Core Assistance Fund (CAF)
ForecastedInternal — University of California San Francisco only
The Core Assistance Fund (CAF) from UCSF supports upgrades and new equipment for core facilities to strengthen research infrastructure and scientific innovation.
Funder: University of California San Francisco
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (Spring Cycle Application Deadline, projected) | September 2027 (Fall Cycle Application Deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to $25,000 per award; 2–3 awards per cycle; funds must be spent within 6 months of award.
Summary: Supports UCSF core facilities in acquiring equipment, reagents, upgrades, and operational enhancements to improve research capacity and sustainability.
Key Information: Only certified or soon-to-be certified UCSF Campus Cores are eligible; not offered every cycle.
Description
The Core Assistance Fund (CAF) is administered by the University of California San Francisco’s Research Resource Program (RRP) to enhance the operations and impact of UCSF’s core facilities and shared resources. CAF provides targeted support for the purchase of essential equipment, reagents for new service development, critical upgrades, repairs, and other expenses that cannot be addressed through recharge mechanisms. The program is designed to help cores overcome operational challenges such as inflation-driven supply costs, increased PPE needs, and urgent repairs, ensuring that UCSF’s research infrastructure remains efficient, sustainable, and at the forefront of scientific innovation.
