CDC Grants: How to Apply for Public Health Program Funding

How CDC Grants Support Public Health Infrastructure

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the nation's leading public health agency, and its grant programs represent one of the largest investments in public health infrastructure at the state, local, tribal, and territorial levels. CDC distributes approximately 75 percent of its annual budget through grants and cooperative agreements, funding programs that address infectious disease, chronic disease prevention, injury prevention, environmental health, emergency preparedness, and health equity. For public health departments, hospitals, universities, and community-based organizations, CDC grants are essential to building and maintaining the systems that protect population health.

CDC grants differ from many other federal programs in several important ways. Most CDC funding flows through cooperative agreements rather than traditional grants, meaning that CDC program staff are actively involved in the funded activities. This relationship is collaborative rather than hands-off, and applicants should understand that CDC expects ongoing communication, technical assistance participation, and alignment with national public health strategies.

Types of CDC Funding Opportunities

CDC publishes its competitive funding opportunities as Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) through Grants.gov. Understanding the different types of CDC funding helps applicants target their efforts effectively:

• Categorical grants: Fund specific disease or topic areas such as HIV prevention, diabetes management, or tobacco control. These grants require applicants to implement evidence-based strategies aligned with CDC's national priorities for that topic area.
• Infrastructure grants: Support the development and maintenance of core public health capabilities including epidemiology, laboratory capacity, health information systems, and workforce development.
• Emergency preparedness grants: Fund state and local capacity to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies, bioterrorism events, and natural disasters. The Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) cooperative agreement is the primary vehicle for this funding.
• Research grants: Fund applied public health research, evaluation studies, and implementation science projects. These are typically administered through CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Anatomy of a CDC NOFO

CDC NOFOs follow a standardized structure, but they are often lengthy and densely detailed. Understanding the key sections is critical for developing a responsive application:

• Background and Purpose: Establishes the public health rationale for the program, describes the target population, and outlines CDC's strategic framework for addressing the health issue.
• CDC Project Description: The most important section for applicants. This describes the strategies, activities, and outcomes that CDC expects funded recipients to pursue. Your application narrative must respond directly to each element described here.
• Evaluation and Performance Measurement: CDC places extraordinary emphasis on evaluation. Every NOFO specifies required performance measures, and applicants must describe how they will collect, analyze, and report data to demonstrate program effectiveness. For comprehensive guidance on building evaluation plans that meet CDC's rigorous standards, see our article on evaluation methods and implementation science in grants.
• Organizational Capacity: Applicants must demonstrate the staffing, infrastructure, and partnerships necessary to implement the proposed program and comply with all reporting requirements.

Strategies for Competitive CDC Applications

CDC applications are scored by objective review panels composed of public health professionals. Several strategies consistently distinguish successful applications:

Align with CDC's Strategic Priorities

Each CDC center and division publishes strategic plans that identify priority populations, evidence-based strategies, and health equity goals. Your application should reference these strategic priorities explicitly and explain how your proposed activities advance them. Demonstrating alignment signals that you understand CDC's mission and will be a productive partner in the cooperative agreement relationship.

Use Epidemiological Data to Justify Need

CDC reviewers are epidemiologists and public health practitioners who expect sophisticated use of data. Present morbidity and mortality data, health disparities analyses, behavioral risk factor data, and environmental health assessments specific to your jurisdiction. Use CDC data systems such as WONDER, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), and the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) to substantiate your needs analysis.

Present a Detailed Work Plan

CDC applications typically require a work plan that specifies activities, timelines, responsible staff, and measurable deliverables for each year of the project period. The work plan should directly correspond to the strategies and activities described in the NOFO's CDC Project Description. Reviewers use the work plan to assess whether your proposed approach is feasible and well-organized.

Build a Compliant Budget

CDC budgets must comply with 2 CFR 200 cost principles and any program-specific restrictions. Common issues include requesting funds for unallowable activities, failing to justify consultant rates, and misclassifying costs between direct and indirect categories. Our guide on budget fundamentals and federal cost principles provides the foundation for constructing budgets that withstand CDC's financial review.

Post-Award Expectations and Reporting

CDC cooperative agreements involve substantial post-award reporting obligations. Grantees submit annual performance reports, financial status reports, and participate in regular calls with CDC project officers. Many programs also require submission of data to national surveillance systems or participation in grantee learning communities. Understanding these obligations before you apply allows you to build realistic staffing and data infrastructure into your proposal. For a comprehensive overview of post-award responsibilities, see our guide on post-award grant management and compliance.

CDC also conducts site visits to assess program implementation, review financial records, and provide technical assistance. Preparing for these visits is an ongoing responsibility that begins from the first day of the award, not when the visit is scheduled.

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