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CFF Pilot and Feasibility Award

CFF Pilot and Feasibility Award

Backs research teams and institutions for CFF Pilot and Feasibility Award in biotechnology and medical technology.

OpenCystic Fibrosis FoundationUnited StatesDeep-tech · adjacent

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Pilot and Feasibility Award supports investigators who wish to test new scientific hypotheses relevant to cystic fibrosis without requiring substantial preliminary data. The program is intended as an entry point for researchers new to the CF field or for established investigators exploring a novel direction not yet supported by extensive prior work. Awards provide $50,000 per year for up to two years, with a 12% indirect cost allowance applied to direct costs.

Applications are accepted twice per year, with deadlines in May and December. Proposals are reviewed by the Foundation's Research and Research Training (RRT) Committee, which applies a peer-review process modeled on the NIH system. The typical timeline from submission to funding notification runs four to eight months. All applications are submitted through the CFF grants management portal at awards.cff.org.

Eligibility is open to investigators at academic institutions conducting research relevant to cystic fibrosis biology, treatment, or care. The program sits within CFF's broader academic funding portfolio, which ranges from pilot awards through large collaborative research grants. The Pilot and Feasibility Award is explicitly not restricted to investigators pursuing the Foundation's Path to a Cure gene therapy priority; basic and translational science outside that priority area is eligible under the standard track.

Novel basic-science hypotheses in cystic fibrosis etiology and pathogenesis outside the PTAC gene therapy priority, designed to generate preliminary data without requiring substantial existing evidence.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Multiple per year
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.—
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.26 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.24 months
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.—

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Last verified: 29 Jun 2026Source: www.cff.org