Accountability
By investing in some of the world’s most innovative research, BrightFocus Foundation has sown the seeds of two Nobel Prizes and scores of other scientific breakthroughs. BrightFocus-funded science is cited in scientific papers—a key barometer of driving new discovery—at twice the rate of scientists funded by the National Institutes of Health. The researchers we support often receive subsequent grants from NIH and other sources at ten times the amount of our original investment, an affirmation of our world-class scientific review committees that vet and recommend the most promising opportunities.
With the aging of our large Baby Boom generation, we must act with great urgency by increasing our research funding and broadening our public outreach to raise awareness and knowledge.
Accountability
Annual Reports
We publish an annual report with information on the research we fund, our outreach efforts, our donors, and a summary of our financial position. Learn more about the achievements for the year.
Research Grant Portfolios
Alzheimer’s Disease Research Grant Portfolios
Since 1985, Alzheimer’s Disease Research has awarded nearly $170 million to support promising research in fields ranging from molecular biology to genetics to epidemiology. Alzheimer’s Disease Research is currently supporting 167 outstanding biomedical researcher projects. Download the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Grant Portfolios to explore the research we’re currently funding:
- 2024 ADR Research Portfolio
- 2023 ADR Research Portfolio
- 2022 ADR Research Portfolio
- 2021 ADR Research Portfolio
Macular Degeneration Research Grant Portfolios
Since 1999, Macular Degeneration Research has awarded nearly $53 million to support research into the causes and potential prevention strategies and treatments of macular degeneration disease. Macular Degeneration Research is currently supporting 49 biomedical research projects. Download the Macular Degeneration Research Portfolios to view our grantees:
- 2024 MDR Research Portfolio
- 2023 MDR Research Portfolio
- 2022 MDR Research Portfolio
- 2021 MDR Research Portfolio
National Glaucoma Research Grant Portfolios
Since the National Glaucoma Research program began in 1978, it has awarded more than $51 million to support research projects on the causes and potential prevention and treatment of this disease. National Glaucoma Research is currently supporting 38 biomedical research projects. Download the National Glaucoma Research Portfolios to view our grantees:
Where Our Money Goes
BrightFocus is a nonprofit organization designated under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All contributions to BrightFocus and its programs are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. The Foundation is supported entirely by voluntary private contributions.
BrightFocus received in-kind donations to expand public health information outreach and these are included in Program Services expenses. This allowed the organization to reach millions of people with information about risk factors, treatments, and caregiving.
A complete copy of financial statements audited by Marcum, LLP is available upon request from the BrightFocus Foundation, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD 20871 or on our website at www.brightfocus.org.
View a complete list of our financial statements audited by Marcum, LLP.
Financial Reports
BrightFocus is committed to organizational transparency. We want you to be confident in your investment in BrightFocus, and offer our complete financial picture.
Charity Ratings
BrightFocus complies with important industry standards for charity accountability, including certification from the following organizations:
- Better Business Bureau
- Maryland Nonprofits Standards of Excellence
- Candid (formerly GuideStar)
- America’s Charities
- HonCode
We meet all 20 rigorous standards of the Wise Giving Alliance of the Better Business Bureau (BBB), comply with all eight HONcode standards for trustworthy health information, and are a member of and in compliance with the Direct Marketing Association’s Guidelines for Ethical Business Practice and other DMA standards for nonprofit organizations. The trade publication Inside Philanthropy said of us, “BrightFocus is remarkably transparent, showing off all of its recent grant recipients and providing links to their research from their website.”
