Established in September 2007, the Canadian Foundation on Fetal Alcohol Research (CFFAR), is an independent, non-profit foundation created to promote interest and fund research related to the short and long-term bio-medical, psychological and social effects of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and the prevention of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).

CFFAR awards research grants annually in conjunction with International FASD day and the annual Fetal Alcohol Canadian Expertise (FACE) Research Roundtable.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is the umbrella term used to describe the range of harm that may result from prenatal exposure to alcohol. These concerns can include health, physical, developmental, intellectual and social challenges.

The term FASD includes the diagnostic categories of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), partial FAS (pFAS), Alcohol-Related Neuro-Developmental Disorder (ARND) and Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD) (Chudley et al, 2005).

CFFAR supports research into all aspects of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). The Scientific Review Committee adjudicates research grant applications submitted from all parts of Canada.

Researchers may obtain a maximum of $40,000 annually for a maximum of two years to support research projects related to the fetal effects of alcohol.