Grant opportunity of up to $5 million to drive significant improvements in the prevention, treatment, and recovery outcomes of cardiovascular disease and stroke for Australians.
On this page you will find
What is the Cardiovascular Health Grant?
The 2025 Cardiovascular Health Grant Opportunity is part of the Australian Government’s Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Cardiovascular Health Mission, designed to drive significant improvements in the prevention, treatment, and recovery outcomes of cardiovascular disease and stroke for Australians.
Funding is available across four targeted research streams:
- Stream 1: Co-design culturally secure, best-practice prevention strategies for cardiovascular disease and stroke in partnership with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities.
- Stream 2: Conduct Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials to assess the safety and effectiveness of new devices or treatments for cardiovascular disease and stroke.
- Stream 3: Deliver a large-scale multiomics research project to better understand recovery patterns and long-term outcomes for people affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke.
- Stream 4: Develop and implement early, more effective preventive health interventions to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease and stroke across the broader population.
Cardiovascular Health Grant level of support
The Australian Government is providing up to $24 million in total funding through the MRFF Cardiovascular Health Mission for research projects delivered over the 2025–2027 period.
Available streams and funding limits:
Stream 1:
- Minimum funding: No minimum
- Maximum funding: $2 million
- Project duration: Up to 5 years
Stream 2:
- Minimum funding: No minimum
- Maximum funding: $3 million
- Project duration: Up to 7 years
Stream 3:
- Minimum funding: $3 million
- Maximum funding: $5 million
- Project duration: Up to 7 years
Stream 4:
- Minimum funding: No minimum
- Maximum funding: $3 million
- Project duration: Up to 5 years
Co-contribution requirement:
- A co-contribution is not required, but applications are encouraged to include both cash and/or in-kind contributions from partner organisations.
- These contributions are considered during assessment and can strengthen the application’s competitiveness.
Cardiovascular Health Grant important dates
- Minimum data due: 16 July 2025, 5:00 pm (ACT time)
- Applications close: 13 August 2025, 5:00 pm (ACT time)
- Assessment period: August to December 2025
- Notification of outcomes: February 2026
- Project commencement: As specified in grant agreement
- Project completion: Stream 1 and 4 – within 5 years; Stream 2 and 3 – within 7 years
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Cardiovascular Health Grant objectives
The grant aims to fund innovative research projects that transform the prevention, treatment, recovery and survivorship for Australians affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. The four streams are:
Stream 1: Develop and implement culturally safe preventive health strategies with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
Stream 2: Conduct Phase I/II clinical trials of new devices or therapies.
Stream 3: Deliver large-scale multiomics research to improve understanding of recovery and survivorship.
Stream 4: Implement innovative preventive health approaches, including:
- Topic A: Technologies preventing cardiac disease from chronic illness.
- Topic B: Risk prediction improvements using novel markers.
- Topic C: Tailored care to improve adherence and reduce inequalities.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Cardiovascular Health Grant support
Projects must align with the goals of the Cardiovascular Health Mission and propose high-impact, translational research. Examples of eligible expenses include:
- Personnel (via defined support packages)
- Direct research costs (DRCs)
- Equipment (over $10,000, up to a total of $80,000)
- Access to research infrastructure and services
- Consumer involvement and consultation
- Travel related to project execution
Ineligible Expenditure Includes:
- Indirect costs (e.g., admin, utilities)
- General computing and software
- Conference travel (unless approved)
- Ethics approval costs
- Health/travel insurance, passports, visas
- Organisational overheads
- Costs already funded by another Commonwealth grant
Other Cardiovascular Health Grant important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Cardiovascular Health Grant support
Only organisations approved as MRFF Eligible Organisations can apply. These are typically universities, research institutes, and certain health organisations listed on the NHMRC website.
Joint (consortia) applications are welcome, provided the lead organisation is MRFF eligible and acts as the primary grant recipient.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
Cardiovascular Health Grant assessment criteria
For Stream 1
- Project Impact (40%)
Focus on cultural relevance, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, and implementation into health practice. - Project Methodology (30%)
Robust scientific design, milestones, feasibility, and community engagement. - Capacity, Capability and Resources (30%)
Team experience, cultural competence, and ability to deliver results. - Overall Value and Risk (non-weighted)
Budget justification, risk management, and alignment with MRFF success metrics.
For Streams 2, 3 and 4
- Project Impact (40%)
Advance health outcomes, especially for priority populations. Involvement of end-users and health services. - Project Methodology (30%)
Clear research design, participant diversity, appropriate tools, and governance. - Capacity, Capability and Resources (30%)
Diverse, capable teams and meaningful partner engagement. - Overall Value and Risk (non-weighted)
Comprehensive budget justification, risk mitigation, and project feasibility
How do I get the Cardiovascular Health Grant?
Applicants must:
- Check eligibility: Confirm your organisation is MRFF eligible.
- Identify the right stream: Select one stream that best fits your project.
- Engage partners: Especially consumer groups and community stakeholders.
- Prepare documentation: Use the NHMRC template and Sapphire portal.
- Submit early: Don’t leave certification and submission to the last minute.
Information to prepare for the Cardiovascular Health Grant application
Gather and prepare the following documents before starting your application:
- Grant Proposal (structured by NHMRC template)
- Consumer Involvement Statement
- Risk Management Plan
- Measures of Success Statement
- Letters of Support (for contributions or partner involvement)
- Budget with justification of all items
- Declaration of Applicant Interests
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Cardiovascular Health Grant
Applications must be submitted through the NHMRC Sapphire system.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Cardiovascular Health Grant resources
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