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2024 Research Grant Awards

For more than 50 Years, BrightFocus Foundation has supported cutting-edge research into Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. See what we are funding this year.

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Alzheimer’s Disease Research Grants Awarded in 2024:

With generous donor support, BrightFocus Foundation’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research program has funded more than $180 million in research to understand and cure Alzheimer’s. With our grants, scientists worldwide are tackling the disease from many angles, investigating how complex systems (cardiovascular, endocrine, and immune) interact to develop earlier detection strategies and novel treatments. Our current portfolio of 112 active projects worldwide offers huge promise and opportunity to defeat this heartbreaking disease.

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Now accepting letters of intent for FY25 research grant awards! Learn more and sign up for email updates.

In addition to the 23 grants above that were recommended by the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Scientific Review Committee, Alzheimer’s Disease Research awarded two grants to support other ongoing scientific efforts: a five-year research initiative with the Canadian Institute of Health to study the aging brain and identify how to reduce the risks of dementia and other forms of cognitive impairment, and an inter-country grant with the U.K. and Israel.

Learn about our 360-degree research approach to defeating Alzheimer’s.

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Macular Degeneration Research Grants Awarded in 2024:

Through the generosity of our donors, Macular Degeneration Research, a BrightFocus Foundation program, has awarded nearly $53 million to fund research projects on the causes and potential prevention, treatment, and cure of this disease. As of July 2024, Macular Degeneration Research is supporting 49 active research projects worldwide.

See All Active Macular Degeneration Research Grants

Sign up for email updates to be notified about upcoming Macular Degeneration Research grant awards. Learn more.

Learn about our 360-degree research approach to defeating macular degeneration.

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National Glaucoma Research Grants Awarded in 2024:

BrightFocus’ National Glaucoma Research program is one of the world’s leading nonprofit funders of glaucoma research, having supported nearly $51 million in scientific grants exploring the root causes and prevention strategies and treatments to end glaucoma. As of July 2024, National Glaucoma Research is supporting 38 active glaucoma research projects across the globe.

See All Active National Glaucoma Research Grants

Now accepting applications for FY25 research grant awards! Learn more and sign up for email updates.

Learn about our 360-degree research approach to defeating glaucoma.

All grants will be awarded pending the conclusion of contract negotiations.

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What We’re Funding

BrightFocus Foundation, through its programs Alzheimer’s Disease Research, Macular Degeneration Research, and National Glaucoma Research, is currently supporting more than 200 active research grants across 17 countries. Explore the research we’re funding below.
Digital illustration of a human brain with neural activity glowing inside a translucent head, representing neurological disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Alzheimer’s Disease Research

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 research projects.

Close-up image of a human retina displaying intricate blood vessels around the optic disc.

Macular Degeneration Research

Since 1999, Macular Degeneration Research has awarded nearly $46 million to support research into the causes and potential prevention strategies and treatments of macular degeneration disease. Macular Degeneration Research is currently supporting 58 biomedical research projects.
A woman receives an eye test for glaucoma.

National Glaucoma Research

Since its inception in 1978, National Glaucoma Research has awarded nearly $47 million to support research projects on the causes and potential prevention and treatment of this disease. National Glaucoma Research is currently supporting 62 biomedical research projects.