Centers for AIDS Research (CFAR)

The Centers for AIDS Research (CFAR) program, administered by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), aims to strengthen the national response to HIV/AIDS by supporting infrastructure that enables multidisciplinary, high-impact scientific research. NIAID's mission includes fostering innovative implementation science efforts in alignment with the broader goal of ending the domestic HIV epidemic. The CFAR initiative is designed to unify and coordinate various HHS-funded HIV/AIDS programs to create a cohesive network that facilitates collaborative and scalable research across disciplines and institutions. The CFAR program addresses the multifaceted nature of HIV/AIDS as a complex chronic disease that requires access to advanced biological resources, broad scientific insight, and state-of-the-art technologies. Individual research groups often lack the capacity to manage this scale independently. By providing shared resources and support systems, CFAR centers optimize research efficiency, reduce redundancy, and accelerate the translation of laboratory findings into new methods of prevention, treatment, and potential cures for HIV. One of the program's foundational priorities is to build capacity by mentoring early-career researchers and those transitioning into HIV/AIDS research. To this end, CFAR provides funding for pilot projects, exploratory research, and high-risk/high-reward collaborative studies that might not otherwise secure traditional funding. These investments ensure the long-term sustainability and innovation of the national research ecosystem dedicated to combating HIV/AIDS. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this grant. The expected funding total for the upcoming cycle is approximately $4.2 million, with six awards anticipated. While specific award ceilings and floors are not disclosed in the forecast, applicants should note the projected program budget and competitive nature of the opportunity. Eligible entities include a wide range of organizations such as state and local governments, federally recognized and other tribal entities, higher education institutions (both public and private), for-profit and nonprofit organizations, and certain federal and foreign institutions. Applicants will follow the standard submission processes through Grants.gov, and detailed application instructions will be made available upon release of the official Notice of Funding Opportunity. Currently, this is a forecasted opportunity with an expected open date of May 21, 2026, and a submission deadline of August 19, 2026. Awards are estimated to be announced by March 1, 2027, which is also the expected start date for funded projects. The grant is anticipated to recur on an annual basis. For more information, applicants may contact the CFAR Program at CFARprogram@mail.nih.gov or call 240-459-2852. Further details and any updates will be posted to the official Grants.gov listing.