The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) is renowned for funding high quality research and supporting a generation of significant milestones in breast cancer knowledge.

There are two unique aspects to the funding of research by the NBCF:

1. We are the only community organisation that awards funds specifically for research across the continuum of breast cancer - from genetics to treatment, to support and palliative care
   
2. We are national in our distribution. Funds are directed to the best research in Australia – it is neither limited by state boundaries nor institutional policies and has no vested interest other than ensuring we progress knowledge about breast cancer. 

In order to ensure integrity, accountability and transparency when awarding funds the NBCF uses a rigorous process of peer-review which considers:

• The quality of the research
• The ability of the research team to meet their objectives within the budget requested
• The contribution that this research will make to the body of knowledge about breast cancer.

The NBCF funds Doctoral Research Scholarships, Postdoctoral Fellowships, Career Development Awards and Kathleen Cuningham Research Grants. Novel ideas and Clinical Fellowships under consideration.

Since its inception in October 1994, the NBCF has allocated more than $55 million to breast cancer research, embracing Doctoral Scholarships, Postdoctoral Fellowships, Career Development Awards, Kathleen Cuningham Research Grants and Enabling Facilities (a tissue bank and cell bank) across Australia.

The NBCF has supported investigator-initiated research through a process of rigorous peer-review prior to disbursement of funds. The principle underpinning peer- review is that new knowledge - leading to improved prevention, detection and treatment of breast cancer – arises from the support of excellent research.

A further strength of the NBCF’s research grants program is that funds have been awarded to investigate every aspect of breast cancer. While laboratory-based research will direct us to new therapies and ultimately the cause of breast cancer equally important is the investigation of improved treatments; ways to support women; their careers and families throughout the breast cancer experience, understanding risk factors for breast cancer and how to maximise the delivery of health services.