The McCusker Charitable Foundation

About

The McCusker Charitable Foundation is a large family philanthropy based in Nedlands, Western Australia, with a primary focus on improving health and supporting medical research in WA. Established in 2017 by the McCusker family, who have provided over $80 million in funding over 50 years, the foundation supports a diverse range of charitable causes including health, education, environment, arts, and community services, with annual giving of approximately $19.7 million.

Giving Philosophy

The foundation follows a legacy of long-term family philanthropy, prioritizing health and medical research in Western Australia while supporting worthwhile causes across multiple sectors. With a history of substantial, multi-million dollar grants, they seek to fund established organisations with demonstrated impact, particularly those aligned with the McCusker family's existing beneficiaries such as medical research institutes, eye and ear health organisations, and community service providers.

Tips for Applicants

Focus on demonstrating alignment with their core health and medical research priorities, particularly in Western Australia. Given their scale of giving and established beneficiary relationships, approach with well-developed proposals showing clear outcomes and organisational credibility. They appear to prefer larger, established charities and research institutions over small grassroots organisations.

Programs & Opportunities (2)

Notable Grants

• Distributed $19.7 million in 2024/2025 to beneficiaries including Australian National University, Warpnine (cancer research), OZ Harvest, Telethon, Derbarl Yerrigan, Macquarie University, Melbourne University, University of NSW, WA Ballet, Volunteers WA, Ronald McDonald House, Government House Fdn, WA Rowing Club, City of Perth SLSC, Variety WA, Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Wheelchairs for Kids, Rural Aid, Lions Eye Institute, Short Back and Sidewalks.
• Supported the acquisition of the first robotic bronchoscope in WA for Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, revolutionizing respiratory care.
• Funding for the McCusker Institute at Australian National University which welcomed its first student cohort.
• Contributed to the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute for a new SyncroPatch machine, enabling rapid screening for pathogenic mutations causing sudden cardiac arrest.
• Beneficiaries over time include Lions Eye Institute, Ear Science Institute of Australia, The McCusker Centre for Citizenship, Harry Perkins Institute for Medical Research, Australian Ballet, Australian War Memorial, Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, and financing the construction of the Lady McCusker Village (aged care).

Financial History (7 years)