Reducing Inequities in Cancer Outcomes through Community-Based Interventions on Social Determinants of Health | RFA DP 21 003

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA DP 21 003

The grant opportunity titled "Reducing Inequities in Cancer Outcomes through Community-Based Interventions on Social Determinants of Health" (Funding Opportunity Number RFA DP 21 003) is a CDC cooperative agreement designed to strengthen the evidence base for how community-driven, multi-sector strategies can reduce racial and ethnic disparities in cancer outcomes. The central focus is evaluation research, meaning applicants are expected to systematically study not only whether an intervention works, but also how it was designed and delivered, how well it was implemented in real-world settings, who benefits most, and what mechanisms or pathways explain the outcomes. The larger goal is to produce practical, generalizable knowledge about "what works, for whom, and why" when addressing social determinants of health that contribute to unequal cancer risk, unequal access to screening, and unequal survivorship outcomes.

A defining feature of the opportunity is its emphasis on innovative, community-based interventions that operate across multiple domains of social determinants of health and involve multiple sectors. In practice, this points toward partnerships that go beyond healthcare alone and may include public health agencies, community-based organizations, schools, housing entities, employers, local government, transportation systems, and others positioned to change the conditions that shape cancer-related outcomes. The target populations are one or more socially or economically disadvantaged groups, with a strong emphasis on reducing disparities experienced by racial and ethnic populations that have historically faced worse cancer outcomes due to structural and community-level barriers.

Applicants must choose one of three components, and the application must be aligned to that single component. Component A, Primary Cancer Prevention, supports evaluation research on a multi-sector intervention aimed at reducing cancer risk at the population level in disadvantaged populations. This component is geared toward upstream prevention and expects studies that assess implementation and impact and also clarify causal mechanisms, such as how changes in community conditions, resources, policies, or access to healthy environments translate into reduced exposure to cancer risk factors. The intent is not simply to run a program, but to rigorously evaluate an intervention that plausibly moves prevention outcomes through community-level change.

Component B, Cancer Screening, focuses on reducing inequities in the receipt of appropriate screening services. The language makes clear that "screening" is not limited to a one-time test; it includes on-time initial screening, routine re-screening at recommended intervals, and appropriate follow-up after inconclusive or incomplete screening. This component supports evaluation research that tests innovative, multi-sector approaches to closing gaps in screening participation and continuity of care among disadvantaged populations. As with all components, the evaluation is expected to produce insight into implementation and impact, plus the causal mechanisms that explain changes in screening-related outcomes, such as improved navigation, reduced logistical barriers, stronger referral pathways, or community-trusted outreach models.

Component C, Health and Wellbeing of Cancer Survivors, targets barriers that cancer survivors face after treatment or during long-term survivorship, particularly in disadvantaged communities. This component supports evaluation research on interventions intended to improve survivorship-related health and wellbeing outcomes by addressing social and structural barriers such as access to supportive services, transportation, stable housing, employment support, financial toxicity, culturally responsive care coordination, and other factors that influence quality of life and long-term health. Like the other components, applicants are expected to evaluate how the intervention is implemented, its effects, and the mechanisms through which it improves survivorship outcomes.

From an administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary funding opportunity using a cooperative agreement mechanism, which typically indicates substantial involvement or partnership with the CDC during the project period (for example, collaboration on evaluation approaches, performance monitoring, and dissemination expectations). The program is listed under CFDA 93.068 within the health funding activity category. The award ceiling is $1,000,000, with an expected three awards. Eligible applicants are broad and include various levels of government (state, county, city/township, special districts), public and private institutions of higher education, federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations, public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding higher education institutions in those categories), for-profit organizations other than small businesses, and small businesses, with eligibility ultimately subject to any clarifications included in the official eligibility text.

Key dates included a creation date of December 2, 2020, and an original closing date of February 10, 2021, with electronic applications due by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline. Overall, the opportunity is aimed at moving beyond documenting disparities to rigorously testing and explaining community-based solutions that can measurably reduce inequities in cancer prevention, screening, or survivorship, while generating evidence that can be used and adapted in other settings.

• The Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - ERA in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Reducing Inequities in Cancer Outcomes through Community-Based Interventions on Social Determinants of Health" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.068.
• This funding opportunity was created on Dec 02, 2020.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Feb 10, 2021 Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 500 p.m., ET, on the listed application due date.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 3 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.

Apply for RFA DP 21 003

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