Our impact at a glance
1 in every 3 people will experience a neurological condition in their lifetime.
The Neurological Foundation is New Zealand’s only national charity dedicated to funding life-changing research into brain and nervous system disorders. For over 55 years, we've supported advances in treatment, prevention and care — from Alzheimer's and stroke to rare conditions — transforming lives one discovery at a time.
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Over $90M invested in neurological research
Fuelling breakthroughs in brain and nervous system disorders.
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Advancing knowledge, improving lives
Supporting tomorrow’s neuroscientists across Aotearoa.
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700+ neurological conditions. One need for better understanding.
Advancing awareness and education for all New Zealanders.
What we do
Funding research, advancing education, and improving neurological health across Aotearoa.
At the Neurological Foundation, our mission goes beyond funding research — we’re building a future where better understanding, treatment and support for neurological conditions is available to everyone in Aotearoa. From investing in cutting-edge science to educating communities and supporting the next generation of researchers, everything we do is focused on one goal: improving lives through knowledge.
Behind every breakthrough is a donor like you
Thanks to your generosity, $10,943,000 has been directed toward neurological research in the past year.
Each year, we receive hundreds of funding requests — far more than we can support. But thanks to our generous donors, we’re making a real impact on research that drives change.
While most of our funding goes directly to neurological research, we also support education and awareness. Our Admin and Fundraising teams keep things running smoothly, with their costs offset by investment income — ensuring your donations go where they matter most.
How we divide the budget
Read all about it: the bigger picture
Wanting to learn more about neurological research?
Stay up to date with the latest breakthroughs in neurological research, and upcoming events happening across Aotearoa.
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Two bright minds tackling brain cancer: A “dire and urgent problem”
Around 1100-1200 Kiwis are diagnosed with primary brain tumours each year, and finding effective treatments is a huge challenge. To mark Brain Cancer Awareness Month this May, we chatted with two early-career researchers at the University of Auckland’s Centre for Brain Research, funded by the Neurological Foundation, who are determined to offer hope to people with brain cancer.
Headlines
May 1, 2026
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Two Miller Scholars, two decades apart, two incredible careers – and just one name
Something curious happened when we began work on our 150th issue of Headlines.…
Headlines
March 16, 2026
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Migraine, peri-menopause, traumatic brain injury & Parkinson’s disease: Neurological Foundation funds $3M of innovative Kiwi neuro-research
Pioneering brain researchers at centres across New Zealand are receiving $3 million from the Neurological Foundation, fuelling…
Research
January 13, 2026
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“Kindness ripples outward”
As part of the Warkworth Anglican Parish, members of St Leonard’s church and many community volunteers operate an opportunity shop in Matakana. Each year, its dedicated team donates the money raised to community organisations.
Community
December 4, 2025
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$4 million boost for NZ neurological research
New Zealand’s neuroscience community has received a major injection of funding from the Neurological Foundation, with $4 million in new investment set to accelerate cutting-edge research into Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, cerebral palsy and neuroinflammation.
News
December 1, 2025
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Congratulations to Associate Professor Louise Bicknell
Congratulations to Associate Professor Louise Bicknell who has been awarded a $941,000 Marsden Fund grant for her exciting genetics research. She’ll investigate ORC3, a novel disease gene with a moonlighting role in brain development. Louise credits funding from the Neurological Foundation for helping build her genetics research programme in New Zealand.
January 15, 2024
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