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What We Fund

FUNDING MODEL

Advancing Research for Better Lives

The Cerebral Palsy Foundation is committed to funding innovative research that improves the lives of individuals with CP. We collaborate with researchers, companies, and healthcare professionals to explore, measure, and develop effective treatments. Our focus is on studies that are scientifically rigorous and directly relevant to the CP community, from foundational science to clinical applications.

HOW WE FUND RESEARCH

TRANSFORMING CARE. THE CURE FRONTIER.

Our funding and research partnering process offers various pathways to help bring promising research to fruition.

FOUNDATION-DRIVEN INITIATIVES

We sponsor and coordinate our networks of change to tackle the biggest questions in the field.

Core Funding Programs

Our annual core funding initiatives are open-ended, encouraging promising research that can advance cerebral palsy treatment in a meaningful way.

Targeted Funding Programs

We issue specific calls for proposals that address urgent gaps in understanding or critical patient needs.

Supplemental Funding

Projects demonstrating significant progress may be eligible for additional support to fast track progress & technology innovation.

more than just funding

A Collaborative Network

Research grants from the Cerebral Palsy Foundation come with access to a goal-driven network of advisors and collaborators. Successful applicants and partners will engage with our dedicated team and external partners, and join meetings that strengthen connections with fellow researchers.

RESEARCH STRATEGY

FOCUSED ON IMPACT

The Cerebral Palsy Foundation assesses funding applications based on three main objectives:

  • Enhancing Understanding

  • Translation of Research to Practice

  • Collaborative Research Community

Enhancing Understanding

Enhancing Understanding of Cerebral Palsy Leading to New Treatments and Cure(s)

We support projects that delve into the complex biology of cerebral palsy that lead to better outcomes, including:

  1. Discover and refine new therapeutics
  2. Test innovative interventions in clinical settings
  3. Identify biomarkers to enhance patient selection
  4. Collect patient-reported outcomes to inform research design

Real-World Application

Bridging Research to Real-World Therapies

We invest in projects that aim to develop practical therapies for individuals with cerebral palsy, including efforts to:

  1. Accelerating Translation of Research to Practice: CPF funds projects that bridge the gap between evidence and everyday care, embedding proven interventions—like early detection tools—directly into healthcare.
  2. Driving Systems-Level Change: Rather than one-off pilots, CPF invests in scalable, sustainable solutions—co-developing care pathways, influencing national health guidelines, and transforming how services for individuals with CP are delivered across the lifespan.
  3. Empowering Local Implementation through Global Frameworks: By leveraging implementation science, CPF equips clinical teams, educators, and community leaders with the tools, training, and systems needed to adapt and apply best practices within their unique contexts.
Cultivating Collaboration

Cultivating a Collaborative Research Community

We believe that collaboration leads to faster progress. Our commitment includes:

  1. Providing access to research tools
  2. Supporting education and conferences
  3. Recruitment support to build connections between researchers and the CP community