Apply for a Macular Disease Foundation Australia grant

MDFA’s latest research grants funding round
is now OPEN 

Macular Disease Foundation is Australia’s largest investor in macular and retinal disease research outside of government, committing more than $6.9 million to world-leading Australian researchers since 2011 with the aim of reducing the impact of macular and retinal diseases, and finding new treatments and ultimately, if possible, cures.

MDFA is launching two new research grants

In this current funding round, MDFA is launching two new funding streams that will be awarded in 2026.   

MDFA 25th Anniversary Award

The new MDFA 25th Anniversary Award will provide funding for research that addresses knowledge gaps specifically related to geographic atrophy.

This could include research into, but not limited to:

• genes known to be linked to developing geographic atrophy; genes associated with a family history of geographic atrophy
• investigating new genes that may contribute to geographic atrophy development
• other risk factors and causes of geographic atrophy
• new treatments and treatment targets for geographic atrophy
• measuring functional outcomes of geographic atrophy.

The award will provide up to $200,000 in funding over a maximum period of 3 years.

The Elisabeth Macdonald Memorial Award

The Elisabeth Macdonald Memorial Award will support research relevant to people with a macular or retinal disease living in regional and rural areas of Australia.

This could include, but is not limited to, research that aims to address the challenges faced by people diagnosed, being treated for and living with a macular or retinal disease who are in more remote areas of Australia through:

• designing and testing appropriate diagnostic or clinical services
• developing psychological support services for people living with a macular or retinal disease
• exploring practical/infrastructure solutions for people with vision loss due to a macular or retinal disease.

The award will provide up to $100,000 in funding over a maximum period of 3 years, and will be awarded ongoingly every alternate year.

Who is eligible to apply? 

In addition to the specific eligibility requirements of each grant (see above), the following criteria applies to both grants:

• Primary Investigators must be Australian citizens, permanent residents or, if relevant, eligible for permanent residency on completion of their studies being undertaken in an Australian university
• The Primary Investigator must be based in an Australian institution. Institutions can submit more than one application.
• Primary Investigators must not already hold another active MDFA grant.

Applications for funding under MDFA’s Research Grants Program are awarded following rigorous evaluation that includes Australian and International expert peer review, together with community review, to ensure successful applicants meet the highest standards. 

1. 1. Download the MDFA 25^th Anniversary Award grant application form. (insert link to form)
2. 2. Download the full MDFA 25^th Anniversary Award Guidelines for applicants document. (insert link to document)
3. 3. Please email the completed grant application form as a Word document NO LATER THAN 11.59pm Sunday January 4, 2026, to research@mdfoundation.com.au.  

1. 1. Download the Elisabeth Macdonald Memorial Award application form. (insert link to form)
2. 2. Download the full Elisabeth Macdonald Memorial Award Guidelines for applicants document. (insert link to document)
3. 3. Please email the completed application form as a Word document NO LATER THAN 11.59pm Sunday January 4, 2026, to research@mdfoundation.com.au.