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Hunter Children’s Research Foundation

Hunter Children's Research Foundation

Empowering discoveries that keep families happy and healthy

healthcare transformation doctor patient appointment scaled
Hunter Childrens Research Foundation logo

The Hunter Children’s Research Foundation (HCRF) raises funds for important research into children’s terminal and debilitating illnesses.

Powered by Passion, Driven by Impact

HCRF is a volunteer-led foundation committed to funding life-changing children’s medical research. As an auspice group of the Hunter Medical Research Institute, we have spent nearly three decades supporting local researchers tackling critical paediatric health challenges.

Our dedicated volunteers generously contribute their time, energy, and expertise, ensuring that every dollar raised is used effectively. This support not only advances medical breakthroughs but also helps researchers secure millions in national funding, amplifying their impact. Through global collaborations, HCRF plays a vital role in keeping the Hunter region at the forefront of pioneering advancements in children’s health.

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Donate to HCRF

Help us champion kids health​.

OUR IMPACT

Making a difference in children's health

Without your support, many life-saving research projects would remain just ideas on a shelf, never reaching their full potential.

That’s why every dollar raised by HCRF fuels groundbreaking projects and supports world-leading research into conditions like asthma, cancer, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and sleep disorders the types of illnesses that can turn any family’s world upside down.

HCRF isn’t just writing cheques; they’re funding dreams. They provide researchers with the tools they need, working with research experts who bring these dreams to life, and offer grants that enable projects capable of changing the lives of children and their families across the globe.

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HCRF sick kid1
funding

75+

CHILDREN’S RESEARCH GRANTS AWARDED

Donation

$2.65 MILLION+

RAISED FOR LIFE-CHANGING KIDS HEALTH RESEARCH

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29

YEARS OF HCRF SUPPORT

Case Studies

Some of the important projects HCRF have helped to support.

Burn 2 Learn is a world first school-based physical activity HIIT program, improving fitness, wellbeing and enhancing academic achievement of high school students. 
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18000+

PARTICIPATING STUDENTS

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325

TEACHERS TRAINED

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218

SCHOOLS

18000+

PARTICIPATING STUDENTS

325

TEACHERS TRAINED

218

SCHOOLS

The Australian Eating Survey is an evidence-based tool measuring food and nutrient uptake of our community, giving nutrition researchers and health professionals access to difficult-to-source eating patterns and behaviours. 
Burn 2 Learn is a world first school-based physical activity HIIT program, improving fitness, wellbeing and enhancing academic achievement of high school students. 
Frame 1296

18000+

PARTICIPATING STUDENTS

Frame 4

325

TEACHERS TRAINED

Frame 1 3

218

SCHOOLS

18000+

PARTICIPATING STUDENTS

325

TEACHERS TRAINED

218

SCHOOLS

The Healthy Eating Quiz is empowering nutritious eating through a short food frequency survey producing personalised recommendations for community members to improve their diet. 
Daughters & Dads Active & Empowered is a world-first, evidence-based program that brings together fathers/father-figures & their primary school-aged daughters to promote physical activity, enhance sport skills, and boost wellbeing. 
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3100+

PARTICIPATING DADS AND DAUGHTERS

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380

EDUCATORS TRAINED

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30

GOVERNMENT AND SPORTING PARTNERSHIPS

3100+

PARTICIPATING DADS AND DAUGHTERS

380

EDUCATORS TRAINED

30

GOVERNMENT AND SPORTING PARTNERSHIPS

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Help us champion kids health

HCRF is a generous fundraising partner of the Hunter Medical Research Institute. HCRF is authorised to raise funds on behalf of HMRI, and any money raised goes directly towards research supporting children and families in the Hunter New England region.

The close partnership between HCRF, HMRI and HNEkidshealth continues to make a real difference in the lives of families throughout the region

Every child deserves the chance for a full and healthy life.

Your support for HCRF not only helps continue the life-changing research here at the Hunter Medical Research Institute, but also gives support to families and children across our region.

Other ways to support HCRF

Donation

Your Support Makes a Difference

Every donation, no matter how large or small, brings us closer to our goal of improving the lives of children and families through life-changing health and medical research. Your generosity helps fund groundbreaking research that can transform the future of children’s health. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

Regular giving

ReaCH Stars

Become a part of our Research for Children’s Health Stars. A dedicated group of supporters who commit to giving regularly. Whether through a monthly or annual contribution.

By joining our ReaCH Stars, you receive special invites to our Grant Awards evening, our Community Awards and a tour through HMRI’s research labs to see firsthand the impact you are making.

Your commitment helps us provide consistent funding to support groundbreaking studies and create lasting change in the lives of children and their families.

Gift in Will

Gift in will

Leaving a gift in your will is a profound and generous way to support Hunter Children’s Research Foundation and create a legacy with impact.

Leaving a gift in your will to HCRF means you’re not just making a difference today you’re helping us keep the magic of research alive for generations to come! Your generosity will continue to bring hope, breakthroughs, and brighter futures for children. We’re truly grateful to those who choose to leave a gift in their will.

Fundraise

Fundraise

Whether you’re a community member, school group or business, anyone can fundraise to help us fund life-changing research for children in our community.

Philanthropic gift

Partner with HCRF

Partner with HCRF by making a corporate donation, becoming an event partner, providing gifts or gifts-in-kind, including products or access to pro-bono services offering their expertise and time.

Events

Events

Each year, we hold charity events to raise funds for our latest children’s health research projects.

We welcome all to attend or donate items towards this worthy cause.

Contact us about Hunter Childrens Research Foundation

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