BrightFocus Foundation: Macular Degeneration Research Program

BrightFocus provides research funds for U.S. domestic as well as international researchers pursuing pioneering research leading to greater understanding, prevention, and treatment of age-related macular degeneration.

BrightFocus is committed to supporting scientists from diverse backgrounds to foster creativity and innovation in addressing complex scientific challenges. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who are from groups underrepresented in the field of age-related macular degeneration research.

The MDR program offers three types of awards:

Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
This fellowship program is intended to support young postdoctoral researchers during their final stages of mentored training.
Award Amount: $100,000 per year (total value $200,000)
Duration: 2 years

New Investigator Grant Program
This research grant is intended to support investigators during their early years as an independent investigator involved in studies that have an impact on the causes and/or treatment of macular degeneration.
Award Amount: $150,000 per year (total value $450,000)
Duration: up to 3 years

Innovative Research Grants
This program is intended to provide support for high-risk/high-gain age-related macular degeneration research. We hope to attract established investigators to apply for this support, but the aims of the application must contain outside-the-box ideas that are novel in the field. Applicants who are experts in another field are encouraged to apply their talents to proposing innovative research in the macular degeneration field.
Award Amount: $200,000 per year (total value $600,000)
Duration: up to 3 years

Letter of Intent Deadline: July 31, 2023

Interested faculty members should thoroughly review the BrightFocus website for information about the Foundation’s grantmaking priorities and practices.  If you have a question about whether or not a proposed project is a good fit, you may contact Meredith Fogleman or Zoe Metcalf. Once you are ready to apply for a grant, Zoe Metcalf will assist you with the submission process.