^{General FAQs}

_Eligibility

1.       My primary research mentor has left Stanford. Am I eligible to continue to hold an MCHRI Award?                                                                                 Yes, you may continue your MCHRI-supported project. However, you must identify a new mentor and provide an updated mentoring plan, which requires approval from the program panel chair(s).

2.       Are applicants with an H or J visa eligible to apply?                                   Yes. Applicants holding H or J visas are eligible, and they must have legal residence in the United States.

3.       Do I need to be an MCHRI member to apply for the Postdoctoral Support Grant?                                                                                                                     Yes. Both you and your Primary Research Mentor must be MCHRI members before submitting an application. Membership applications may take up to two weeks to process. Please click here for membership information. 

4.       My resubmission was not approved. Can I apply again with the same revised project?                                                                                                            No. Once you have reached the maximum of one resubmission, the same project cannot be submitted again, either as a new application or resubmission. A new submission is only permitted for a different project if all eligibility requirements are met.

_Application

5.       Can my Mentor submit the Mentor Support Form after the application submission?                                                                                                  The MCHRI Mentor Support Form must be completed prior to application submission. Begin creating your application record at least 4 weeks before the deadline to allow your mentor time to complete the form. Email mchri_admin@stanford.edu to confirm submission.

6.       May I update my application with a newly published article?              No. Due to the short review turnaround, updates are not allowed. If publications are in press, cite them properly on your NIH Biosketch.

7.       When will I hear back after submitting a proposal?                      Timelines vary by program. Generally: Fall Cycle announcements in early December; Spring Cycle announcements in early June. Please refer to each program’s RFA for the specific award announcement timeline.

8.       For a resubmission, does my Primary Research Mentor need to resubmit the Mentor Form?                                                                                          Yes. A new form is required for each resubmission to reflect updated applicant progress.

9.       Do you provide samples of past awarded grants or formatting recommendations?                                                                                                           No, we do not provide samples of past awarded grants. Please refer to the program’s application form and grant instructions for formatting guidance.

10.   My mentor did not receive or complete the Mentor Support Form. What should I do?                                                                                                                      The form is distributed via RedCap, which may have issues if a mentor has multiple SUNet IDs. Contact mchri_admin@stanford.edu for assistance. MCHRI can resend the form directly. Note: last-minute requests may not be processed.

11.   What does “Cycle” or “FY” mean?                                                                     “Cycle” refers to the funding cycle (Fall or Spring). “FY” refers to the Fiscal Year. Example: Fall 2025 = FY26, Fall Cycle.

12.   I was not funded. Must I resubmit in the next cycle, or can I delay?You may delay to a future cycle, as long as eligibility requirements are still met. Funding mechanisms may change, so check the program page for updates.

13.   How does MCHRI define PI, Co-Investigator, and Collaborator?MCHRI follows NIH guidance: PI = submits the project and is eligible for the award; Co-I = key personnel engaged in project design/execution; Collaborator = provides expertise/resources but not project leadership. 

14.   What is the age range for “child health” in MCHRI funding?            MCHRI follows NIH’s definition: a child is anyone under 18 years of age. Email mchri_admin@stanford.edu with specific questions.

15.   Can I have two Co-PIs instead of a PI and Co-I?                                              We recommend structuring proposals with a single PI and Co-Investigator(s), not a multiple-PI model.  For definitions of PI, co- investigator, and collaborator, please refer to the NIH guidance.

16.   Can I change my Primary Research Mentor?                                            Yes, prior to submission, provided the new mentor can complete the Mentor Support Form. Avoid changes within 7 days of the deadline.

17.   I’m unsure if my project fits MCHRI’s definition of Maternal & Child Health. What should I do?                                                                                            Please email mchri_admin@stanford.edu for case-by-case evaluation.

18.   What should a letter of support from my Co-I include?                           A co-I is considered key personnel and is involved in the scientific development and execution of the project. The letter of support should specify what the co-I will contribute to the research.  It may include specific duties, explanation how the research expertise, or technical skills will support the applicant. It might describe relevant experience and how it bears on the project or their previous track record on similar projects.

19.   Do Co-Is listed with “in-kind” effort need to be included in the application?                                                                                                                                Yes. They should be listed under personnel, with “in-kind” noted in the budget justification. A biosketch and Letter of Support are required.

20.   Can collaborators from outside Stanford be included?                      Yes. A Letter of Support and biosketch/CV are required. However, please note that if a collaborator from outside Stanford requires a sub-award, MCHRI grants cannot be used to cover F&A costs.

21.   Do samples from IRB-approved biobanks require a QSU consult?Yes, Samples in an IRB-approved biobank used for human-based studies require a consultation with QSU.

22.   I submitted a new application but was not funded. May I resubmit?Yes. One resubmission is permitted. Review the current RFA for program updates before resubmitting.

_Budget

23.   May I budget funds for a Co-I/Collaborator at another institution?Yes, but MCHRI does not coordinate fund transfers. Work with your department administrator and Stanford Research Management Group to ensure compliance with university policy.

24.   Can a PI budget only for an RA without PI effort?                                  Yes, but in-kind PI effort must be explained.

_Post-Award

25.   I was awarded an MCHRI Grant. What is required of me?                    You must comply with all requirements listed in the Notice of Award to remain eligible for renewal and future MCHRI funding. Details are provided in the award letter.

26.   Can I request a No-Cost Extension (NCX)?                                                   Not all grants allow NCX. Refer to the latest Grants Award Policy for program-specific rules.