CATCH Resident Grant

Step 1: Check if You’re Eligible

Eligible trainees may apply solo, with a co-applicant, or as a team (up to 4 Residents). Applicants for the CATCH Resident grant must meet the following eligibility.

• US or Canadian pediatric resident with at least 1.5 year left (or a chief by June 2026).
• Current AAP (National + Chapter) membership.
• Your project is based in the U.S. or Canada.

Step 2: Review CATCH requirements and priorities

Resident Call for Proposals guidelines

Read the Resident Call for Proposals for what CATCH funds and how projects are reviewed. Strong community partnerships are key!

Step 3: Pick Your Project Focus

• Choose a topic that impacts child health in your community
• Show you understand the community: population, challenges, strengths, and barriers to care
• Look for community partners who care about this topic   

Step 4: Find a Mentor

Download the Resident Grant Mentor Form, have your mentor complete and sign it, and then scan and upload it to the online application.

Resident Grant Mentor Form

Step 5: Engage Community Organizations

Gauge their interest in collaborative partnerships for this project.

• A Resident project's target population may be part of the residency program’s or institution’s patient population BUT:
  • All applicants must include external community partners for funding.
  • Strong community partnerships are crucial for all funded CATCH program grants.

Engaging with Community Partners

Step 6: Review Application and Build Your Budget

Begin drafting application offline to share with your mentor, community partners, and the CATCH network for input and feedback.  Review budget requirements, find a fiscal agent, and download budget template.

• Use this template of CATCH applications’ questions to help you draft and share an application for feedback while working offline.
• Reach out to the CATCH Network (District Resident Liaisons or Chapter Catch Facilitators) for feedback. See the Assistance with Proposal Development section for more details. Applicants receiving feedback and support from the CATCH network have stronger proposals.
• The budget is a separate file that must be completed and uploaded into the online application.
• Review the budget guidance to ensure an appropriate budget without unallowable expenses.

Budget Guidance

Step 7: Apply Online

• Applications must be submitted online. Deadline to apply is Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 11:59 pm Central time.  
• You must have an AAP membership account to use the online portal. This tip sheet helps you navigate it.

Apply Here

• Have these required documents ready to upload as you finalize your online application: Budget Template, Mentor Form, Fiscal Letter of Intent.  You will also need your Mentor and Residency Program Director’s contact information.
• Allow enough time to work with the online system; late applications are not accepted.
• Optional: You can upload up to 4 attachments (not scored) such as:
  • References or citations
  • Meeting notes or agendas
  • Flyers
  • Letters of support (especially from AAP chapters or partners)