The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation today announced the recipients of its 10th annual Impact Grants, a program that provides 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.
Impact Grants enable the CF community to focus on what is important in their lives, whether it is connecting with peers, learning practical skills, or finding creative outlets.
“The 2025 Impact Grant recipients truly represent the goals of the program we established a decade ago: to offer wellness opportunities that meet the needs of people in the CF community with a diverse range of experiences and interests," said Sue Sullivan, RN, vice president and head of community partnerships at the CF Foundation.
2025 Impact Grant Recipients
- Founded by Becky Penuel, parent of an adult with CF, BreatheStrong CF provides grants that give children and adults with CF access to exercise activities that boost lung function, build strength, and support overall wellness.
- Led by Rowan O’Bryan, an adult with CF, The Familiar Pinch — Cystic Fibrosis Chronicles is a yearlong creative photography and writing course for teens with CF ages 13 to 19. Participants will use daily photo-taking and journaling to document their everyday lives, reflect on their identities, and explore the complexities of living with the disease.
- Developed by Nicole DeBraal, parent of a teen with CF, Prioritizing You: A Wellness Program for Those Who Love Someone With CF is a 12-week wellness coaching group designed to support the unique needs of CF caregivers and loved ones. The program provides tools and education for managing stress, building healthy habits, regulating the nervous system, and more.
- Created by Keshav Harpavat, a teenage CF Foundation volunteer, Pipes for the People is a weekly, virtual music program where children and adults with CF will learn together how to play the chanter — a smaller, beginner-friendly version of the bagpipe — as well as incorporate breathing exercises to support lung function.
2024 Impact Grant Renewal Recipients
The following 2024 Impact Grant recipients have been awarded renewals for their programs:
- 65 Roses Art Club
- Practical Skills for Healthy Eating for Children With CF
Recipients are selected in consultation with the CF Adult Advisory Council, an external panel composed entirely of adults living with CF. The CF community can participate in Impact Grant programs at no cost through grant funding. Participation criteria for each program varies; visit the website for each program, if available, or reach out to impact@cff.org for more information.
10 Years of Impact Grants
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation awarded its first round of Impact Grants in 2016 as a way to empower community projects that reflect the Foundation’s mission to cure CF and help people with CF live long and fulfilling lives. Since the program’s launch, the Foundation has awarded more than $1.3 million to 50 different individuals and organizations.
The Foundation is thrilled to be celebrating 10 years of Impact Grants. Sullivan said of the milestone, “People in the CF community have built a decade’s worth of opportunities for connection, education, and creativity to lift each other up. We are proud of how Impact Grants have evolved over these 10 years, and we are continuing to listen to the community to better meet their needs.”
Learn more about Impact Grants and the 2026 Impact Grants application opening in spring 2026.