Best Hearing and Vision Grants in Guam

Retina Research Foundation

Across the nation, there were only a handful of voluntary groups with the will and the means to tackle retinal disdorders. Retina Research Foundation, established in 1969, was one of those organizations. By the 1980s, RRF had become a voice for retina research in an effort to reduce the incidence of retinal disease, which was fast becoming the leading cause of blindness in developing countries.

Undaunted, the Foundation steadily raised funds each year for vision scientists who were nationally recognized for their work in retina research. Government funding for eye research increased dramatically, and the field of retina research matured. As this body of knowledge grew, RRF programs were expanded to include major awards that recognize established retina scientists and contribute to their ongoing research. The Foundation also developed scientific exchange programs to disseminate knowledge of the dramatic advances that were being made in the laboratory.

RRF Pilot Study Grants

The mission of the Retina Research Foundation is to reduce retinal blindness worldwide by funding programs in research and education. As a public charity, RRF raises funds from the private sector and the investment of its endowment funds.

RRF is currently welcoming pilot study grant applications for the 2027 grant period. Each grant application must be signed by the principal investigator and either their Department Chair or Dean of Research.

The Retina Society, Inc.

The Retina Society was founded in 1968 exclusively for educational and scientific purposes concerning the diagnosis, care and treatment of diseases and injuries to the retina. The Retina Society began as an outgrowth of alumni meetings of Retina Associates, a retina practice founded in Boston in 1951 by Charles L. Schepens. Dr. Schepens is credited with establishing retina surgery as a sub-specialty.  

Our mission is to reduce worldwide visual disability and blindness by promoting the education and professional interaction of vitreoretinal specialists, providing optimal care for patients with vitreoretinal diseases, and encouraging, through clinical and basic research, the discovery and development of new means to further patient care.

Retina Society Underrepresented in Medicine (RESOURCE) Mentoring Program

The Retina Society Underrepresented in Medicine (RESOURCE) Mentoring Program was created to engage and interest ophthalmology residents from underrepresented populations* in research and in pursuing careers in the retina subspecialty through dedicated mentoring exposure. The program will pair ophthalmology residents from underrepresented backgrounds with Retina Society mentors, with the goal of providing the residents with research and career mentorship.

*The American Association of Medical Colleges definition of underrepresented in medicine is: "Underrepresented in medicine means those racial and ethnic populations that are underrepresented in the medical profession relative to their numbers in the general population." We define the following groups as underrepresented: Black (African American or African), Latino/Hispanic, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. We will also be considering applicants from LGBTQIA+ and socioeconomically underprivileged backgrounds.

Mentors will work with their designated mentees on research projects that will be presented at the Retina Society Annual Meeting in 2027 and submitted for publication consideration. Mentors and mentees will be acknowledged at the Retina Society Annual Meeting.

The Retina Society, Inc.

The Retina Society was founded in 1968 exclusively for educational and scientific purposes concerning the diagnosis, care and treatment of diseases and injuries to the retina. The Retina Society began as an outgrowth of alumni meetings of Retina Associates, a retina practice founded in Boston in 1951 by Charles L. Schepens. Dr. Schepens is credited with establishing retina surgery as a sub-specialty.  

Our mission is to reduce worldwide visual disability and blindness by promoting the education and professional interaction of vitreoretinal specialists, providing optimal care for patients with vitreoretinal diseases, and encouraging, through clinical and basic research, the discovery and development of new means to further patient care.

Retina Society Research Grants

Supporting the advancement of knowledge and education throughout the global retina community, The Retina Society established a research and education grant program in 2020 to fund annual innovative research grants by Retina Society members in good standing. In 2022, we entered into a partnership with the International Retina Research Foundation to fund three $50,000 grants.

• The applications should fall in one of two categories:
  • basic science/translational research
  • clinical research

Proposed research should attempt to advance our understanding of vitreoretinal physiology or pathophysiology or pursue avenues for potential therapies or therapeutic innovation.

