Apply for a Research Grant
BrightFocus provides research funds for U.S. domestic as well as international researchers pursuing pioneering research leading to greater understanding, prevention, and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
Alzheimer’s Disease Research Request for Proposals →
Macular Degeneration Research Request for Proposals→
National Glaucoma Research Request for Proposals→
To start a new application and upload attachments, you must use our ProposalCentral application portal to apply online. Note: Your organization must be registered with ProposalCentral to apply.
Our Funding Philosophy
It is our firm belief that having the courage to invest in innovative ideas will lead to revolutionary therapies. BrightFocus provides initial funding for highly innovative experimental ideas, including interdisciplinary investigations that may apply to two or three of the BrightFocus disease interests. Most of the awardees use the BrightFocus award funds to demonstrate key findings that lead to later interest and additional funding from industrial or governmental funding agencies.
Grant Application Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to applicants’ frequently asked questions, from eligibility to the review process, categorized by each disease program.
Guidelines
From file type and size to formatting requirements, ensure your application checks the necessary boxes.
Terms & Conditions
Your guide to understanding the conditions of funding and the definitions and abbreviations used throughout the grant agreement.
News
Recent News & Breakthroughs
4 Takeaways from Alzheimer’s Fast Track 2025
This innovative meeting hosted by BrightFocus Foundation bridges cutting-edge science, mentorship, and community building for early-career researchers.
Understanding Alzheimer’s & Exploring New Frontiers in Treatment
Watch a conversation inspired by the documentary film Taking Care and the latest research in Alzheimer’s therapies.
Shaping the Future of National Alzheimer’s Research Priorities
BrightFocus Foundation’s VP of Scientific Affairs helped set national research priorities at the federal Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Dementias Summit, influencing how billions in NIH funding will advance dementia research and care.
2025 Research Portfolios Spotlight Breakthrough Science
BrightFocus is proudly supporting 186 cutting-edge research grants, fueling the global fight against Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
New Supplement to Prevent Macular Degeneration Inspires Deeper Search for Cures
A Macular Degeneration Research-funded scientist launched a supplement based on a link he discovered between the eye disease and Parkinson’s disease. Now he’s continuing research in the hopes of finding novel cures.
New Clues in the Fight Against Alzheimer’s: Q&A with Dr. Keith Hengen
During World Alzheimer’s Month, Alzheimer’s Disease Research grantee Dr. Keith Hengen joined BrightFocus’ Dr. Sharyn Rossi on Instagram Live to talk brain health—how the brain functions, why quality sleep matters, and tips to keep your brain healthy.
Protecting Vision: A New Approach to Scar-Free Healing From Glaucoma Surgery
BrightFocus National Glaucoma Research-funded scientist Jennifer Fan Gaskin, PhD, is exploring safer, more effective treatments to prevent scarring after glaucoma filtration surgery, also known as trabeculectomy.
2025 Annual Report Now Available
BrightFocus Foundation’s 2025 annual report celebrates groundbreaking research and public awareness.
National Glaucoma Research Grantee Receives $2.2 Million Follow-On Award Aimed at Curing Blindness
Additional funding is propelling BrightFocus-funded scientist Jason Meyer, PhD, toward advances in whole-eye transplantation.