Bridge Funding
Language Access Bridge Funding
The Office of Healthcare Equity launched the Language Access Bridge Funding Award in support of WA State RCW 69.78, which aims to improve participation in clinical trials from underrepresented communities.
Clinical trial researchers, with an appointment at UW, can apply for up to $5,000 to support language access and cultural advocacy needs—such as document translation, interpreter services, and communication access real-time translation (CART) services—that will help researchers more effectively recruit and engage underserved populations in clinical trials.
Funding, up to $5,000 paid directly by the Office of Healthcare Equity (OHCE)* to the vendor, is intended for real-time language access needs (within 30 days)—not for past, future (e.g., grant planning, holding funds for the future, etc.), or unspecified use—as OHCE will submit payment directly to the vendor for approved applications.
*The Office of Healthcare Equity (OHCE) must pay the vendor for the invoice directly; we cannot reimburse funds to a grant or project.
Eligibility
- PI leading the research has a primary appointment at University of Washington
- Research project is a clinical trial
- IRB approval has been granted
- Quote for service(s) in next 30 days available to upload, cannot be reimbursement for service(s) already completed
- Note: We allow researchers to submit a quote for anticipated services, ensuring they have an estimate from a vendor and understand potential costs. This approach enables us to approve funding within the 30-day window while recognizing that actual invoicing typically occurs after the service is provided. In other words, we can commit funds based on the estimate, even if the final invoice comes later. We do need to ensure all services are completed within the billing cycle by June 2026, pending future funding availability. We want to award the funds to those that will be used and not inadvertently holding funds in a way that prevents others from using them.
- Vendors that are currently not in the UW system will need to be added by the researcher through the New Supplier Process For Suppliers | Procurement Services
- Funding is:
- Sponsored study where the sponsor will not or cannot provide funds to cover translation costs;
- Foundation grant under $50,000 total direct cost;
- Unfunded research; or
- Grant-funded and the study team has confirmed an inability to cover translation costs.
Researchers are required to submit an initial quote for support needs during the application process. Researchers can utilize the Translation & Interpreter Services or other vendors as desired to receive a
Researchers must submit an initial quote for support needs with their application. They may use UW Translation & Interpreter Services*, any UW‑approved vendor, or a preferred past vendor. Researchers are responsible for obtaining quotes and securing services if approved. Please allow a minimum of two weeks for review.
Translation & Interpreter Services – Resources for translation, interpretation, and other communication services are available on this Clinical Trials Resources page (UW Net ID required). Questions about these resources can be directed to uwlaca@uw.edu.
Awardees will be provided with a decision regarding their application within 2 weeks of their submission and complete a post award evaluation in a few months.
Application
Community Engagement Bridge Funding
Supporting researchers in advancing community engagement, cultural access, and language access in clinical trials.
The Office of Healthcare Equity is pleased to announce the 2026–2027 Community Engagement Bridge Funding Award.
This funding opportunity supports UW researchers seeking to strengthen community engagement, cultural access, local context, and language access in research and clinical trials. Awards of up to $10,000 are available, with funding for up to 14 projects.
Priority will be given to projects that advance inclusion of traditionally underserved populations in clinical trials and support Washington State communities.
Opportunity
- Eligibility: Open to Principal Investigator (PI) eligible faculty/staff/research scientists from all University of Washington campuses, including junior faculty/staff/research scientists
- Funding: UW researchers can receive up to $10,000 for their project
- Community Engagement Focus: Support for researchers integrating activities focused on community engagement, local context, cultural access, and/or language access as required by the Diversity Plan for Clinical Trials Supplement – UW Research (see Table 2: Spectrum of Community Engagement in Clinical Trials Research, Examples). Link to the spectrum by clicking “Community Engagement Focus”.
- Budget template: Use the template to complete your budget and budget narrative. Click on “Budget Template” above.
Applications due by August 14, 2026
