UAB CFAR PILOT FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

The mission of CFAR is to catalyze new and nurture ongoing HIV research – across the scientific domains of basic, behavioral, clinical, implementation, and community science – in partnership with the communities we serve.Ensuring service to these overarching pillars of scientific research unifies our purpose and aligns our goals with those of the National AIDS Strategy and the HIV scientific community.

The UAB CFAR pilot funding program focuses on seeding new or continuing work from early career and senior career new-to-HIV researchers that can be used to acquire larger grants from external sources. We aim to cultivate a highly integrative HIV research environment and successful research teams, essential components of continued research success in the current funding landscape. Only those applications that are aligned with the pillars of the CFAR scientific mission will be considered for funding through this mechanism. We anticipate funding 2 applications up to $50,000 per year for up to 2 years. Per NIH guidance, clinical trials are not supported through this mechanism.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Have an MD or PhD or equivalent terminal degree
• Have not had an NIH R01or equivalent grant related to HIV research.
• Have a Faculty appointment in a UAB Department or Division at the instructor, assistant professor, associate, or full professor level

Principal investigators are encouraged to engage investigators at different levels, community stakeholders, public health representatives, and those with lived experience and varying backgrounds in support of their study.

MPIs are not allowed.

Applicants supported by NIH K awards are eligible if the requested funds support different aims although the research may be on the same topic.

Timeline:

• RFA Release: December 1, 2025
• Deadline for 2-page Concept Proposal: February 17, 2026
• Receipt of notification to Submit Full Applications: February 18, 2026
• Deadline for Full Applications: March 31, 2026
• Notification of Award: May 1^st, 2026

Download Guidelines for 2026 CFAR Pilots

Submit a Pilot Concept 

Community pilot grants offer seed funding to Alabama-based Community-Based Organizations, promoting innovative, community-centered approaches to combat the local HIV epidemic and enhance health outcomes. This funding facilitates collaboration between community partners and CFAR investigators, fostering relationships for future scientific endeavors. Each community applicant is connected with a CFAR Core investigator for guidance on concept development, implementation, and evaluation.

Contact: Alyssa Carodine

More information

 NOTICE: Fall 2025 applications will be specifically awarded to those presenting at CROI in Denver, CO on February 22-25, 2026. You must have an accepted abstract to receive the award.

The deadline to apply is November 19, 2025. 

Apply for a CROI Conference Competitive Spark Award

 These awards provide small funding (up to $3,000) to assist ESI and NHI with support for HIV research-related expenses, including:

• Presenting abstracts at national or international conferences. Investigators must have an accepted abstract.
• Publication fees
• IRB associated costs
• Training opportunities 

Funding Criteria:

• Matching funding is encouraged.
• Investigators must have an accepted abstract to attend a conference/meeting
• Tuition is not allowable  

• Funding must be spent within 6 months of awarding.
• Applications are evaluated one week after the quarterly due dates by the Developmental Core leadership.

Check the CFAR listserv, website, and social media outlets for the RFA.

Contact: Emily Knighton-Akins