FUNDRAISING RESOURCES

How to fundraise for Disease Research Institutions?

Disease research institutions face unique funding challenges. This guide offers proven strategies, insights on grants and sponsorships, and creative fundraising ideas from seasoned professionals.

Top 5 grants for Disease Research Institutions nonprofits in 2025

Unlock funding for your nonprofit with grants designed for Disease Research Institutions. Explore government, foundation, and corporate grants to expand your impact.

Innovative Approaches to Rare Disease Research

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

$275,000

Government

Supports innovative research projects that advance understanding of rare diseases and develop novel therapeutic approaches. Open to small nonprofit research institutions.

Apply

Small Research Grants for Establishing Basic Science-Clinical Collaborations to Understand Structural Birth Defects

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)

$100,000

Government

Promotes collaborations between basic and clinical researchers to enhance our understanding of structural birth defects. Suitable for small nonprofit research institutions.

Apply

Alzheimer's Disease Research Program

BrightFocus Foundation

$300,000

Foundation

Supports innovative research on Alzheimer's disease, including projects on causes, prevention, and treatment. Open to nonprofit research institutions of all sizes.

Apply

Pilot and Feasibility Studies in Preparation for Drug and Device Trials for Neurological Disorders

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

$325,000

Government

Supports early-stage clinical trials and related research activities to test the safety and efficacy of drugs and devices for treating neurological disorders.

Apply

Innovative Research in Cancer Nanotechnology

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

$400,000

Government

Supports research projects focused on the use of nanotechnology in cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Open to small nonprofit research institutions.

Apply

Top 5 companies donating to Disease Research Institutions nonprofits in 2025

Partner with businesses that share your mission! Corporate sponsorships can provide funding, in-kind donations, and visibility to help your nonprofit expand and sustain Disease Research Institutions efforts.

Technology
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Top 5 best fundraising platforms for Disease Research Institutions

PayPal Logo
DonorBox Logo
Transaction fees
0%

2.9% + $0.30 per donation

  • Stripe: 2.2% + $0.30 per transaction
  • PayPal: 1.99% + $0.49 per transaction
  • ACH/Bank transfer: 0.8% ($5 maximum)

2.2% + $0.30 per transaction; 0.8% for ACH payments*

2.9% + $0.30 per transaction for credit/debit cards, 0.8% for ACH payments (capped at $5)
Platform fees
$0
No platform fees. Similar to Zeffy, GoFundMe relies on voluntary “tips” from donors to cover platform fees for nonprofits.
1.75% platform fees. 2.95% platform fees for event ticketing, membership payments and P2P campaigns. Reduced fees for pro and premium plans.
1% to 4%, depending on feature usage
If optional tips are disabled: 1% on donation forms, 3% on fundraising pages, 5% on event/auction forms
Monthly fees
$0 / month
No monthly fees
Donorbox offers 3 subscription plan: Standard $0/month | Pro $139/month | Premium custom pricing
Starting at $299/month*
No monthly fees
Value for money
Capterra ratings
4.9 / 5
4.1/5
4.7/5
3.9/5
4.8/5
Ease-of-use
Capterra ratings
4.8 / 5
4.2/5
4.7/5
4.3/5
4.8/5
Quality of support
4.9 / 5
3.9/5
4.8/5
4.3/5
4.9/5

The only 100% free
fundraising platform
for nonprofits

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10 Best fundraising ideas for Disease Research Institutions in 2025

Innovative fundraising fuels your mission. From peer-to-peer campaigns to community events, explore creative ways to raise funds and ensure long-term success for your Disease Research Institutions.

1

Genetic Sequencing Crowdfunding Challenge

Launch a crowdfunding campaign where donors contribute to sequencing specific genes related to the disease. Provide real-time updates on sequencing progress and discoveries made. Offer tiered perks like naming rights for newly identified genetic markers.

2

Research Lab Virtual Tours

Create interactive virtual tours of research labs, allowing donors to explore cutting-edge equipment and ongoing experiments. Include live Q&A sessions with scientists and opportunities for donors to 'adopt' specific research projects.

3

Molecule Gala: A Microscopic Adventure

Host an elegant gala event themed around molecular structures related to the disease being researched. Feature interactive displays, molecular gastronomy, and auctions for naming rights to newly discovered compounds.

4

Personalized Research Impact Boxes

Create subscription boxes containing personalized updates on research progress, lab-grown cell cultures, 3D-printed models of molecular structures, and exclusive research insights. Offer different tiers based on donation levels.

5

Biotech Accelerator Partnership

Collaborate with biotech accelerators to create a joint fund where investors can support both promising startups and fundamental disease research. Offer exclusive access to research findings and potential commercialization opportunities.

6

Community Science Hackathon

Organize a weekend-long hackathon where teams of citizen scientists, developers, and researchers collaborate to solve specific challenges related to the disease. Offer prizes for innovative solutions and crowdfund to implement the winning ideas.

7

Augmented Reality Gene Therapy Experience

Develop an AR app that allows users to visualize gene therapy processes within their own bodies. Include interactive elements where donations unlock new therapeutic approaches or fund virtual clinical trials.

