WHY DONATE TO RESEARCH?
When the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) was founded in 1994, 30% of women diagnosed with breast cancer lost their battle with the disease. In less than 20 years, this figure has halved1. NBCF believes this achievement is primarily due to research – the most effective way to improve the prevention, detection and treatment of breast cancer. Although progress is being made, there is still a long way to go. A continued and concerted research effort is vital for improving the quality of life for those living with breast cancer, as well as moving towards breast cancer prevention and cure.
Since 1994, NBCF has awarded more than $97 million to fund over 340 Australian-based breast cancer research projects. As Australia’s leading community-supported organisation funding breast cancer research, NBCF are proud to fund research right across the spectrum – from understanding the fundamental basis of this disease to psychosocial research aimed at improving the quality of life for those living with a diagnosis of breast cancer and their families. NBCF believes in supporting research that will have the greatest possible impact.
As NBCF receives no government funding, all funds are donated by the community through fundraising initiatives and donations. This has led to:
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Better therapies;
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Greater understanding of possible ways to stop the spread of breast cancer to other areas; and
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Improved quality of life for patients and their families.
NBCF peer review process
NBCF has privileged access to some of the best scientific minds on a volunteer basis. NBCF monitors the research landscape to ensure that the grant categories address current and relevant needs and priorities in breast cancer research.
To ensure integrity, accountability and transparency when awarding funds, NBCF coordinates a rigorous peer review process. An open and competitive call is issued for each of our grants. Applications are reviewed by external Peer Review Committees and our Research Advisory Committee (RAC). The recommendations made by the RAC are then submitted to the NBCF Board for approval. .
Progress monitoring
All recipients of NBCF funding are required to submit annual and final progress reports to enable NBCF to assess whether satisfactory progress is being achieved as outlined in the original grant application, with a particular focus on:
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The conduct of the project;
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Progress in achieving the objectives of the project including any current or anticipated delays and their expected impact on the project;
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Any technical problems and progress in resolving these problems; and
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Updates on any changes in research and ethics approvals
Grant recipients are also required to submit annual financial acquittals to demonstrate that funds are being used appropriately and effectively for the purpose of carrying out the proposed research.
Each report is carefully reviewed by the Director, Research Investment and, for larger grants, the Research Advisory Committee to determine if the project is on track and the milestones, defined in the original application, are being reached. Site visits are also conducted for the larger grant schemes. Grant funding is paid as six monthly instalments and is entirely dependent upon satisfactory progress being made. The disbursement of grant funds will be discontinued or delayed if acceptable progress is not being made. Please visit Research Achievements for updates on NBCF-funded research.
Your donation and fundraising event will ensure NBCF continues to support the best breast cancer research by some of Australia’s leading scientists.
[1] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare & Australasian Association of Cancer Registries 2010. Cancer in Australia: an overview, 2010. Cancer series no. 60. Cat. No. CAN 56. Canberra: AIHW