Guidance for Supplemental Funding for NIGMS TWD T34 Program

NIGMS will consider providing supplemental funding to a pre-existing (i.e., awarded before Fiscal Year 2020) MARC (T34) program that encounters a gap in funding as a consequence of the restructuring of the NIGMS diversity enhancing programs. Pre-existing diversity enhancing programs will be allowed to reach the end of their grant cycles; however, going forward, each institution will be eligible for one undergraduate program (either a MARC T34 or a U-RISE T34), one Ph.D. level graduate program (either a IMSD T32 or a G-RISE​ T32), and master's students will be supported exclusively through the Bridges to the Doctorate program. For cases where parallel programs for undergraduates, master's, and/or Ph.D. level participants or trainees end at the same time, there is no need for supplemental funding. If, however, a gap is experienced because of staggered end dates, there may be a need for supplemental funding to provide support for trainees during this transition period.

To be eligible for a supplement, the pre-existing T34 grant funding period must not have ended at the time of submission (i.e., grants in a “no cost extension” are not eligible to apply). Grantees are encouraged to submit the supplement request 3 to 6 months before the end of the grant funding period​. If a new award is issued after Fiscal Year 2020 to support undergraduates (either U-RISE T34 or MARC T34), the pre-existing MARC program will not be eligible for supplemental funding, unless otherwise justified. All applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. In making funding recommendations, only the programs that meet the following criteria will be considered:

  • Programs at institutions with a strategic plan for the diversity program restructuring that has been approved by the relevant NIGMS Program Officers (see contact information below).
  • Successful program outcome​s.

Requests for supplemental funding must be submitted through the FOA PA-20-272​. The application should include:

  • The institutional strategic plan for the submissions of NIGMS diversity enhancing programs that have been approved by the relevant NIGMS Program Officers (see contact information below).
  • A rationale for the supplement.
  • An itemized budget and justification for the supplemental funding request. The amounts requested should adhere to the supplemental funding budget guidelines detailed below and all expenditures must be well justified.
  • Estimated unobligated balance remaining as of the end of the final year. If any balance is available, an explanation should be provided of how this balance will be used in conjunction with the supplemental funding to continue program operations.
  • Names of students that will be supported. 

Supplemental Funding Budget Guidelines:

Support may be requested for students currently appointed who will be continuing their training during the supplemental funding period. The following budget line items should be included:

  • ​Stipend support for each MARC trainee using the current published stipend guidelines.
  • Tuition remission for each MARC trainee at the same level committed in the final year.
  • Up to $1,000/trainee for travel to scientific meetings and workshops.
  • Funds to support current students during their Summer Research Experience (SRE) may be requested using the standard SRE formula of $3,500/trainee ($3,750/trainee for institutions outside the continental U.S.). These SRE students must be specifically identified in the budget justification.
  • Training-Related Expenses at the level committed per trainee in the final year, if strongly justified.
  • F&A costs at 8% of total direct costs excluding tuition remission.

Supplemental funding is dependent upon the availability of funds.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with the program officers, Sydella Blatch and Patrick H. Brown​, for additional details.