Most Current Research Grants

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.

 

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

Woman scientist holding a pipette in a lab.

2026 Alzheimer’s Disease Research Grant Awards

With generous donor support, BrightFocus Foundation’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research program has invested more than $200 million in innovative 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. Explore our 2026 research grant awards.

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

See All Active Alzheimer’s Disease Research-Funded Studies

2026 Macular Degeneration Research Grant Awards

Through the generosity of our donors, Macular Degeneration Research, a BrightFocus Foundation program, has awarded more than $61 million to support research into the causes, prevention, treatment, and cure of macular degeneration. Explore our newly funded 2026 research grants.

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

See All Active Macular Degeneration Research-Funded Studies

2026 National Glaucoma Research Grant Awards

As one of the world’s leading nonprofit funders of glaucoma research, BrightFocus Foundation’’s National Glaucoma Research program has invested more than $55 million in scientific grants aimed at uncovering the causes of glaucoma and advancing strategies for its prevention and treatment. Explore our newly funded 2026 research grants.

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

See All Active National Glaucoma Research-Funded Studies

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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 invested more than $200 million to support promising research around the world exploring Alzheimer’s from all angles.

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 over $61 million to support research into the causes, prevention, and treatments of macular degeneration.

A woman receives an eye test for glaucoma.

National Glaucoma Research

Since its inception in 1978, National Glaucoma Research has awarded over $55 million to support research into the causes and potential prevention and treatment of glaucoma.