Glaucoma Research Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $6,983,043 (total expenses, 2024 tax year, from Form 990)
• Grant Range: $55,000 for Shaffer Grants; $250,000 for Catalyst for a Cure collaborative initiatives
• Geographic Focus: National (United States)
• Application Method: Fixed deadlines (preliminary proposals accepted 1 June–15 July annually)
• Average Grant: $55,000 (Shaffer Grants programme)

Contact Details

• Website: https://glaucoma.org
• Email: question@glaucoma.org
• Phone: (415) 986-3162

Funding Priorities

• Innovative glaucoma research focused on physiology of glaucoma
• Genetics of glaucoma research
• Vision restoration initiatives
• Neurodegeneration prevention and cure research
• Collaborative, multidisciplinary research projects
• Clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory research aligned with strategic goals

What They Don't Fund

• Unsolicited grant applications
• Applications from for-profit corporations
• Equipment exceeding $12,000 (waivers may be granted case-by-case)
• Salaries for principal investigators and co-investigators
• General laboratory supplies for daily purposes (swabs, gloves, etc.)
• Applicants who received a Shaffer Grant within the prior three years
• Grants for more than two consecutive years

Application Process & Timeline

Researchers interested in applying for a Shaffer Grant must first submit a preliminary proposal through the online portal at glaucoma.smapply.org. Preliminary proposals are accepted annually from 1 June to 15 July. Applicants are notified about the status of their proposals by September, and those approved to submit a full grant application receive further instructions. Grant applicants must possess a graduate degree. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications.

References

• Glaucoma Research Foundation - Apply for a Grant
• Shaffer Research Grants
• 2026 Shaffer Grants Announcement
• Contact Information
• Application Portal