Vanguard Grant – Heart Foundation Research Funding Program

Grants up to $150,000
- One‑year Vanguard Grant: up to $75,000
- Two‑year Vanguard Grant: up to $75,000 per year (maximum $150,000 total)
No matched funding requirement
Ongoing applications

The Heart Foundation Vanguard Grant provides seed funding to test the feasibility of innovative ideas in cardiovascular research. The program supports early‑stage, high‑potential projects across biomedical, clinical, public health and health services research, including clinical service delivery models. Vanguard Grants are intended to fund pilot studies or standalone feasibility projects that generate tangible outcomes and lay the groundwork for larger, more rigorous research programs.

Projects funded under this grant are expected to demonstrate innovation, feasibility and relevance to cardiovascular health, with the potential to improve research capability, develop new methodologies or enhance health outcomes. Funding is available for both one‑ and two‑year projects, with applicants required to justify the proposed project duration in relation to feasibility and outcomes. The program is designed to support novel research concepts that may lead to future external funding and long‑term impact in cardiovascular health research across Australia.

Key Requirements

Feasibility and innovation Projects must demonstrate innovative approaches or concepts that can be realistically delivered within the proposed timeframe, with clear potential to inform larger studies or future funding opportunities.
Cardiovascular relevance Research must focus on cardiovascular health, including stroke, and show clear alignment with advancing prevention, diagnosis, treatment or health service delivery outcomes.
Tangible outcomes Proposals should identify measurable outputs such as pilot data, proof‑of‑concept results, or methodological advancements that support translation or future scale‑up.
Research leadership and environment The Chief Investigator must demonstrate intellectual leadership, supported by an appropriate research environment capable of delivering the proposed work.

What is eligible for funding?

Pilot or feasibility studies in cardiovascular research
Early‑stage biomedical research projects
Clinical, public health or health services research
Development or testing of innovative research tools, technologies or methodologies
Consumer engagement activities integrated into research delivery
Research personnel costs (excluding CI salaries)
Direct project costs integral to delivering research outcomes

What companies are eligible for funding?

Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents, or applicants for Australian permanent residency
Chief Investigator A must be affiliated with an NHMRC Administering Institution
Chief Investigator A must be based in Australia for at least 80% of the funding period
Up to four Chief Investigators may be named
At least 80% of project activities must be conducted in Australia
Each applicant may submit only one Vanguard Grant application as Chief Investigator A

Additional considerations

Funding is administered through the Heart Foundation Grants Management Portal
The Chief Investigator takes intellectual leadership and accountability for delivery

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging an accredited government grants consultant, such as Avant Group.

Competitive grants often require significant business case development and project analysis to support the application, this may include detailed presentations supporting the project’s merit, projected sales, cost-benefit analysis and more.

As part of your engagement with Avant Group, your account manager will assess the required documents and will provide the following as needed to support your grant submission.

Grant application writeup including a detailed presentation illustrating how the grant funding will contribute to your project, how the funding will contribute to the project’s budget, a project milestone plan, delivery timeline, impact on employment if applicable and a breakdown of the management and leadership team for the project

Industry analysis presentation
Competitor Analysis Presentation
Marketing and Sales Analysis Presentation
3-5 year Cashflow Forecast
3-5 year Balance Sheet Forecast
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Grant Funding
End-to-end grant application including information collating, analysis and application writing
CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) cost-benefit analysis
Stakeholder relations and Risk Mitigation Plans
Any other relevant forecasting that will support your application

How can I get help with my application? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.

This grant is open

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