Up to $100,000 to support research that addresses unmet needs and challenges identified by people living with and at risk of diabetes and their carers.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the Diabetes Australia Project Grants?
The Diabetes Australia Project Grants are a cornerstone initiative of the Diabetes Australia Research Program, which has contributed over $49 million to more than 800 diabetes research projects since 2008. These grants aim to fund outstanding research that addresses unmet needs and challenges identified by people living with and at risk of diabetes and their carers. The program fosters early- to mid-career researchers across all research areas to reduce the burden of diabetes on individuals, the health system, and society.
Fifteen project grants will be awarded for the 2026 round, each designed to support research that improves prevention, management, quality of life, and the search for a cure across all types of diabetes.
Diabetes Australia Project Grants level of support
- Minimum amount of funding: Not specified
- Maximum amount of funding: $100,000 per grant
Co-contribution required: No co-contribution requirement is stated in the guidelines.
Diabetes Australia Project Grants important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Diabetes Australia Project Grants objectives
The program aims to support innovative research projects that address:
- Prevention and early detection of diabetes
- Improved management and quality of life for people with diabetes
- Reduction of the health and financial impacts of diabetes
- Discovery of a cure for all types of diabetes
All projects must clearly articulate consumer and community involvement and address the unmet needs of the intended end user.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Diabetes Australia Project Grants support
The grant program encourages research innovation and project proposals that:
- Address the research priorities and unmet needs of people living with diabetes and the diabetes community – identified through needs assessment research.
- Foster meaningful consumer and community engagement throughout the research project lifecycle. This includes:
- Formal assessment criteria to assess the quality of consumer and community involvement in project proposal
- Representation of experts living with diabetes and the diabetes community, with a formal role in governance of the decision-making process, including assessing applications and deciding how funds received from Diabetes Australia donors are allocated
- Understand and describe proposed translational impact pathway/s for the proposed research and outcomes including formal assessment criteria
Eligible research areas include:
- Basic biomedical research
- Clinical research
- Public health / policy research
- Health services research
Projects must not include:
- Equipment costing over $5,000
- Conference travel
- Administrative or indirect expenses
Other Diabetes Australia Project Grants important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Diabetes Australia Project Grants support
Eligible organisations must be:
- Non-profit or public sector organisations promoting healthcare, education, and/or medical research in diabetes
- Possessing the facilities and approvals to conduct the proposed research
- The lead Responsible Investigator must be an early- to mid-career researcher (up to 12 years post-PhD).
Note: Applicants cannot hold another active Diabetes Australia grant simultaneously.
Diabetes Australia Project Grants assessment criteria
Applications are assessed by peer review panels, including lived experience experts, health professionals, and researchers. Weightings are as follows:
- Quality and Feasibility of Research Proposal (30%)
- Strong rationale, clear objectives, robust methodology, well-articulated study design and feasibility.
- Project Significance and Potential Impact (30%)
- Addresses priority unmet needs of the diabetes community
- Demonstrates a clear translation plan to advance care and improve outcomes.
- Consumer Involvement (20%)
- Demonstrates meaningful engagement of consumers throughout the research cycle or provides a strong rationale if not feasible.
- Team Capability and Stakeholders (20%)
- Assesses experience, expertise, resource access, prior outcomes, and the involvement of appropriate partner organisations.
Applicants are ranked based on a single overall score derived from these weighted categories.
How do I get the Diabetes Australia Project 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 Diabetes Australia Project Grants application
Prepare the following:
- Completed application form (no incomplete forms accepted)
- Ethics approvals if applicable (proof required before funding is released)
- A detailed budget excluding equipment over $5,000, travel, or indirect costs
- Evidence of secured organisational approval
- Compliance with NHMRC principles if human or animal research is involved
- Participation in reporting and promotional obligations if successful
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Diabetes Australia Project Grants
Applications are submitted via the SmartyGrants portal.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Diabetes Australia Project Grants resources
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