Overview
Supports new or expanded Syracuse University and VA collaborations that generate preliminary data for external grant submissions focused on Veterans’ health, behavioral health, resilience, and well-being. Projects may also include work relevant to service members and military-connected families as appropriate.
Award amount and anticipated distribution
Each individual pilot grant award will range from $500 to $10,000 in direct costs. Approximately 4 to 12 pilot grants will be supported from a $30,000 pool. Up to two grants may be up to $10,000 each. The remaining funds will support grants in the $1,000 to $5,000 range. The total number and size of pilot grants awarded will depend on merit, need, and available funds. CHB may award less than requested based on review and available funds.
Timeline
Newsletter announcement: November 7, 2025
Application portal opens: January 20, 2026
Applications due: February 12, 2026
Review period: February 13 to February 27, 2026
Notices of award: February 27, 2026
Earliest start date: March 2, 2026
Project period: 12 months from the start date
Eligibility
Each team must include at least one SU investigator and at least one VA investigator. Either the PI or the Co-PI must be the SU investigator.
Allowable costs
Allowable direct costs include participant compensation, instrumentation access or core facility time, data acquisition or access fees, study materials and modest software, project travel tied to study conduct, and other direct costs with justification.
Not allowed
Personnel costs, large equipment purchases, general office supplies, conference travel not required for project conduct, and indirect costs.
Application components
- Specific Aims, 1 page.
- Project Plan, 2 pages, addressing goals, approach, SU and VA roles, timeline, risks and contingencies, and the next external funding target.
- Itemized budget with justification, 1 page. List each cost category and amount with a brief purpose.
- Biosketch or CV for key personnel.
- Access letters only if needed for data, clinics, or facilities.
Submission
Apply via the online application portal that will be linked on this page when it opens on January 20, 2026. It is suggested that applicants prepare the sections listed above so that materials are ready to upload. If portal timing changes, the updated date will be posted here.
Review and selection
Applications will be peer-reviewed for scientific merit and feasibility; conflicts of interest will be managed by recusal. Reviews will be completed approximately three weeks after the due date. Scoring rubric domains: (1) fit with SU and VA collaboration goals; (2) feasibility in 12 months at the requested amount; (3) team capability and clarity of SU and VA roles; (4) clarity and feasibility of the external funding target and submission plan.
Award administration and expectations
Send a brief progress update at month 6. Within 30 days of the project end date, submit a final report that summarizes activities, products, and the status of any external submission. Awardees may be invited to share results at a CHB or partner event or to submit a short research brief. Please use this acknowledgement in all outputs: “This work was supported by the Center for Health Behavior Research & Innovation and the IVMF Veteran & Military Behavioral Health Collaborative.”
Questions
Email chb@syr.edu with any questions about eligibility, scope fit, allowable costs and budgets, timelines, or the application process.