Advancing Community-Engaged Research through Partnership Development: Overcoming Challenges Voiced by Community-Academic Partners

Background: Community-engaged research (CEnR) is a promising approach to translate research into practice. The Meharry-Vanderbilt Community Engaged Research Core (CERC) was established to support academic-community partnerships with the goal of improving community health. A successful mini-grant program has been used to foster academic community partnerships. We describe the process of developing, implementing, and sustaining a grant program and discuss how the program has informed our CEnR activities. Methods: Grant applications are solicited twice per year. Submission guidelines align with typical procedures. However, considerable guidance and support for applicants are provided. If necessary. Grant funds are awarded directly to the community partner. Results: The CERC has awarded nearly $250,000 to support academic-community research partnerships. Both community and academic partners reported that the opportunity was beneficial and enriched their work. Conclusions: Resources provided by our mini-grant program enhance the development and sustainability of CEnR partnerships.