The Duke CFAR is happy to announce the 2026 Duke CFAR Pilot Grant & Microgrant Awards – Request for Proposals
Download the Pilot/Microgrant RFP
Download the application cover sheet
Pilot Grant Awards: Up to $60,000 (3-page application). One-year awards that are intended to support innovative and impactful early-stage research projects with strong potential to secure future independent HIV/AIDS funding.
Microgrant Awards: Up to $20,000 (1-page application). One-year awards for essential resources not available elsewhere.
Key Dates:
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Office hours with the CFAR Developmental Core will be held the Thursday, April 2, 2026. See below for details.
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Letter of Intent (required): April 15, 2026
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Application Deadline: May 18, 2026
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Award Notification: July 2026
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Award Period: 12 months or less
CFAR Developmental Core Office Hours:
Drop in with your questions and get personalized guidance on your application!
Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026
Time: 2 - 3PM
Zoom information: https://duke.zoom.us/j/94589684493?pwd=stwZHLYU4i0XyNO30LN43WxAX4QOG0.1
Meeting ID: 945 8968 4493
Passcode: 087241
Eligibility - must be employed at Duke:
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Early-stage investigators prioritized for funding
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Faculty (no prior R01 in HIV/AIDS; R01 in other fields OK)
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Post-docs and clinical fellows (K awardees need NIH pre-approval; T32 cannot use for training/stipends)
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Mentor letter required for fellows
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PI status request not required to submit, but must be obtained before an award is issued
Research Focus:
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Must address NIH HIV/AIDS Priority Areas
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Topics of special interest for Duke CFAR: Artificial Intelligence, HIV & Aging, Rural Health, use of Duke CFAR specimen repositories
How to Apply:
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See the RFP and required cover sheet for details.
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Submit Letter of Intent by April 15th via this link
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Submit application by May 18th via this email address
Questions? Contact kelly.sune@duke.edu