Small Project Assistance Move a focused project forward with targeted, short‑term support
The Small Project Assistance (SPA) program provides limited, short‑term funding to help early‑career investigators and practitioners advance a clearly defined project. SPA awards are designed to remove practical barriers—supporting pilot work, targeted analyses, or skill‑building activities that generate momentum, preliminary data, or a completed project milestone. ASTDA serves as the guide, offering structure, clarity, and support so you can take the next confident step in your work.
Applications due: July 1, 2026
Eligibility and Priority Considerations
The Small Project Assistance (SPA) program is intended for individuals who are at a stage where focused, short‑term support can make a meaningful difference in moving a specific project forward. This section outlines key eligibility considerations and prioritization criteria to help you quickly determine whether SPA aligns with your circumstances before preparing an application.
- SPA supports eligible individuals; industry and for‑profit organizations are not eligible.
- Projects must secure required regulatory approvals (e.g., IRB, IACUC) before funds are released.
- Proposals should not be submitted solely by investigators in advanced career stages.
- Priority consideration is given to applicants based in the U.S. or Canada and to those who have not received an SPA or Summer Fellowship award within the same 12‑month period.
What SPA Supports
Typically Supported
- Pilot data collection
- Targeted analyses
- Development or testing of tools, surveys, or protocols
- Short‑term field, laboratory, or community‑based activities
- Focused training or skill‑building directly tied to a project
Not Intended to Support
- Ongoing operational costs or general salary support
- Retrospective reimbursement or payment of outstanding invoices
- Requests solely for conference travel
Application Process
The application process for Small Project Assistance is designed to be focused and streamlined while maintaining clarity and accountability. The information below outlines the required proposal components, documentation expectations, and the steps involved in review and decision-making. Applicants are encouraged to review each requirement prior to submission to ensure alignment with program goals and funding parameters. Understanding the full process in advance can help support a smooth and efficient review experience.
Forms & Templates
Application Components
The following components outline the materials required for submission. Each element should be prepared carefully to ensure a complete and timely review.
Proposal Description
Concise narrative outlining purpose, goals, methods, timeline, and anticipated impact.
Budget and Justification
Clear, itemized budget explaining necessity of each cost.
Regulatory Documentation
(if applicable)
IRB, IACUC, or other required approvals.
Ready to Apply?
When you’re ready, you may begin your application below. The process is designed to be focused and straightforward, with clear expectations at each step.
Review & Decision Process
Applications are reviewed based on alignment with SPA goals, feasibility within the award period, clarity and quality of the proposal, appropriateness of the budget, applicant career stage, and prioritization criteria. Applicants receive a decision letter indicating the outcome
After an Award
Awardees submit a brief report within 90 days of completing the funded activity. Reports are intentionally concise and typically include project title, goals, summary of activities, outcomes, and lessons learned. Examples of prior reports are available on the website.
Small Project Assistance Awardees
The ASTDA Small Project Assistance program has supported a diverse range of projects advancing research, practice, and innovation in sexually transmitted infections. Below is a list of previous award recipients.
| Recipient Name | Title of Project | Institution(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Aidah Nanvuma | Assessing Health Care Providers Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Sexually Transmitted Infections Post-Exposure Prophylaxis in Urban Clinics in Kampala, Uganda. | Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University |
| Derek Johnson | Forecasting Sexually Transmitted Infection Rates in At-Risk Hawaiian Populations by Training the Next Generation of Public Health Professionals | University of Hawaii at Manoa |
| Flor Avellaneda | Latina Adolescents’ Perspectives on Culture, Sexual Health, and Romantic Relationships | The University of Texas at Austin-Steve Hicks School of Social Work |
| Harry Reyes Nieva | Symposium on Artificial Intelligence and Informatics for the Prevention and Control of Sexually Transmitted Infections | Columbia University |
| Jeffery D Klausner | Pilot study to evaluate the willingness of persons at risk for syphilis to use the at-home First to Know Syphilis Test | Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California |
| Katherine Hsu | Mass. DPH DSTDP Ratelle PTC Small Project Assistance Request for December 2025 Advanced STI Intensive Course | Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Sylvie Ratelle STD/HIV Prevention Training Center |
| Kathryn Risher | Prevalence of STIs and antimicrobial resistant STIs in women in Kenya | Penn State College of Medicine |
| Lao Tzu Allan Blitz | Characterizing Sexual Health Risk Factors Among Individuals Engaged with Community-Based Organizations in Boston | Massachusetts General Hospital Brigham and Women’s |
| Mahmoud Azqul | Sexually Transmitted Infections Screening during Pregnancy Among Individuals with Opioid-Related Problems in the U.S.: A Longitudinal Study (2016-2022) | College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University |
| Nicole Lieberman | Characterizing the anti-TprK immune response in syphilis | University of Washington |
| Olivia Van Gerwen | Harnessing social media and dating apps to increase visibility of a new STI and sexual health care center in Birmingham, Alabama | University of Alabama at Birmingham |
| Syeda Shehirbano Akhtar | Wastewater-Based Surveillance of Sexually Transmitted Infections in South Carolina | University of South Carolina |