Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the Grevillea Foundation?
Grevillea Foundation is a new charity formed for the purpose of facilitating long-term research into the aetiology of Endometriosis. Endometriosis affects over 1 in 7 women worldwide and the Foundation is supporting researchers who can determine a better biological understanding of the disease. Endometriosis research is poorly funded in Australia and is known to be poorly founded worldwide. The Grevillea Foundation wants to see this change. As Australians we want to see Australia lead meaningful and breakthrough research and make a global difference.
Are you a charity?
Yes. Grevillea Foundation Ltd is a public company limited by guarantee and as of April 14th 2025 is a charity registered with the ACNC. Grevillea Foundation holds DGR-1 status and can accept tax deductible donations. Our first objective is the establishment of AERI to focus on deep research into the causes and treatment of endometriosis.
Who is behind the Grevillea Foundation?
The Grevillea Foundation is comprised of professionals who are interested in making a difference to the lives of those with endo. Philanthropic funds have come from three Ainsworth family foundations to provide long term funding for research into endometriosis. We have worked with the University of NSW in Sydney (UNSW) to create a new institute, named the Ainsworth Endometriosis Research Institute (AERI), for research into the aetiology, causes and treatment of endometriosis. The board and members of Grevillea Foundation will hold a close association with the UNSW and AERI to guide progress.
Who does the Grevillea Foundation support?
At the Grevillea Foundation, we are committed to supporting everyone affected by endometriosis, including individuals who are transgender, non-binary, intersex, and gender diverse. We acknowledge that not everyone who experiences endometriosis identifies as a woman, and we strive to reflect this diversity in our words and in our work.
Does the Grevillea Foundation run AERI?
No, AERI is an independent scientific institute operating under UNSW policy. UNSW and AERI are the employer of all positions in AERI.
Who runs Grevillea Foundation?
Grevillea Foundation is a public company limited by guarantee and has a board of directors and members. All are invested in supporting endometriosis scientific research, and the treatment and care of those with endometriosis.
Why is Grevillea Foundation different to other endo organisations in Australia?
There are many Endometrioses organisations is Australia who work tirelessly to contribute to the advancement, education, treatment, care and advocacy of those who experience endometriosis. The Grevillea Foundation has been inspired by all these organisations. What differentiates us is our focus on funding scientific research into endometriosis. Grevillea Foundation has committed to supporting 10-year scientific research program to supercharge scientific research into endometriosis and facilitate knowledge in this field.
Can I donate to Grevillea Foundation to help people with endometriosis?
Grevillea Foundation can accept tax deductible donations with the DGR-1 status. Our first objective is the establishment of AERI to focus on deep research into the causes and treatment of endometriosis.
Can I donate to AERI?
If you wish to contribute to AERI then you may talk with the UNSW about your donation. Grevillea Foundation has DGR-1 status and can accept tax deductible donations which will be channelled under our agreement with the UNSW to AERI research.
If you are a charity can I apply for grants?
Our first objective is the establishment of AERI to focus on deep research into the aetiology and treatment of endometriosis. As such, we are not offering any grants to other individuals or organisations at this stage.
Do you have DGR 1 status?
Yes.
What research is Grevillea Foundation doing?
Grevillea Foundation does not undertake any research. It is a Charity that supports research. It has worked with UNSW to set up and fund an endometriosis research institute named AERI.
Will you find a cure for endo?
We are working with AERI and other scientific institutions to facilitate sustainable program-based research delivering a continuous pipeline of scientific discovery. That said, the understanding of the disease is acknowledged, by leading scientists, to be something akin to the knowledge of cancer in the 1960. Unravelling fundamental biology and novel treatments come with pure research to bring the knowledge of this broad disease into modern understanding. To find a cure would be wonderful but at this stage we do not know if that is possible. The 10-year outlook is for improved understanding and more targeted and relevant clinical care so that those living with endo have a much better quality of life.
Can you refer me to a good doctor?
As much as we like to assist, we are a charity assisting in the facilitation of global research. We would recommend you speak to your local doctor or review the information on the Australian Government web page Endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics, link below.
https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/endometriosis-and-pelvic-pain-clinics
Can I merge my endo group into your charity?
No, our sole focus is championing scientific research with large institutions working to unravel the fundamental biology of endometriosis. Our goal with AERI is sustainable program-based research delivering a continuous pipeline of scientific discovery.
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What is AERI?
AERI is the acronym for the Ainsworth Endometriosis Research Institute. AERI is based in Sydney at the UNSW, Sydney campus. It is an independent institute operated and controlled by the UNSW and will proudly engage in cross-disciplinary collaboration and international partnership. AERI will coordinate and collaborate in research from major research organisations across Australia and the world and nurture future generations of endometriosis academics. More details will be published as AERI grows.
Why do you claim AERI is global?
AERI has been designed to partner with other research institutions both across Australia and around the world. AERI already has several commitments from international research institutes to work collaboratively together. More details will be published as AERI grows.
What research is AERI undertaking?
The aim of AERI research is to prioritise the research that will enable a precision medicine approach to endometriosis detection, treatment, and management. More details can be provided as AERI establishes.
How do apply for a research position with AERI?
Use the “Sign up now”’ link via the AERI tab on our website. This link will take you to an expression of interest and contact form. The data is stored and reviewed by AERI and UNSW.
Does the Grevillea Foundation run AERI?
No, AERI is an independent scientific institute operating under UNSW policy. UNSW and AERI are the employer of all positions in AERI.
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