8

Microscopic Art Auction

Collaborate with artists to create stunning artworks based on microscopic images of cells, tissues, and molecular structures related to the disease. Host an auction featuring these pieces, with proceeds split between artists and research funding.

9

Precision Medicine Prediction Challenge

Launch an online platform where donors can make predictions about the outcomes of anonymized patient cases based on genetic and clinical data. Gamify the experience with leaderboards and prizes, while donations fund the underlying research.

10

Corporate Gene Sponsorship Program

Create a program where corporations can 'sponsor' specific genes or genetic pathways related to the disease. Offer tiered sponsorship levels with benefits like research updates, lab naming rights, and employee engagement opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

<div ms-code-snippet-q="1">What are the most effective fundraising strategies for disease research institutions in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="1">The most effective fundraising strategies for disease research institutions in 2025 include leveraging artificial intelligence for donor analysis and personalization, implementing subscription-based giving programs, and focusing on impact-driven storytelling. AI tools can help analyze donor behavior and preferences, enabling hyper-personalized communication. Monthly giving programs are thriving, offering predictable revenue streams and fostering donor loyalty. Additionally, emphasizing the tangible impact of donations through compelling narratives and visual content is crucial. Utilize videos, infographics, and interactive visuals to showcase research progress and potential breakthroughs. Lastly, explore strategic partnerships with corporations, as corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs continue to grow in importance. By combining these approaches, disease research institutions can maximize their fundraising potential in the evolving philanthropic landscape.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="2">How can disease research nonprofits use digital marketing to increase donations in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="2">Disease research nonprofits can boost donations in 2025 through strategic digital marketing efforts. First, optimize your website for search engines (SEO) to improve visibility and attract potential donors. Leverage Google Ad Grants, which offer $10,000 in monthly ad credits, to create targeted search ads promoting your research initiatives. Implement mobile-first donation page designs with minimal information fields and recognizable payment options like Apple Pay and PayPal to streamline the giving process. Utilize social media platforms for organic reach and storytelling, encouraging social sharing to expand your audience. Develop a robust email marketing strategy with personalized, automated campaigns to keep donors informed about research progress and funding needs. Lastly, consider incorporating AI-powered chatbots on your website to engage visitors and answer donation-related questions 24/7. By integrating these digital marketing tactics, disease research nonprofits can effectively reach and convert more donors online.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="3">What are the emerging trends in planned giving for disease research institutions?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="3">Emerging trends in planned giving for disease research institutions focus on capitalizing on the significant wealth transfer expected in the coming years. With an estimated $84 trillion set to be passed down from Baby Boomers by 2045, institutions should prioritize planned giving programs. Key trends include leveraging data analytics to identify potential legacy donors, offering personalized estate planning resources, and creating compelling impact stories that resonate with donors' long-term vision. Virtual reality experiences showcasing potential future breakthroughs can also inspire larger planned gifts. Additionally, institutions are increasingly partnering with financial advisors and estate planning professionals to educate donors about tax-efficient giving options, such as charitable remainder trusts or gift annuities. By focusing on these emerging trends, disease research institutions can secure substantial long-term funding to support their vital work.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="4">How can disease research nonprofits leverage AI for fundraising in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="4">Disease research nonprofits can leverage AI for fundraising in 2025 in several innovative ways. Firstly, use AI-powered donor analysis tools to segment supporters and create hyper-personalized communication strategies. Implement chatbots on your website to engage visitors 24/7, answer questions, and guide potential donors through the giving process. Utilize AI-driven predictive modeling to identify high-potential donors and optimize ask amounts. Employ natural language processing to analyze donor feedback and social media sentiment, refining your messaging accordingly. AI can also assist in grant writing by analyzing successful proposals and suggesting improvements. For content creation, tools like ChatGPT can help draft initial versions of fundraising appeals and donor updates, saving time for personalization. Lastly, use AI to optimize your digital advertising campaigns, ensuring your message reaches the right audience at the right time. By embracing these AI-powered strategies, disease research nonprofits can significantly enhance their fundraising efforts in 2025.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="5">What are the best practices for hosting virtual fundraising events for disease research in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="5">Best practices for hosting virtual fundraising events for disease research in 2025 include leveraging cutting-edge technology and engagement strategies. Start by choosing a robust virtual event platform that supports interactive features like live polling, Q&A sessions, and virtual networking rooms. Incorporate high-quality video production to showcase research labs, scientists, and patient stories, creating an immersive experience for attendees. Utilize AI-powered matchmaking algorithms to connect donors with researchers based on interests and giving capacity. Implement gamification elements, such as virtual scavenger hunts or research-themed quizzes, to boost engagement. Offer exclusive 'behind-the-scenes' content or virtual lab tours to premium ticket holders. Integrate real-time donation tracking and peer-to-peer fundraising capabilities to drive giving during the event. Finally, provide post-event access to recorded sessions and additional resources to extend the impact beyond the live date. By following these best practices, disease research institutions can create compelling virtual events that rival in-person experiences and drive significant fundraising results.</div>