Research grant support
Providing a single, centralised mechanism to ensure fair and equitable distribution of Foundation funds for research and/or quality improvement activities.
Internal Grant Funding opportunities
Since 2015, Cabrini Research, together with the Cabrini Foundation and our generous donors, has supported staff-led innovation through an annual internal grants program.
The purpose of this program is to create a transparent, centralised mechanism for accessing Foundation funding, enabling high-value research and quality improvement initiatives across Cabrini.
Each year, two funding streams are made available to Cabrini through the Auric Innovation Grant and the Cabrini Foundation Clinical Research & Quality Improvement Grants. Both are assessed through a centralised evaluation process to ensure transparency and equity.
In 2026, the program expands further with the introduction of research travel grants, offering researchers dedicated support to disseminate their findings, build collaborative links, and strengthen Cabrini’s presence within the broader research community.
Cabrini Research actively encourages applications that bring fresh thinking, spark collaboration, and align with our research themes. We value projects that build capability, strengthen partnerships, and share expertise across Cabrini and the wider health system.

Auric Innovation Fund
For more than a decade, Mrs Lee and Mr Brian Johnstone OAM have championed medical innovation at Cabrini through the creation of the Auric Innovation Grant. Their vision was to ensure Cabrini continues to grow, evolve, and deliver exceptional care into the future. Following Brian’s passing in 2025, their son Evan Johnstone has committed to continuing this legacy through ongoing support.
The Fund backs bold, high impact ideas. Projects should ideally be team based, multidisciplinary, and make strong use of networks to maximise their reach. Budgets of up to $200,000 will be considered, and applicants are encouraged to seek additional external contributions. Engagement with health consumers and the wider community during project planning is also strongly supported.
Proposals may include:
- Implementation of new services
- Enhancement of existing services
- Quality improvement initiatives
- Research projects
- Knowledge-seeking travel
Cabrini Foundation Clinical Research & Quality Improvement Grants
These grants provide a streamlined way to access funding from uncommitted research reserves within the Cabrini Foundation. They support research and quality improvement projects that align with the priorities outlined in the Cabrini Australia and/or Cabrini Research strategic plans.
Cabrini Research is committed to enabling prospective, high quality work that:
- Strengthens Cabrini’s research culture
- Fosters multidisciplinary collaboration
- Builds partnerships with external organisations
- Enhances healthcare quality and safety
2026/27 Granting Opportunities
- Auric Innovation Fund (one grant of up to $200,000)
- Additional categories and funding amounts TBC
Application process
The grant round opens in week commencing 2 March and closes at noon on Thursday 16 April 2026.
The information on how to apply and the guidelines will be available to download soon:
Grant funding available
- Granting guidelines
- Auric Innovation Fund application form
- Clinical Research & Quality Improvement Grants application form
Completed and fully authorised applications need to be scanned and emailed to grants@cabrini.com.au before the deadline.

Do you have a question?
If you would like to speak to someone about grant funding or the application process, please reach out to:
Cabrini Research
Gayle Pettigrew, Administration Assistant – Research Operations
Email: grants@cabrini.com.au