Toolkit gives new life to medical research philanthropy

Research Australia has developed the Giving to Health and Medical Research: Research Australia Philanthropy Toolkit to help those who undertake medical research to seek support.

The toolkit includes information and resources to guide and promote philanthropic giving to health and medical research.

It complements Research Australia’s database of health research projects in need of support. This database will enable current projects in need of support to be matched with potential funders from the private and philanthropic sectors with the assistance of Research Australia.

Research Australia CEO Rebecca James said the toolkit is a part of Research Australia’s vision to have four out of five Australians giving regularly to health and medical research by 2025.

“Forming partnerships between the philanthropic community, government and researchers could address major gaps in our knowledge about how to tackle important health challenges,” James said.

The guide contains specific information for fundraising officers, independent researchers and researchers working within universities and medical research institutes.

It covers a range of issues including:

• Why you should ask for philanthropic support
• The legal and taxation environment
• The kind of support you can ask for
• How to develop and implement your philanthropic grant-seeking strategy
• How to develop long-term relationships with philanthropic grant makers

The toolkit was launched by the Hon Mark Butler MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and is available through Research Australia.