About Father John Foundation GrantIn 1997 Monsignor John P. Hourihan established this perpetual charitable foundation for the purpose of funding care for the homeless and people with disabilities, especially the deaf and hard of hearing. The purpose of the Foundation is to financially assist churches and other non-profit organizations, that do not take more than insubstantial government funding, in administering their programs. Our giving focus is broad and considers programs that are: religious, educational, rehabilitational, social, and/or vocational. A priority is given to the deaf and homeless. All funding is given regardless of nationality, race or religion. The Foundation will continue its dedication to raising and distributing grants to be used by charities devoted to providing care and services to the homeless and disabled.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

The American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults Scholarship

For more than 100 years the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults has strived to improve the lives of blind and Deafblind children and adults. Best known for annually producing and gifting Braille Calendars, sponsoring the free Braille books for blind children program, and administering the Braille Readers are Leaders contest, the American Action Fund leads in promoting Braille literacy. The American Action Fund is proud to award this scholarship to a deserving and talented blind person. 

The Marian and Wayne Sinsel Scholarship, established by Marian Sinsel to honor her late husband Wayne, provides financial support to hearing impaired residents of Appalachian Ohio or Fairfield County. This scholarship aims to assist candidates who are 22 years or younger and plan to pursue education at a post-secondary institution in the U.S. with a minimum award of $1,000, ensuring it does not displace existing state or federal funding.

The National Glaucoma Research Program, funded by BrightFocus Foundation, aims to support groundbreaking research in glaucoma. Established in 1978, the program has awarded over $35 million to 32 projects focusing on understanding and treating this disease. The Standard Awards provide $150,000 over two years for researchers with preliminary data to further their work. Eligible institutions must be non-profit and demonstrate their tax-exempt status to receive funding, fostering innovative solutions for glaucoma treatment.

The Alcon Foundation Grant aims to enhance eye care services and improve patient access, with a focus on educational and training programs. The foundation also supports cultural and community development initiatives that uplift the quality of life in areas where Alcon operates, including cities like Fort Worth, Houston, and Irvine. However, it does not fund non-501(c)(3) organizations, athletic leagues, or fundraising events, among other exclusions.

The Reeves Foundation supports research aimed at understanding and treating macular degeneration, a condition that has personally affected the founder's family. Established in 1997, the foundation allocates 50% of its grants to research and the other half to local charities in Columbus, Indiana. Nonprofit organizations exempt under IRS code 501(c)(3) are eligible to apply, but funds cannot be used for administrative costs. The foundation prioritizes equipment purchases and partnerships with other funding sources.

The Alcon Foundation focuses on enhancing global eye health through charitable monetary donations to 501(c)(3) organizations. Grants aim to support programs that improve access to quality eye care and education, fostering community development. Eligible applicants must demonstrate high-quality services, well-defined goals, and the ability to report outcomes. The foundation does not fund organizations that discriminate or are not 501(c)(3) compliant, ensuring that resources are directed towards impactful initiatives.

The Alma Gibbs Donchian Foundation provides grants primarily to support institutions in Vermont, focusing on issues such as elderly welfare, educational assistance for learning disabilities, and community preservation. Emphasizing partnerships and innovative program models, the Foundation prefers applicants with a strong financial management background. Grants typically range from a few thousand dollars to $20,000, with larger amounts considered for significant impact projects. Eligibility is limited to tax-exempt organizations.

Biogen Corporate Sponsorships provide funding to support congresses, events, and initiatives in exchange for tangible benefits such as marketing opportunities and recognition. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and requests must be submitted 50 days in advance. Biogen considers various disease areas for sponsorship, including Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis. Approval depends on funding availability, alignment with interests, and event details, ensuring transparency for all potential sponsors.

The Voelcker Fund Grant supports 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations conducting medical research, focusing on diseases like cancer and heart disease. It provides restricted grants, emphasizing research that seeks cures in the Greater Bexar County area, particularly for conditions affecting the retina. The fund prioritizes organizations in San Antonio and offers various funding structures, including seed and matching grants, while ensuring compliance with non-discrimination policies.

