the socioeconomic impact of the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) implemented in 2021 within the community of Del Carmen, Siargao Islands, and Surigao Del Norte. The primary objective is to assess the program's effectiveness in enhancing the economic conditions and overall well-being of its beneficiaries. Utilizing a mixed-methods research design, the study involved 100 beneficiaries of the SLP-Livelihood Assistance Grant Program, each of whom received a grant of P15, 000 in 2021. Data collection encompassed both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, and subsequent analysis employed statistical tools such as frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation, Kruskal-Wallis Test, and Spearman Rho Correlation. The findings reveal that the SLP has yielded substantial positive impacts on the lives of participants, notably enhancing income levels, employment rates, and overall quality of life. These improvements underscore the program's efficacy in fostering economic empowerment and social well-being within the community. However, the study also identifies areas where further attention and intervention are required. Specifically, challenges persist in promoting environmental sustainability and facilitating asset acquisition among beneficiaries. Based on these findings, the study proposes several recommendations to optimize the program's impact. These recommendations include integrating training on environmentally sustainable practices into the program, facilitating access to asset acquisition mechanisms such as grants and microfinance, tailoring interventions to address the specific needs of beneficiaries based on their income levels, establishing robust monitoring and evaluation systems, and promoting a holistic program design that encompasses not only economic empowerment but also social and environmental well-being. Addressing these identified challenges and implementing the proposed recommendations, the positive impact of the SLP can be amplified, contributing to sustainable community development and a marked improvement in the quality of life for beneficiaries in Del Carmen.

Success and opportunities of the American Academy of Pediatrics Marshall Klaus research grant program in neonatal-perinatal medicine.

Physician-scientists are a crucial link between clinical practice and research. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) initiated the Marshall Klaus Perinatal Research Award to enhance the development of research skills among physicians training in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. In this study, we sought to identify trends in funding along with geographical and demographic variables of the applicants and mentees and assess the applicants' scholarly productivity and funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). We reviewed the data of applicants and awardees from 2015-2024. We found that basic science applications had a higher funding likelihood than clinical/translational applications. The geographical distribution of awardees is skewed. There was a significant association between awardee status and K08 or K23 funding attainment. Future efforts should support more equitable award distribution and a diverse research landscape in neonatal-perinatal medicine.