Florida A&M University is sounding the alarm after its pharmacy school lost a $16.3 million grant—money that supported research and student resources for years. The funding, provided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), was canceled in March as part of broader federal cuts under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Now, with one of its largest grants gone, FAMU is appealing the decision and asking alumni and supporters to step up during its annual Day of Giving.
The terminated grant funded FAMU’s College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and its long-standing Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) program. The program, active since 1985, was renewed last year for nearly five more years. It helped support research in areas like cancer biology, artificial intelligence, and health disparities—particularly in underserved communities.
FAMU interim president Dr. Timothy Beard confirmed that the university is actively challenging the NIH’s decision. He emphasized how critical the RCMI program has been, not only for biomedical research but also in helping the school graduate a large share of the country’s minority Ph.D. holders in pharmaceutical sciences.
The loss comes as the federal government, under Trump, has pushed for major spending cuts, including orders targeting DEI programs and scientific research funding.
In a message to the FAMU community, interim dean Seth Ablordeppey urged donors to rally behind the school. He explained that the loss of the grant puts pressure on students—many of whom are first-generation college attendees—who rely on that funding for scholarships and daily support.
FAMU officials say they’re dealing with other federal funding challenges as well. While most of the university’s 900+ grants are still active, one other known cancellation involved a $2.3 million subcontract related to Social Security research. Other projects, like a climate study partnership, have faced temporary freezes.
With FAMU’s Day of Giving running from Thursday morning to Friday afternoon, university leaders are calling on the community to help bridge the funding gap. Donations to the pharmacy school will go directly toward advancing public health research and training future healthcare professionals.
To donate, visit 1887strikes.com.