The Melanoma Research Resident and Fellowship Grant offers $10,000 to support early-career residents and fellows in conducting clinical or laboratory research focused on melanoma. This grant encourages innovative approaches to understanding prevention, detection, and treatment of melanoma, including special emphasis on ocular melanoma. Eligible candidates must have a qualified mentor and conduct research at a U.S. institution. This initiative aims to enhance the landscape of melanoma research and foster the next generation of researchers.

The David Kelby Johnson Memorial Foundation offers grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on sight preservation, children's services, and environmental conservation, primarily in Utah. Established in memory of David Kelby Johnson, who tragically lost his life at a young age, the foundation aims to honor his legacy by supporting impactful charitable initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $100,000, with a commitment to improving communities both locally and globally.

The Manning Family Foundation offers Health and Life Sciences Research Grants to support innovative research aimed at finding effective treatments and cures for diseases like diabetes and macular degeneration. Since 2003, they have funded 501(c)(3) nonprofits that contribute to these fields, emphasizing entrepreneurialism and impactful research. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with awards given three times a year, fostering advancements in health and community well-being.

The Joe and Janet Barr Early Career Cornea and Contact Lens Research Award supports first- or second-year MS or PhD students in vision science or physiological optics. Established in 2012 in honor of Joseph T. Barr, this $2,000 seed funding facilitates research in cornea/ocular surface or contact lenses. Recipients are required to attend the annual American Academy of Optometry meeting and submit progress reports detailing their research outcomes. Preference is given to North American applicants.

The Genentech Career Development Award for Underrepresented Minority Emerging Vision Scientists, offered by ARVO, supports early-career underrepresented minority investigators in establishing independent vision research programs. This two-year grant provides $100,000 for research and personnel costs, aiming to foster innovative project ideas and promising preliminary results. Successful applicants will receive strong mentorship within the eye and vision research community, facilitating career advancement and the potential for impactful scientific publications.

The Heiser Program for Research in Leprosy, established by Dr. Victor G. Heiser, focuses on innovative biomedical research to combat leprosy. Since 1975, it has funded over 200 grants totaling more than $20 million, supporting early-career researchers and significant projects. The program aims to enhance diagnostic tools, improve treatments, and implement effective surveillance strategies. With a dedicated Scientific Advisory Committee, it ensures rigorous proposal reviews and fosters collaboration among grantees, ultimately advancing leprosy elimination efforts.

The Stein Innovation Award supports innovative vision research by providing funding to Department of Ophthalmology faculty and other researchers. With deadlines in January and July, the award encourages projects that advance the understanding of the visual system and related diseases. Eligible candidates must be affiliated with U.S. institutions of higher education, and prior nomination forms are required for application acceptance. This initiative aims to foster groundbreaking research in the field of ophthalmology.

The Catalyst Award for Innovative Research Approaches for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) provides $300,000 in funding to U.S. researchers exploring novel treatments and understanding of AMD. This initiative, co-funded by partners such as the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, encourages high-risk, high-gain research that could lead to significant advancements in AMD therapies. Each award is designed to support innovative projects that are not yet in clinical trials, fostering groundbreaking work in vision science.

The Disney Award for Amblyopia Research, funded by Research To Prevent Blindness Inc, aims to advance research in amblyopia diagnosis and treatment. Grants of up to $150,000 will support exceptional ophthalmic scientists conducting significant research. Eligible nominees include U.S. researchers from various academic ranks, with a focus on independent research. Proposals should highlight relevance to amblyopia's pathophysiology, diagnosis, or treatment, with awards available until Spring 2025.

The Medical Student Eye Research Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for medical students to dedicate a year to research in ophthalmology, focusing on any vision-related topic. Supported by Research to Prevent Blindness and other partners, the fellowship includes a $30,000 grant and potential additional funding for relocation. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and be nominated by RPB-supported Chairs. The program aims to promote diversity and innovation in vision research.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.