Grants of up to $50,000 each will be awarded to researchers who study the relationship between religiosity/spirituality and risky behaviors among children and adolescents.

Funding will go to researchers who "examine the mechanisms, mediators, and moderators by which religious and spiritual beliefs develop and are transmitted across generations; and whether and how these beliefs influence early sexual behaviors and alcohol or other drug use that may facilitate the transmission of HIV in children and adolescents."

"The focus is on the positive and negative effects of religiosity and spirituality on health risk behaviors in children and adolescents," the grant announcement noted, adding, "In view of the increasingly plural religious landscape in the United States, it is important to consider the beliefs and behaviors promulgated by numerous religions."

Schools, governments, nonprofits, for-profit companies and others may apply for funding. Awards will be made under the R01, R03, and R21 funding mechanisms; see the full grant announcements at these links for more information.