The Call for Research Proposals for the Fall 2018 Cycle is now CLOSED. Lesbian Health Fund Call for Submissions The mission of the Lesbian Health Fund is to improve the health of lesbians and sexual minority women (SMW) and their families through research. Given the LGBTQ community has suffered numerous assaults to our rights over the last couple of years, for the Fall 2018 cycle, the LHF Grant Committee will give preference to funding research focused on resilience and coping among lesbian and sexual minority women or girls, and their families. While special consideration will be given to proposals adhering to this theme, we welcome all proposals that address the following research areas listed below. The LHF Grant Committee also expects that all research proposals will contribute to increasing the understanding of gender expression and measurement of gender expression. Research Areas While many areas in the field of lesbian health need more attention, here are the areas which we believe are especially important for improving the health of lesbians, sexual minority women, and their families. - Understanding social, family, and interpersonal influences as sources of stress or support
- Eliminating inequalities in health care, including barriers to care, and improving quality of care and utilization rates
- Development and testing of interventions to address mental and physical health needs of lesbians and SMW, including but not limited to depression, identity related issues, eating disorders, substance abuse, obesity, cancer risks, cardiovascular disease and sexually transmitted infections
- Sexual and reproductive health, including family & parenting issues
Methodology LHF-funded research, whether qualitative or quantitative, is well grounded with solid methodology, and is in dialogue with the existing body of literature in the field. LHF will give higher ranking to proposals that test hypotheses or evaluate research questions justified by the scientific literature. However, there are particular challenges associated with conducting research in a small, and often difficult to access, population of lesbians and sexual minority women. Going beyond the need to simply “fill in gaps in the literature” will require developing innovative research methodology. Presentation & Publication It is expected that the results from LHF funded studies will be published in peer-reviewed journals. LHF also requires a presentation of original research finding to be made at either the GLMA Annual Conference on LGBTQ Health, or at the Women In Medicine Conference. Research budgets can include up to $750 to subsidize travel costs. Future Research LHF grants typically range from $5,000 - $20,000. Many applications are for small projects structured to provide pilot data for subsequent research. In order to leverage the impact of our investment, priority is given to the best proposals with the greatest likelihood of securing future funding from other sources. Click here for more information on how to apply, or for a list of previously funded grants. GLMA and LHF Board Members or paid consultants are ineligible to submit grants. If you have any questions regarding this process, feel free to call (202) 600-8037 ext. 304, or email us at lhf@glma.org. |