Epilepsy Foundation
Tips for Applicants
Applications undergo rigorous peer review by external scientific reviewers AND a committee of people living with epilepsy/carers, so clearly articulate both scientific merit and real-world impact. The Foundation uses ARC-style grading (A-E) with only top 10% rated 'Outstanding'. Emphasize relative to opportunity (ROPE) factors including career disruptions, available resources, and for Indigenous applicants, community obligations. Projects must demonstrate feasibility, innovation, and transformative potential. Chief Investigators can hold maximum 5 concurrent AERF grants. Declare all conflicts of interest upfront or risk rejection. Consider positioning research as preliminary work that may not yet qualify for NHMRC/ARC funding. Budget justifications must be thorough.
Giving Philosophy
The Foundation funds research that may not be currently fundable by traditional agencies like NHMRC due to preliminary nature, with emphasis on early career researchers and rare genetic epilepsies. They employ a unique peer review process combining scientific assessment with input from people living with epilepsy and carers to ensure research has real-world impact. Priority is given to high-quality research that will fundamentally benefit people living with epilepsy, with equal consideration for rare and common epilepsy conditions.
ACNC Financial History
| Year | Grants Given | Revenue | Total Assets | Net Assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2023 | — | $11.1M | $17.9M | $7.9M |
| FY2022 | $784K | $9.9M | $18.6M | $7.8M |
| FY2021 | $529K | $8.7M | $18.7M | $7.8M |
| FY2020 | $1.4M | $6.5M | $14.6M | $5.5M |
| FY2019 | $227K | $5.0M | $8.3M | $5.3M |
| FY2018 | — | $4.1M | $6.1M | $5.0M |
| FY2017 | — | $4.2M | $5.9M | $4.9M |
| 7yr total | $2.9M | Source: ACNC Annual Information Statements | ||
Programs & Opportunities (3)
2 open · 1 closed · sorted by deadline · last checked 5 March 2026 (63 days ago)
SYNGAP-1 Research Grant
This grant, in collaboration with Syngap Research Fund Australia, sought Expressions of Interest (EOI) from investigators for SYNGAP-1 research, focusing on novel therapeutic approaches or clinical trial readiness projects for SYNGAP-1.
Epilepsy Foundation Research Fund
Grants for medical and psycho-social research into epilepsy including pre-clinical, translational, clinical and social/community research. Must be for organisations with DGR Item 1 and Tax Concession Charity status.
Australian Epilepsy Research Fund (AERF)
This fund supports innovative and high-quality research aimed at curing epilepsy or reducing its impact on people's lives, and finding new and improved treatments. It supports researchers, universities, research institutes, and hospitals, with applications open to organisations holding Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) Item 1 and Tax Concession Charity (TCC) status.
Program History (3)
Year-specific program memory with visible provenance. This is the bridge between open opportunities and recurring portfolio strands.
Epilepsy Foundation Research Fund
Grants for medical and psycho-social research into epilepsy including pre-clinical, translational, clinical and social/community research. Must be for organisations with DGR Item 1 and Tax Concession Charity status.
SYNGAP-1 Research Grant
This grant, in collaboration with Syngap Research Fund Australia, sought Expressions of Interest (EOI) from investigators for SYNGAP-1 research, focusing on novel therapeutic approaches or clinical trial readiness.
Australian Epilepsy Research Fund (AERF)
This fund supports innovative and high-quality research aimed at curing epilepsy or reducing its impact on people's lives, and finding new and improved treatments. It supports researchers, universities, research.