Grants of up to $5 million to support cutting-edge cancer research projects, empowering Australian teams with infrastructure for breakthroughs in prevention, detection, treatment, and management.
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What is the Australian Cancer Research Foundation Grants?
The Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) provides significant capital funding to support high-impact cancer research in Australia. As a leading private charity in this field, ACRF aims to enhance national and international competitiveness by equipping research teams and institutions with the tools and infrastructure required to achieve scientific breakthroughs in cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and management.
The 2025 Annual Grants round is now open, offering substantial support for eligible projects led by institutions or multi-disciplinary collaborations across Australia.
Australian Cancer Research Foundation Grants level of support
- Minimum amount of funding: $1.5 million
- Maximum amount of funding: $5 million
- Average grant awarded (past 5 years): $2.2 million
ACRF grants are capital-focused, covering major scientific equipment, technology platforms, infrastructure (including cloud-based systems), and specialised software/reagents (up to 25% of the grant value). In addition, up to $100,000 per annum (for the first three years) may be allocated to technical salaries for operating the equipment or platform.
Co-contribution:
ACRF may not fund the full amount requested. Instead, it expects applicants to demonstrate how ACRF funding will be used to leverage additional financial support. There is no fixed co-contribution requirement, but showing matched or supplementary funding from other sources is strongly encouraged.
Australian Cancer Research Foundation Grants important dates
- Applications close: Friday, 23 May 2025 at 5:00 pm (AEST)
- Shortlist interview format announcement: 25 June 2025
- Shortlisted applicant interviews: Mid to late 2025 (in person or via MS Teams)
- Register your interest with GrantHelper.
Australian Cancer Research Foundation Grants objectives
ACRF’s mission is to fund research projects that significantly contribute to all aspects of cancer control, including:
- Prevention
- Early detection
- Treatment
- Management
The Foundation specifically supports platforms that build capacity, facilitate long-term research impact, and foster national collaboration.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Australian Cancer Research Foundation Grants support
Eligible projects must fall into one or more of the following categories:
- Major scientific equipment or platforms
- Research infrastructure (including capital works or virtual/cloud systems)
- Specialised software or reagents essential to the equipment (limited to 25% of total funding)
- Salaries for technical experts (up to $100,000 annually for 3 years)
Ineligible Expenditure:
- Clinical trial operational costs
- General research services
These types of expenses will not be considered for ACRF funding.
Other Australian Cancer Research Foundation Grants important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Australian Cancer Research Foundation Grants support
The following are eligible to apply:
- Australian research institutes and universities
- Multi-institutional collaborations
- Lead organisations must take responsibility for funded equipment and demonstrate sustainability, leadership, and access to skilled personnel
Applicants who have received ACRF grants in the past three annual rounds are generally ineligible, unless forming part of a new consortium. Eligibility in such cases is assessed individually.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
Australian Cancer Research Foundation Grants assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed by ACRF’s Medical Research Advisory Committee (MRAC) on the basis of:
- Research Excellence: Novelty, innovation, and value of the proposed cancer research
- Platform Fit: How requested infrastructure supports the research program
- Vision & Planning: Expertise, leadership, project management, and strategic planning
- Fit with Cancer Research Priorities: National/international relevance and impact
- Collaborative Gain: Strength and value of collaborations across institutions
- Synergies and Amplification: How the grant amplifies existing programs or infrastructure
- Management and Governance: Institutional support and sustainability plans
- Budget and Leverage: Realistic financial planning and capacity to attract co-funding
- Public Recognition: Plans to enhance ACRF’s visibility through media and events
Note: Specific weightings or percentages are not provided in the guidelines.
How do I get the Australian Cancer Research Foundation Grants?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project/s as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation Grants application
Prepare the following information for your application:
- Clear project vision and anticipated impact on cancer control
- Equipment and infrastructure details (including cost estimates)
- Proposed governance and project management structures
- Researcher profiles and team expertise
- Collaboration agreements
- Sustainability and leverage strategies
- Accessibility and diversity plans
- Media, communications, and PR strategies
- Justification for complementary funding (if applicable)
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation Grants
To apply, submit a detailed application using the ACRF template, accessible via the ACRF website.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Australian Cancer Research Foundation Grants resources
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