The Clinical Research Investigator-Initiated Awards (CRIA) offered by the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation aim to support clinical studies that directly impact patient care in the field of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. This program supports both early-career and senior investigators through two tracks: the Career Development Award (CRIA-CDA) and the Senior Research Award (CRIA-SRA). The ultimate objective of the CRIA program is to answer significant clinical questions through research involving either direct interaction with patients or analysis of large data sets, such as administrative or claims data.

The Foundation prioritizes projects that align with its 2019 publication, "Challenges in IBD Research," specifically those that address pragmatic clinical research priorities. Projects falling outside these areas must present a compelling rationale for their clinical relevance. Proposals are expected to lead to high-impact publications, inclusion in clinical guidelines, or subsequent funding from other major sources.

Eligibility criteria differ for each track. For the CRIA-SRA, the lead principal investigator must be a faculty member at the level of Assistant Professor or higher, with a proven track record of funded clinical research and relevant expertise. The team must include a junior co-principal investigator with IBD research experience who has not yet received an independent R01 grant. For the CRIA-CDA, the lead PI must be a junior faculty member (Instructor or Assistant Professor) within ten years of obtaining their doctoral degree and committed to IBD research. The Foundation is flexible with timelines affected by personal or public health circumstances, such as caregiving or the COVID-19 pandemic, and applicants may include this context in their cover letters.

Each applicant is allowed only one submission per cycle, and simultaneous applications for both CRIA-CDA and CRIA-SRA are not permitted. Likewise, applicants may not apply for other Foundation awards such as the Litwin IBD Pioneer, Clinical Research Network, or Research Initiative for the same research topic. Current awardees cannot hold concurrent Crohn's & Colitis Foundation CDAs or SRAs but may apply for a new project six months before the end of their current award.

Funding for the CRIA program provides a maximum of $250,000 per year in total costs, including up to 10 percent for indirect costs. The duration of the award is up to three years. Applicants must agree on specific milestones during the award agreement process, and continued funding is contingent on meeting these milestones through scientific and administrative review.

The grant application process is managed through the Proposal Central system. For the Spring/Summer 2025 cycle, the portal opens on October 23, 2024. Letters of Intent are due by December 5, 2024, at 11:59 pm EST. Full proposals must be submitted by February 13, 2025, at 11:59 pm EST. Applications will be reviewed between April and May, and funding decisions will be announced in October. The Fall/Winter 2024 cycle has been cancelled, with updates pending. For inquiries related to the CRIA awards, applicants may contact Orlando Green at CRIA@crohnscolitisfoundation.org. General inquiries should be directed to grant@crohnscolitisfoundation.org.