With federal funding for scientific research being slashed, private foundations are increasingly stepping in to fill the gap.

One of those stepping up is the Campbell Foundation, a Fort Lauderdale–based nonprofit that has funded HIV research and treatments for more than 30 years.

Recently the Campbell Foundation awarded a $100,000 grant to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) where they are researching an HIV cure using CAR-T cell therapy. 

“This innovative approach involves genetically modifying a patient's own T cells to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs),” Executive Director Ken Rapkin explained. “These modified cells are then able to specifically target and destroy HIV-infected cells. The goal of this CAR-T therapy is to overcome the limitations of current HIV treatments by potentially eradicating the latent viral reservoirs and leading to a functional cure.”

If successful, the therapy could eliminate the need for lifelong HIV medications.

Organizations like the Campbell Foundation are vital lifelines for HIV research. The foundation focuses on providing “seed funding” for early-stage, laboratory-based research. This support often helps scientists secure larger federal or foundation grants. 

But with the future of HIV research threatened by sweeping federal cuts, even private philanthropy faces new pressure. 

“I've witnessed various economic downturns and financial challenges,” said Rapkin, who has been with the foundation since its inception. “However, I have never before seen the kind of widespread slashing of governmental grants and the closure of laboratories that we are currently experiencing.”

These funding losses jeopardize the progress of HIV research nationwide.

“Some of the researchers we have supported are now facing these cuts,” he said. If this money is not restored, it “will inevitably lead to a brain drain of up-and-coming new scientists in the field of infectious disease.”

In addition to major research grants, the foundation supports local HIV organizations through its annual “Holiday Hug” program.

Rapkin says that’s why the foundation’s role has never been more important. 

“We believe it's crucial for the general public to understand the vital role of basic clinical research in our daily well-being,” Rapkin said. “Every medication, for any condition, originates in a laboratory through fundamental clinical trials. We cannot allow the progress made with HIV to stop here; a cure is essential.”

Visit www.CampbellFoundation.net to learn more about the organization.