The Canadian Lung Association (CLA) is excited to announce a total of $1,281,794 in funding for the 2026 research funding cycle. A portion of that total was provided by CLA, with the majority made available through collaborative funding initiatives.
“Thanks to our generous donors and collaborative efforts, we’re able to turn a $1 investment into $4 of research funding,” says Sarah Butson, CEO of the Canadian Lung Association.
As a national charity, CLA relies significantly on donations and bequests to support its research funding program, as well as on joint funding with partner organizations to maximize the amount of funding available each year. The Canadian Respiratory Research Network and the Canadian Asthma, Allergy and Immunology Foundation have co-funded two trainee awards and one allied health research grant, respectively.
Fifteen projects will receive funding this year, including research on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and interstitial lung disease as well as improving the lung health outcomes for critically ill patients. Ten of the projects are newly funded, two projects are in the third year of a five-year grant, and three projects were awarded funding renewals in their respective competitions.
“The funds we provide truly are an investment in the future of lung health in Canada. Not only will the outcomes help improve the lung health of Canadians, but the funding makes it easier for these outstanding clinicians and scientists to establish their careers in Canada.”
In addition to its research funding program, CLA continues to push the federal government to dedicate research funding proportionate to the prevalence and impact of lung disease in Canada.
“When you look at the amount invested in other chronic diseases on a per-patient basis, lung disease receives a disproportionately low percentage of research funding in this country,” says Dr. Eilean Mckenzie-Matwiy, CLA’s director of research programs. “COPD is the second-leading cause of hospitalization in Canada, behind childbirth, yet for every Canadian living with COPD, only $0.73 of federal research funds are invested in research.”
You can read more about the 2026 funding recipients on our website.