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Annual Giving
$500K
Grant Range
$10K – $5.0M
Programs
3 (3 open)

Tips for Applicants

The MHF Scientific Committee prioritises innovative, collaborative projects that align with their core objective of improving brain cancer patient outcomes. Applications should demonstrate clear potential for breakthrough impact rather than incremental research. The committee specifically looks for projects that bring new ideas and people together across research institutes. Given that grants are managed through HMRI's Research Services Team, ensure all documentation meets their administrative requirements. Review previously funded projects on the MHF website to understand the scope and style of funded research.

Giving Philosophy

The foundation believes that brain cancer research requires game-changing breakthroughs and innovative approaches to improve patient outcomes. MHF invests in seed funding to kickstart potentially transformative research projects, supports the translational pipeline from laboratory to clinical application, and prioritises collaborative projects that bring together researchers across institutions. Their approach aligns with the National Brain Cancer Mission, focusing on funding ideas with the greatest chance of significant impact while also providing direct patient support through care coordinators.

Notable Grants

$2 million Innovation Grant Round (2019) - Multiple research projects across Australia
$1.5 million Innovation Grant Round (2020) - Up to 10 projects funded
Funding for Brain Cancer Care Coordinator Nurses (Sandy and Alicia)
Clinical trials and drug trial support
Travel grants for researchers to attend COGNO Annual Scientific Meeting

ACNC Financial History

YearGrants GivenRevenueTotal AssetsNet Assets
FY2023
$5.0M
$6.5M$10.2M$10.0M
FY2022
$4.1M
$5.7M$9.6M$9.3M
FY2021
$2.7M
$5.0M$8.3M$8.3M
FY2020
$3.8M
$4.9M$6.2M$6.2M
FY2019
$3.8M
$8.0M$6.5M$6.4M
FY2018
$5.1M$4.8M$4.1M
6yr total$19.4MSource: ACNC Annual Information Statements

Programs & Opportunities (3)

3 open · sorted by deadline · last checked 27 April 2026 (11 days ago)

Mark Hughes Foundation Innovation Grants

Grantopen

The Mark Hughes Foundation Innovation Grants provide vital seed funding for innovative research projects across Australia to improve outcomes for patients diagnosed with brain cancer, with a particular focus on collaborative projects. These grants are open to medical researchers from universities or research institutes across Australia.

$150K – $200K

2020 Innovation Grants

Grantopen

Funds are available for innovative research projects that improve outcomes for brain cancer patients, emphasizing collaboration and new ideas.

Eligibility: Researchers and organizations, no specific location or size requirements mentioned
How to apply: No application process details provided
Up to $1.5MApply →

Innovation Grants Round

Grantopen

Two-year research projects focusing on innovative brain cancer treatments, diagnostics, immunotherapy, and patient/family support. Administered through HMRI Research Services with grants of $150,000-$200,000 per project.

Up to $200KApply →

Program History (1)

Year-specific program memory with visible provenance. This is the bridge between open opportunities and recurring portfolio strands.

2025-26

2020 Innovation Grants

Grant

Funds are available for innovative research projects that improve outcomes for brain cancer patients, emphasizing collaboration and new ideas.

Places: New South Wales, AustraliaSource: official partner program url verifiedEvidence: open source

Grants in Database (3)

Focus Areas

health
Geographic
AU-National

Financial Details

Source of Wealth
Mark Hughes made his wealth as a professional rugby league player with the Newcastle Knights and other NRL clubs. The foundation's fundraising is primarily community-driven through the Beanies for Brain Cancer campaign (selling beanies during NRL Beanies for Brain Cancer rounds), corporate sponsorships, golf days, and public donations rather than originating from a commercial enterprise or family business.

Board & Leadership

ACNC
ACNC
Mark Hughes
director
ACNC
Michael Hart
director
ACNC
ACNC
Nicholas Dan
director
ACNC
ACNC
foundation_board
foundation_board
Linked from structured person roles rather than unstructured foundation summary text.

Data Sources

Profile quality: low
Foundation profile updated: 24 April 2026 (14 days ago)
Grant/program scan updated: 27 April 2026 (11 days ago)
Program discovery is newer than the foundation profile summary.
Website pages scraped: 5
Added: 27 February 2026 (70 days ago)
View on ACNC Register →