Intent
The Minority Health Research and Education Grant Program (MHGP) was established to support the advancement of health research and education for medically underserved populations who face disparities in health access and outcomes within the state of Texas. The program is designed to provide funding for eligible institutions of higher education and Centers for Teacher Education that address health issues for underserved populations, including racial, ethnic, geographic, or economic groups.
This funding supports research and educational initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes for these groups, with the goal of improving health access and outcomes for medically underserved populations.
Eligibility
Institutions of higher education as defined by Texas Education Code, §61.003(8), which includes public and private colleges and universities, are eligible to apply for a Minority Health Research and Education Grant Program Award. Proposed research or educational initiatives should focus on identifying, understanding, and addressing health disparities within one or more underserved groups.
The applicant must also meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Conduct research or educational programs that address health issues facing medically underserved minority groups (“Underserved Groups”)
- Form partnerships with minority organizations, colleges or universities to conduct research and educational programs that address health issues facing Underserved Groups.
An eligible Applicant may partner with another eligible entity or an existing eligible entity for the purpose of conducting research or educational programs addressing health issues facing Underserved Groups, improving health outcomes, or creating new or expanded health programs aimed at underserved communities.
Entities that received or have received MHGP funding are eligible to reapply.
How to Apply
Accepting Applications
Through this Request for Applications (RFA), the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) seeks to provide grants to eligible Applicants who propose programs, projects, or initiatives that focus on addressing the health needs of these medically underserved populations. Funding will support projects that conduct health research, offer health-related educational programs, or form partnerships with minority organizations or eligible entities, colleges, or universities to achieve these goals.
The required outcomes for Applicants include measurable progress in the development and implementation of programs that demonstrate significant, sustainable impacts on health issues within medically underserved groups.
Application Information
To be considered for an AY26 FPFP grant award, eligible applicants must submit their application no later than 11:59 p.m. CT on June 1, 2026.
The Grant Period will begin upon execution of the Notice of Grant Award (NOGA) or on August 3, 2026, whichever is later, and will conclude on August 31, 2028.
The $5.6 million in total competitive grant funding is available for two years to support the costs associated with the implementation of grant activities, in addition to other resources that are used to develop and maintain the program. Each Grant Award is limited to a maximum of $400,000.
Important Dates
Jun. 01, 2026
Application Deadline
Jul. 02, 2026
THECB Announcement of Grant Awards
Aug. 03, 2026
Grant Period of Performance Begins
Aug. 31, 2028
Grant Period of Performance Ends
Rules and Regulations
Impact
The Minority Health Research and Education Grant Program was established in 1999 by the 76th Texas Legislature through the creation of the Permanent Fund for Minority Health Research and Education. Funded through proceeds from the state’s Tobacco Lawsuit Settlement, this fund was designed to support research and educational programs addressing pressing health disparities faced by underserved or underrepresented populations in Texas. The program has continually aimed to improve health outcomes for underrepresented groups.
In November 2024, THECB implemented updated program rules that place a greater emphasis on grantees proposing projects that conduct research or educational initiatives aimed at addressing health disparities facing medically Underserved Groups. Grantees are also encouraged to form strategic partnerships with minority organizations, colleges, and universities to carry out these initiatives.
This restructuring aims to enhance the program’s impact by targeting specific health disparities through tailored research, educational efforts, and collaborations that directly engage with Underserved Groups in Texas.