The Robert Connor Dawes Foundation

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Corporate Foundation|ABN 49126106682|rcdfoundation.org ACNC Register →

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Annual Giving

$500K

Grant Range

$10K – $5.0M

Programs

4 (4 open)

Tips for Applicants

Focus on pediatric brain cancer specifically rather than adult cancers or general oncology. The foundation shows preference for innovative approaches (mRNA vaccines, AI diagnostics, CERN partnerships) suggesting appetite for novel therapies. Connect your research to their three pillars: Research, Care, and Development. Leverage their strong community presence and fundraising events - demonstrating alignment with their mission and volunteer network would strengthen applications.

Giving Philosophy

RCD Foundation operates on the principle of directing the majority of donations straight into research, care, and development projects. They prioritize putting funds to work immediately rather than accumulating endowments, emphasizing practical impact through direct service delivery and scientific advancement. Their theory of change centers on accelerating progress in pediatric brain cancer through funding cutting-edge research, providing patient support services, and fostering innovation in treatment approaches.

ACNC Financial History

Year	Grants Given	Revenue	Total Assets	Net Assets
FY2023	$317K $269K AU + $48K intl	$2.9M	$3.6M	$2.7M
FY2022	$1.5M $1.3M AU + $173K intl	$2.4M	$2.9M	$1.5M
FY2021	$765K $725K AU + $40K intl	$2.1M	$2.5M	$1.5M
FY2020	$844K $782K AU + $62K intl	$1.7M	$1.8M	$1.1M
FY2019	$584K $494K AU + $90K intl	$1.6M	$1.6M	$919K
FY2018	$416K $399K AU + $18K intl	$1.1M	$1.2M	$534K
FY2017	$443K	$992K	$1.1M	$368K
7yr total	$4.9M	Source: ACNC Annual Information Statements

Programs & Opportunities (4)

4 open · sorted by deadline · last checked 28 May 2026 (20 days ago)

Conference Travel Grants

Grantopen

Supports Australian researchers in attending national and international conferences related to pediatric brain cancer.

Up to $2KCloses 30/06/2026Apply →

Brain Cancer Vaccine Initiative

Grantopen

mRNA vaccine development for pediatric brain cancer

Eligibility: Leading experts in immunology and brain tumour biology, based at the University of Queensland, Australia

Up to $2.4MApply →

Travel Grants

Grantopen

Grants for researchers to attend conferences and collaborate internationally

Eligibility: Applicants must be employed or studying at an Australian research Institution, organisation or hospital, and be actively involved in paediatric brain cancer research and or clinical trials.

How to apply: Applications may be lodged up to two months prior to each listed event, using the application form found on the website.

$2KApply →

CERN x RCD Fellowship

Grantopen

Scientific fellowship partnership with CERN

Eligibility: Young researchers, likely affiliated with an organization

How to apply: Application process not specified, contact info@rcdfoundation.org for more information

Apply →

Program History (1)

Year-specific program memory with visible provenance. This is the bridge between open opportunities and recurring portfolio strands.

2025-26

Travel Grants

Grant

Provides grants to support travel related to brain cancer research or related fields. Further details on availability and outcomes are linked.

Places: AustraliaSource: official program url verifiedEvidence: open source

Grants in Database (4)

Focus Areas

health

Geographic

AU-National

Recipients

communityyouth

Financial Details

Source of Wealth

Family memorial foundation established following the death of Robert Connor Dawes. The foundation appears to be funded primarily through community fundraising, corporate partnerships, and public donations rather than a single commercial enterprise or inheritance from a specific business.