Centers for AIDS Research (CFAR) and Developmental Centers for AIDS Research (D-CFAR) (P30 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 19, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for research institutions and universities conducting HIV/AIDS research with institutional infrastructure. Only accredited 4-year institutions or research organizations with established research capacity can apply. Applicants must have a commitment to translating research into prevention and treatment advances. Geographic scope is US-based institutions and territories.
Eligible activities include interdisciplinary HIV/AIDS research, prevention science, treatment innovation, and training of the next generation of researchers. Institutions must demonstrate collaborative research programs and provide institutional support for the center.
CFAR funding supports infrastructure and research coordination rather than individual investigator salaries alone. Awardees must show capacity to conduct high-impact research and address gaps in HIV/AIDS science.
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Key dates
- Oct 16, 2026 Applications open
- Mar 1, 2027 Award announced
- Mar 1, 2027 Project start
- May 25, 2029 Application deadline in 948 days
Program description
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) seeks to advance its mission by continuing support for the Centers for AIDS Research (CFAR). The national network of CFARs cooperates with other HHS-funded HIV/AIDS programs to establish and maintain the collaborations and infrastructure required to carry out innovative implementation science research for ending the HIV epidemic domestically. Addressing a complex chronic disease, HIV/AIDS research requires broad scientific expertise, access to unique biological samples, and cutting-edge research technologies that extend beyond the needs of individual research groups. The CFAR program strengthens HIV/AIDS research by providing infrastructure that fosters multidisciplinary collaborations, maximizes efficiencies by reducing duplication of efforts, and leverages economies of scale to facilitate the translation of basic research findings into new HIV treatment, prevention, and cure approaches. A core mission of the CFAR program is to support and mentor early-career investigators and investigators new to HIV/AIDS research by funding pilot studies, emerging research opportunities, and high-risk/high-impact collaborative studies. Grant authorities that allow NIAID to forecast this opportunity are as follows: Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284) and under Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 2 CFR Part 200.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Hospital
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) form
- Project Narrative
- Specific Aims
- Research Strategy
- Institutional Support Letter
- Biosketches of key personnel
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Research Timeline
- Letters of Collaboration
Program contact
- 👤 CFAR Program
- 📧 CFARprogram@mail.nih.gov
- 📞 240-459-2852
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.847 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$444,814,918
-
$200,221,259
-
$181,279,494
-
$112,529,392
-
$82,457,560
-
$79,214,478
-
$48,585,892
-
$45,186,589
-
$37,997,540
-
$34,242,949
Top States by Funding
- WA 4 awards $520.0M
- NC 4 awards $293.3M
- FL 3 awards $291.6M
- NY 5 awards $184.3M
- PA 6 awards $176.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.847). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,971,472,000 | |
| 2025 | $2,043,166,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $111,289,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for CFAR funding?
Accredited research institutions, universities, and medical centers with research capacity. Organizations must demonstrate institutional commitment and infrastructure support for HIV/AIDS research.
What research activities are eligible?
Interdisciplinary HIV/AIDS research, prevention science, treatment innovation, and mentorship. Supported activities include basic science, clinical research, and community-engaged research.
What is the typical funding range?
CFAR awards typically provide substantial multi-year funding. Exact amounts vary; check current FOA for specific funding levels available this cycle.
How competitive is this grant?
Very competitive. CFAR is a prestigious NIH program. Strong preliminary data, institutional track record, and collaborative research teams significantly strengthen applications.
When are deadlines?
Check the specific Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for exact deadlines. NIH typically has one or more application windows per year for CFAR competitions.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Build a strong multidisciplinary research team with proven HIV/AIDS expertise and publication records.
- Clearly articulate how your research addresses current gaps in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, or cure.
- Demonstrate institutional commitment through dedicated space, equipment, and financial support for the center.
- Include a comprehensive mentorship and career development plan for early-career researchers.
- Develop strong partnerships with community organizations and populations affected by HIV/AIDS.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting without demonstrated institutional infrastructure or research capacity already in place. Proposing research that lacks clear public health significance or innovation in HIV/AIDS science. Failing to show how the center model adds value beyond individual research projects.
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