Who They Are
BrightFocus Foundation is at the forefront of brain and eye health, advancing early-stage, investigator-initiated research around the world. Their programs are designed to provide initial funding for highly innovative experimental ideas for Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
BrightFocus’s programs are supported entirely by private contributions from the general public and by corporate and foundation grants. The foundation receives no government grants.
What They Do
BrightFocus Foundation has one important goal: to end brain and eye diseases in our lifetime. BrightFocus’s programs are Alzheimer’s Disease Research, Macular Degeneration Research, and National Glaucoma Research.
BrightFocus supports innovative science through three main programs:
- Alzheimer’s Disease Research Program – The Alzheimer’s Disease Research (ADR) program began in 1985 and since its inception has awarded nearly $120 million to support promising research in fields ranging from molecular biology to genetics to epidemiology. ADR is currently supporting nearly 100 outstanding biomedical research projects after awarding 41 new grants.
- Macular Degeneration Research Program – Since 1999, the Macular Degeneration Research (MDR) program has awarded more than $26 million to support research into the causes and potential preventions and treatments of macular degeneration disease. MDR is currently supporting more than 40 biomedical research projects after awarding 18 new grants.
- National Glaucoma Research Program – Since the National Glaucoma Research (NGR) program began in 1978, BrightFocus has awarded nearly $33 million to support research projects on the causes and potential prevention and treatment of this disease. NGR is currently supporting 36 biomedical research projects, after recently awarding 13 new grants.
Fast Facts
- Every 65 seconds, someone in America develops Alzheimer’s disease.
- Every 3 seconds, someone in the world develops dementia.
- 1 in 16 Americans over age 40 has either Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, or glaucoma.
- BrightFocus has funded more than $206 million in groundbreaking research to eradicate brain and eye disease.
- Two BrightFocus-funded Alzheimer’s Disease Research scientists have received Nobel Prizes, providing life-changing advancements for people living with this disease.
- BrightFocus makes innovative science possible around the world—1,532 research projects involving more than 5056 scientists in 24 countries.
How You Can Help
There are a number of ways to help fight diseases. Whether you become a monthly donor or donate in honor of or in memory of a loved one, each generous gift moves BrightFocus a step closer to finding cures for brain and eye diseases.
Our $1,000 donation will go directly towards supporting innovative scientific research worldwide to defeat Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, and glaucoma