In an effort to assure that all meritorious cystic fibrosis-related research is supported, and to support the career development of CF-focused researchers, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has developed the CF Foundation/NIH K-Unfunded Award mechanism to provide bridge funding for well-qualified applicants. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation does not intend to assume the role of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or other governmental funding agencies. Instead, the Foundation wishes to ensure that the momentum in CF research and development of a cohort of CF-focused researchers are not irreversibly slowed due to budget constraints.
The CFF/NIH K-Unfunded Award offers a temporary mechanism for supporting highly meritorious K-award applicants until NIH funding can be obtained. The Foundation will continue to vigorously encourage the NIH to assume support of meritorious CF-focused projects and investigators.
To be considered for this program, applications clearly relevant to advancing the Foundation mission must have been submitted to NIH as a K01, K08, K22, K23, K24, K25, or K99/R00 application. The application must have been reviewed by an NIH study section and presented to an institute council within 12 months of applying for Foundation support.
If awarded, a revised application must be submitted to the NIH within one year of receiving the Foundation award.
The CF Foundation offers funding of up to $80,000 per year for up to two years (direct costs only).
Information about CF resources may be found in the Tools and Resources section.
General Guidelines and Eligibility
U.S. residents and U.S. permanent residents are welcome to apply.
Please see individual award policies and guidelines for additional guidelines and eligibility criteria. Eligibility requirements vary by award type.
Policies and Guidelines
Please review the appropriate Policies and Guidelines for complete submission information.
Deadline
Rolling deadline through November 13, 2025
Applications must be submitted online at awards.cff.org by 5 p.m. ET. on November 13.
For More Information
Those who are interested in any funding programs offered by the CF Foundation can get further information, or discuss the potential relevance of their studies or research by contacting the Grants and Contracts Management and Administration (GCMA) Office at grants@cff.org.
Please Direct Inquiries to:
GCMA Office
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
4550 Montgomery Ave.
Suite 1100 N
Bethesda, MD 20814
800-FIGHT-CF
301-841-2614