Mission & Purpose
Celiac disease is one of the world’s most prevalent genetic autoimmune diseases, affecting an estimated 3 million Americans, 70-80% of whom are undiagnosed. Causing the body to attack its own small intestine, it can lead to many other devastating health conditions, including cancer. Through strategic investments in research, education, and advocacy, the Celiac Disease Foundation seeks to remedy this by accelerating treatments and a cure.
The Celiac Disease Foundation, established in 1990, is the leading global patient advocacy organization committed to accelerating diagnosis, treatments, and a cure for celiac disease. In partnership with the Society for the Study of Celiac Disease — now the Foundation’s scientific advisory and professional leadership body — we unite the strength of the clinical, research, and patient communities to drive progress. Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of the millions affected by this genetic autoimmune disease through strategic investments in research, advocacy, and education. Supported by our iCureCeliac® patient registry and comprehensive recruitment services, we identify qualified participants and accelerate enrollment in high-impact studies. Our advocacy has secured federal recognition and historic research funding from agencies such as the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense. Guided by the highest scientific and ethical standards, we work each day to advance understanding of celiac disease, empower patients and providers, and collaborate with stakeholders to achieve meaningful change.
Research Initiatives
We work tirelessly year after year to achieve our purpose: advancing research to help cure celiac disease.
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On behalf of our patient community, the Celiac Disease Foundation collaborates with physicians, dietitians, mental health professionals, researchers, and industry, as well as retail manufacturers, medical societies, associations, and colleges, to expand research output and to better understand, and ultimately cure, celiac disease. Our Research Grant Awards funds researchers at academic medical research centers nationwide to advance knowledge of the causes, progression, and consequences of celiac disease. Through iCureCeliac®, the largest and ever-growing national celiac disease patient registry, we collaborate with researchers and clinicians to search for outcome-driven treatments and a cure. And our study screening platform, iQualifyCeliac, allows patients to find out if they are eligible to participate in a clinical trial or study in their area.
Advocacy Initiatives
We advocate for patient-centered policies that will improve quality of life and outcomes for people with celiac disease.
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As the advocacy leader in celiac disease, the Celiac Disease Foundation works to marshal the expertise and experiences of the community to develop international, federal, and state policy to accelerate research for treatments and a cure, as well as to advance other priorities to improve the quality of life for all those affected by celiac disease. The most powerful tools we have for creating change are the voices of our network of celiac disease patient advocates.
Our work has contributed to celiac disease receiving millions of dollars in National Institutes of Health funding, celiac disease being included in the Department of Defense’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program, and gluten being included in international Codex precautionary allergen labeling guidance. We continue to push forward efforts to increase research funding, improve food labeling, improve access to care, improve education and awareness, improve food security and access, and improve health outcomes and quality of life.
Education Initiatives
We invest in programs developed by leading academic research centers in celiac disease to educate healthcare professionals, researchers, and the patient community.
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The Celiac Disease Foundation develops and delivers impactful education and support programs that empower individuals with celiac disease and those who care for them. We are committed to providing evidence-based education to a broad range of audiences, including patients, families, and healthcare providers. Our accredited healthcare provider training programs have reached thousands of participants, equipping clinicians with practical skills to support their patients with celiac disease. As a major sponsor of global medical conferences, the Foundation is driving international collaboration and education in celiac disease diagnosis, treatment, and research.
Through our patient-focused education programs, we have supported thousands of families to ensure individuals with celiac disease can thrive in academic and social environments with confidence. Celiac Disease Foundation Team Gluten-Free is a community fundraising program that provides a simple way for our community members to raise awareness and funds for the Foundation’s research, advocacy, and education programs. These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to equipping patients, families, and professionals with the tools they need to navigate celiac disease with knowledge, resilience, and community.