Today the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation announced the recipients of its ninth annual Impact Grants, a program that provides up to $10,000 in annual funding for up to two years to individuals and nonprofit organizations within the cystic fibrosis community who are leading projects to empower people living with or impacted by the disease.
People with cystic fibrosis and their caregivers are each on unique journeys with this disease. The programs selected for this year’s Impact Grants show how the CF community is creating programs to address not only the physical health of those living with cystic fibrosis, but also the emotional well-being of people with the disease and those who support them.
“Providing all people with CF the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives is core to our mission. Impact Grants allow us to work alongside the CF community to be responsive to their needs," said Sue Sullivan, RN, vice president and head of community partnerships at the CF Foundation.
2024 Impact Grant Recipients
- Hosted by Caleigh Haber, an adult with CF, the Fight2Breathe podcast will provide a platform for sharing personal stories, professional insights, and the latest advancements related to CF. Listeners can look forward to hearing about topics such as CF research breakthroughs, mental health, relationships, navigating health care systems, and more.
- Led by Neha Purohit, a CF Foundation volunteer with the Georgia Chapter and third-degree black belt, Fit for CF is a virtual taekwondo fitness program for children with CF ages 4-15. During the eight-week course, kids will practice age-appropriate exercises and build healthy lifestyle habits to support their physical, mental, and social development.
- Hosted by Stephanie Carlstrom, an adult with CF, the 65 Roses Art Club provides classes for children and adults with CF to explore various therapeutic creative projects. Virtual classes will encourage stress management, socialization, and connection while developing new creative skills.
- Produced by the Integrative Health team at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Practical Skills for Healthy Eating for Children With CF and Their Families is a virtual cooking series tailored for families of people with CF. Interactive classes will provide practical strategies for nutritious cooking featuring recipes that meet the dietary needs of the CF community and appeal to the whole family regardless of budget or busy schedules.
Sullivan continued, “No matter how long one has been managing their cystic fibrosis or caring for someone with the disease, the experience can be challenging. The 2024 Impact Grant recipients are continuing to raise the bar by developing creative projects to help navigate life with CF through opportunities to connect and learn new skills."
2023 Impact Grant Renewal Recipients
The following 2023 Impact Grant recipients have been awarded renewals for their programs:
- BreatheStrong+
- Spit It Out
- CF Community Footprints
- CF Senior Saturday Meet & Greet
- The Salty Pen
- CF Wellbeing Collective
About the CF Foundation's Impact Grants
Launched in 2016, the Impact Grants program reflects the Foundation's mission to help people with CF live long and fulfilling lives. More than $1 million in funding has been awarded to individuals and organizations since its inception. From physical wellness to connectivity and creativity, these grants support programs that empower an individual’s sense of living and thriving with CF. Recipients are selected in consultation with the CF Adult Advisory Council, an external panel entirely composed of adults living with CF.
The CF community can participate in these programs at no cost through award funding. Individual signups and audience for each program vary, so visit the website for each program, if available, or reach out to impact@cff.org for questions.
Learn more about Impact Grants and the 2025 Impact Grants application opening in early 2025.