Background

One Health is an interdisciplinary framework that recognizes the interconnectedness of humans, animals, plants, and the environment, and seeks to sustainably optimize health across these systems. Research that utilizes the One Health approach investigates problems from multiple angles, applying systems thinking to address complex global challenges, inclusive of the human communities the research is embedded within. To advance the goal of improving the health of individuals, communities, and ecosystems in North Carolina, the Global One Health Academy seeks proposals for innovative community-engaged research projects that leverage the One Health framework for local impact.

Award amounts are available between $2,500 and $10,000, with three funding types/levels depending on the scope and goals of the project. Across all funding types, a robust plan for community engagement is expected; in most cases, this should entail specific community partners being identified and agreeing to partner in advance of the application. All proposals must take a One Health approach and be centered on local engagement efforts in North Carolina. All awarded funds must be spent by June 30, 2027. It is anticipated that 3-5 awards will be made through this call, depending on award amounts.

Award Information

There are three funding types available through this call, each with a complementary but distinct focus within the broader category of local engagement:

Projects that propose to engage local communities exclusively through sharing of research findings (e.g., outreach) may be appropriate for the communication/dissemination category. Projects proposed in all other funding categories should demonstrate higher levels of community engagement, to include two-way communication flows and meaningful inclusion of community partners in at least some aspects of the project’s design, analysis, and/or implementation (e.g., at the “involve” or “collaborate” levels in the figure below).

Local Engagement Seed Grants