CRAF Community Research Fund 

The CRAF Community Research Fund program is a unique initiative designed to empower community-based rheumatologists to lead innovative research that enhances patient care.  

This program provides community rheumatologists with a streamlined pathway to manage their research funding obtained from an industry partner. The CRAF will oversee and administer the funding at a lower administrative cost than usual institutional rates, maximizing the research budget by minimizing overhead, so more funding goes directly to research efforts. 

By supporting projects that improve quality of care, foster better health outcomes, and advance scientific knowledge, this program helps the CRAF champion impactful, community-driven research.  

Program Goals 

  • Enable Funding Access: Provide a streamlined vehicle for community rheumatologists to receive funding for research initiatives. 
  • Lower Administrative Fees: Designed to maximize the research budget by minimizing overhead, so more funding goes directly to research efforts. 
  • Empower CRA Members: Encourage active engagement in research by CRA members. 
  • Advance Rheumatology: Support projects that contribute to the mission of CRAF and enhance patient care. 
     

Eligibility Criteria 

To qualify for funding, projects must: 

  • Directly support the CRAF mission to advance scientific research and improve patient care in rheumatology. 
  • Include clear, measurable outcomes with specific indicators for quality of care, patient care improvement, research advancement, and/or knowledge translation. 
  • Be led by a CRA member as a Principal Investigator or site PI. 
  • Include a signed agreement acknowledging the administrative fee structure. 

Administrative Fees 

CRAF charges a 15% administration fee. 

CRA members who run matched giving fundraising campaigns (e.g. Rally for Rheumatology) in their clinics will be eligible to receive 3% of their grant administrative fee to be reinvested in the same or a future research project. They may also choose to donate this amount to the CRAF. Contact us to learn more. 

Submit Your Application 

Applicants must complete an online submission form that includes key details about the project, expected outcomes, and the proposed budget. 

Click here to submit your application

We’re here to help!   

Contact Virginia Hopkins at vhopkins@rheum.ca for any questions or support.