Research projects may be designed to test new hypotheses and/or new methods (pilot and feasibility) or to advance established results with the potential to address diagnosis, treatment, management of disease or symptoms, or the pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis using clinical (observational/interventional), translational, or epidemiologic study approaches. 

Each investigator is expected to be a significant contributor to the project and share the responsibility and authority for leading and directing the project. Each investigator should bring unique expertise to the project. In most cases, we expect to see investigators from distinct subspecialties or research disciplines collaborating for these awards. Investigators are expected to be thought partners on the proposed work with each applicant carrying a nearly equal role in the conduct of the work being fundamental to the ability to address the research question. The award should not be used to support multi-site studies where one principal investigator’s role is solely to support enrollment, provide samples or data, or serve in a consulting role (please see the Clinical Research Award or Clinical Pilot and Feasibility Award request for applications (RFAs) for these projects). Collaborations that bring new investigators and technologies into the CF research community will be given highest priority.

Each applicant may request funding of up to $200,000 per year for up to three years, plus an additional 12% indirect costs per year. The lead institution may request up to $25,000 in additional direct costs per year to support an administrative core. 

Applicants must speak with program staff prior to submission of a letter of intent to ensure the project design is in line with the goals of this RFA. Failure to do so will result in the administrative withdrawal of the proposal. Please contact Program Officer Dara Riva at driva@cff.org.

At least two — but no more than three — investigators may be associated with a project. Applicants must be independent investigators.

Areas of Encouragement

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation regularly assesses its key research priorities to ensure we are on track to accomplish our mission to cure CF and to provide people with CF the opportunity to lead long lives. Applicants are encouraged to align submissions to these priorities to maximize their potential for being funded.

Policies and Guidelines

Please review the Fall 2024 Policies and Guidelines for complete submission information.

Deadlines

All letters of intent and full applications for Fall 2024 must be submitted online at awards.cff.org by 5 p.m. ET on the dates below.

Fall 2024
Letter of Intent: April 4, 2024
Full application: August 13, 2024

For More Information

Those who are interested in any funding programs offered by the Foundation may get further information, or discuss the potential relevance of their studies or research by contacting the Grants and Contracts Management and Administration Office at grants@cff.org.

Please Direct Inquiries to:

GMCA Office
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
4550 Montgomery Ave.
Suite 1100 N
Bethesda, MD 20814
800-FIGHT-CF
301-841-2614