Stroke Foundation has developed a Research Partnership Guide to support increased requests for Stroke Foundation to partner with academic organisations in applying for stroke research grants. 

Stroke Foundation's partnership role can vary, from endorsement through a letter of support, to fully formed partnerships with Stroke Foundation where proposals are developed jointly and may involve a greater contribution. 

Early engagement is strongly encouraged and lead times apply.

Empowering stroke research through shared commitment

To ensure the sustainability and growth of our research partnerships, Stroke Foundation is introducing a contribution model for research support.

We are passionate about supporting researchers to discover new ways to prevent stroke, save lives and support recovery. Currently the support we provide is funded by donations.

We believe that true partnerships include sharing some of these costs with researchers. This approach recognises the value of our contributions—such as staff time, community engagement, and organisational resources—while supporting fair and transparent collaboration with external research teams.

Download guidance for researchers: Empowering stroke research through share commitment

Support models and cost ranges

We offer a range of support options tailored to the needs of each project:

Basic support
Letters of support and website listings remain free

Dedicated Stroke Foundation support
e.g., tailored promotion, staff input, dissemination support ($250–$2,500)

Lived experience enhancement
Co-design, panel engagement, management of lived experience contributors ($750–$10,000+)

Strategic involvement
e.g., Governance, ongoing resource management, program integration (costs determined case-by-case)

What this means for researchers

Researchers seeking support from Stroke Foundation will be guided through the appropriate support level and associated cost considerations. We are committed to working flexibly with research teams to ensure alignment with project goals and funding capacity.

This will be introduced in 2026, with further guidance materials to be made available soon.

If you are planning to apply for grants with us as a partner, we encourage you to consider these costs in your early budget planning or talk to us. Including this in your funding applications will help ensure a smooth collaboration and allow us to provide the level of support your project needs.

Steps for engagement:

1. Refer to the Research Partnership Guide and download the application form.
2. Send your completed application form to research@strokefoundation.org.au
3. Stroke Foundation acknowledges and engages with the applicant as appropriate.
4. Applications are assessed in accordance with the partnership guidance on a case-by-case basis.
5. Confirmation of application outcome.
   
   

Stroke Foundation encourages researchers to involve people with lived experience to design, conduct and promote research.
Take our co-designed e-learning module on how to  work effectively with people with lived experience.