PCORI Grants - Simple Guide for Healthcare Stakeholders

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is a nonprofit group created by the Congress. Its main goal is to fund research that compares different healthcare options. This type of research, known as comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER), helps patients, families, and healthcare professionals make better decisions based on evidence, benefits, and risks.

What makes PCORI unique is its focus on including patients, caregivers, and the wider healthcare community in all stages of the research—from design to sharing results.

• Comparative Clinical Effectiveness Research (CER): Studies that compare different approaches to care.

• Research Infrastructure: Building tools, methods, and systems to support CER.

• Dissemination and Implementation: Helping research findings reach the right people.

• Engagement Awards: Funding projects that involve patients and communities in research.

• Public and private universities

• Hospitals and health systems

• Nonprofits and community-based organizations

• Tribal organizations

• State and local government agencies

• Healthcare payers and policy groups

For 2025, PCORI has announced over $500 million in funding opportunities. Here are some highlights:

• $96 million for three new Targeted PCORI Funding Announcements (PFAs) in areas like bariatric surgery, stroke care, and mental health.

• $288.5 million for the Broad Pragmatic Studies funding opportunity, covering a wide range of clinical topics.

• $122.5 million allocated for Phased Large Awards and Implementation Projects.

• Additional funds are set aside for studies on health equity, community engagement, and more.

These amounts reflect PCORI’s strong commitment to supporting meaningful, patient-centered healthcare research.

Here are a few examples of projects PCORI has recently funded:

• Empowering older adults in Los Angeles to get involved in health research.

• Improving diabetes education in Spanish-speaking communities.

• Engaging rural patients in planning cancer care strategies.

• Supporting veterans with PTSD through community-based care planning.

• Creating resources for patient engagement in American Indian communities.

These projects show PCORI’s broad interest in health equity and community-driven research.

To benefit from PCORI funding, your organization must align with its mission and research priorities. Here are the key eligibility details:

• Applicants must be organizations, not individuals.

• Eligible applicants include universities, hospitals, nonprofits, government agencies, and community-based groups.

• Projects must focus on patient-centered outcomes and community involvement.

• Collaborations with patients, caregivers, and stakeholders are strongly encouraged.

WRAP:

PCORI grants offer a unique opportunity for healthcare organizations to drive patient-centered research that makes a real difference. With strong funding and a focus on community involvement, these grants support innovation, equity, and evidence-based care. Understanding the process is the first step toward impactful change. For those eligible, it’s a chance to turn ideas into action.