Our grants are directed at creating the infrastructure, such as building and equipment, to enable critical research at Australia’s most promising research institutions. In March 2004, the ACRF announced $3.3 million in grants to three such institutes — the Garvan Institute in Sydney, Peter MacCallum’s Cancer Centre in Melbourne, and the Institute for Molecular Bioscience in Brisbane.

Frequently the ACRF provides the ‘seed’ funding to establish major specialist laboratories, like St. Vincent’s Hospital Centre for Immunology and Westmead Hospital’s new cancer research laboratories. Similarly, the University of Queensland received $1 million from the ACRF to build their Centre for Immunology. Today that facility is conducting the final phase of clinical trials on a vaccine to prevent cervical cancer — a breakthrough of global proportions.

Ultimately, the work by centres funded by the ACRF is delivering real benefits to the one in three Australians who will be diagnosed with cancer.

The Foundation’s research grants are awarded annually, on a basis of scientific excellence. Many groups already funded by the Foundation grants have received international acclaim. All grants are put through a rigorous approval process overseen by our honorary Medical Research Advisory Committee, featuring many of Australia’s most respected scientists and researchers. The Committee is chaired by Professor Mathew Vadas.

The Foundation is governed by an honorary Board of Trustees, chaired by Tom Dery, and is audited annually (see latest financial statements).

Unlike many charities, the ACRF prides itself on its ability to minimise administration costs. The Foundation's office is staffed by a team of seven people and is based in Sydney and supported by hard-working volunteer committees in Melbourne, Canberra, Hobart, Launceston, and the NSW towns of Kempsey and Bexley. Additional committees are planned for Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

You can help save lives.

Given the prevalence of cancer and its effect on all Australians, we believe everyone can play a role in finding the eventual cure. You can ensure that vital research continues in the battle against cancer. Click on the donate bottom at the foot of the page.   If you would like a hard copy of Fast Facts about the Foundation download a printable pdf file here.

Every dollar of every donation received goes to cancer research

To make a credit card donation over the telephone, call 1300 884 988 from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call.

ACRF complies with the Federal Privacy Act and has a full Privacy Policy which can be viewed here. You are able to gain access to your information, which is confidential and will not be disclosed to other organisations. If you have any questions relating to this policy or if you do not wish to receive information from ACRF, please contact our Privacy Officer on 1300 884 988