Applying for research funding with the Heart Foundation

What you need to know before applying

Heart Foundation funding is available for research in cardiovascular fields. Research must be conducted primarily in Australia with funding administered by approved NHMRC Administering Institution.

Heart Foundation grant recipients are responsible for safeguarding the rights and welfare of human subjects involved in research and maintaining high standards for the humane treatment and welfare of animals used during the tenure of a Heart Foundation grant.

Research funded by the Heart Foundation shall be conducted in accordance with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2018).

The Heart Foundation does not fund researchers, research groups or institutions that have accepted money from the tobacco industry or persons connected with the tobacco or related industries.

All applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria to apply for funding. Before applying, please read the Heart Foundation Funding Guidelines* for these criteria.

Applying for funding

2025 funding initiatives

ORCID ID and your Heart Foundation funding application

In 2024, the Heart Foundation introduced the integration of ORCID ID into its funding application process to streamline how researchers share their track record. This integration allows applicants to import information directly from their ORCID record into their funding application.

If you are planning to apply for Heart Foundation funding, you must register for an ORCID ID and ensure your ORICD record is complete and up to date. Use the table below to see how specific sections of your ORCID record align with track record questions in the Heart Foundation Grants Management Portal.

Download our ORCID Guide for Research Applicants.

To learn more and sign up for ORCID, visit the link below:

Application review 

All applications undergo a rigorous peer and consumer review process, as explained in detail in the Research Program Funding Guidelines*.

The Peer Review process is conducted by independent committees consisting of eminent cardiovascular researchers with broad research experience in areas including biomedical, clinical, public health and health services research. 

In the final stage of review, applications are also assessed by consumers, with this review running concurrently with peer review. Committees will consist of consumers of differing backgrounds, from those living with a heart condition, to their carers/family or friends, and health professionals.

The details and assessment of all applications are subject to privacy policies and laws, which we uphold.

For more information, read the Research Program Funding Guidelines* on the process for individual funding opportunities and our Consumer Guide for Researchers to assist you incorporating consumer involvement in your research plan.

* 2025 Funding Guidelines will be available early in 2025.

Notification of results 

All funding recommendations are endorsed and approved by our Heart Foundation Research Advisory committee. After this process notifications are sent to all successful and unsuccessful applicants and their Administering Institutes. Funding is announced publicly via media release with successful results detailed on our website.

Successful applicants will receive a Letter of Offer which they will need to accept via the Grants Management Portal. Following acceptance, a funding agreement will be drafted by the Heart Foundation and will be available in the Grants Management Portal for the applicant and Administering Institution for signing.

Funding commences in the year following application rounds.