Introduction
The Snowdome Foundation is an Australian not-for-profit organisation dedicated to accelerating research, clinical trials, and access to next-generation treatments for people living with blood cancer. Established in 2010, the foundation works with leading Australian and international researchers, clinicians, philanthropic donors, and medical institutions to advance new therapies and improve patient outcomes. Its vision is to give every Australian blood cancer patient the best opportunity for a cure, helping people live longer and better lives.
History and Background
The Snowdome Foundation was established in 2010 following personal experiences that highlighted the urgent need for better blood cancer treatments. Rob Rutherford, whose son John was diagnosed with blood cancer, connected with Professor Miles Prince AM, a leading Australian haematologist. They later joined forces with Grant Rutherford, whose daughter Chloe had died from leukaemia, to establish the foundation with a shared commitment to advancing research and helping other families affected by blood cancer.
Since its establishment, Snowdome has focused on supporting translational research, which helps move scientific discoveries from laboratory research towards clinical applications and patient care. Its work includes research into leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, with an emphasis on accelerating the development and availability of more effective treatments.
Mission and Purpose
The foundation’s mission is to accelerate the development and availability of new blood cancer treatments through targeted research funding and clinical trial support.
Its main objectives include:
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Supporting translational research that can lead to improved treatments for blood cancers.
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Helping researchers advance innovative therapies from scientific discovery to clinical application.
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Supporting clinical trials that provide patients with access to emerging treatments.
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Advancing genomic and molecular profiling to improve diagnosis and treatment decisions.
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Promoting precision medicine, targeted therapies, and cellular therapies.
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Strengthening collaboration among researchers, healthcare institutions, donors, and international research organisations.
These priorities are intended to improve diagnostic accuracy, expand treatment options, and help Australian patients access promising medical advances sooner.
Governance and Structure
The Snowdome Foundation operates as a not-for-profit organisation that works with medical researchers, clinicians, research institutions, philanthropic supporters, and partner organisations. Its grant-making approach is designed to identify important research priorities and direct funding towards projects with the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment for blood cancer patients.
The foundation collaborates with Australian research centres and international partners to combine scientific expertise, clinical knowledge, and philanthropic investment. Its partnerships help support research projects and build capacity across the blood cancer research sector.
Funding and Grants
The Snowdome Foundation provides financial support for blood cancer research through philanthropic donations, partnerships, and targeted grant programs. Its grants support researchers and clinicians working to develop innovative approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and clinical care. The foundation’s funding priorities include translational research, clinical trials, genomic and molecular profiling, targeted therapies, cellular therapies, and precision medicine.
Key funding opportunities and programs include:
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Translational Research Program: Supports research with strong potential to translate basic biomedical discoveries into clinical applications. The foundation has collaborated with Blood Cancer United on this program to advance outcomes for people affected by blood cancers.
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John Tandy Myeloma Haematology Fellowship: A fellowship supporting translational research aimed at accelerating clinical impact and improving outcomes for people with myeloma. The 2026 call is listed as closed.
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Chloe Rutherford Paediatric Haematology Fellowship: Supports research related to paediatric blood cancers. The foundation’s grants page lists the 2026 call as closed.
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Cannon Family Travel Grants: Provides financial support for blood cancer researchers to attend international conferences, workshops, symposia, or other professional events. The 2026 call is listed as open.
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Cannon Family Global Learning Travel Scholarship: Supports a member of Australia’s blood cancer research community undertaking a four-to-six-week placement at an international institution recognised for excellence in blood cancer research and treatment. The 2026 opportunity is listed as open.
The foundation’s grants page also lists a translational research opportunity as open in 2026. Grant availability, eligibility requirements, funding amounts, and closing dates vary by program, so prospective applicants should consult the official website for current details. Researchers can request notifications of grant calls by emailing [email protected].
Major Programs and Initiatives
Translational Blood Cancer Research
A central focus of Snowdome’s work is funding research that moves scientific discoveries towards practical treatments. Its support spans leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, with the objective of bringing promising therapies to patients more quickly.
Genomics and Precision Medicine
Snowdome has helped advance genomic testing and personalised treatment approaches. Through philanthropic funding, it supported the establishment of the Wilson Centre for Blood Cancer Genomics at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. Genomic testing can help improve diagnostic understanding and inform treatment pathways for patients.
Immunotherapy Research and Treatment Facilities
The foundation partnered with the Epworth Medical Foundation to establish the Epworth Centre for Immunotherapies and Snowdome Laboratories, launched in March 2021. The first patient was treated in early 2023. The initiative supports progress in immunotherapies and the development of new treatment options for people affected by blood cancer.
Researcher Development and International Collaboration
Snowdome supports researchers and clinicians through research funding, fellowships, travel opportunities, and international partnerships. Its collaboration with Blood Cancer United and the Leukaemia Foundation has supported Australian research projects through the Translational Research Program, helping connect local expertise with international scientific developments.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
The Snowdome Foundation reports substantial investment in blood cancer research and clinical development since its establishment. Its current homepage states that it has enabled more than AUD $95 million to be invested in blood cancer research, funded 84 research projects, and enabled more than 105 research positions.
Examples of its reported impact include:
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Clinical trial access: Snowdome reports that its support has enabled thousands of patients to participate in supported clinical trials, providing opportunities to access emerging treatments.
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Improved diagnostic capabilities: Support for the Wilson Centre for Blood Cancer Genomics has contributed to more than 6,200 genomic tests, helping inform diagnosis and treatment decisions.
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Advances in immunotherapy: Its partnership with the Epworth Medical Foundation helped establish a dedicated centre and laboratories for immunotherapy, with the first patient treated in early 2023.
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Research partnerships: Collaboration with Blood Cancer United and the Leukaemia Foundation has supported 11 Australian research projects worth a total of AUD $10 million over six years.
These activities demonstrate the foundation’s approach to combining philanthropic funding, research partnerships, and clinical translation to improve outcomes for people living with blood cancer.
Conclusion
The Snowdome Foundation is an important Australian not-for-profit funder focused on accelerating blood cancer research and improving access to innovative treatments. Through translational research grants, fellowships, clinical trial support, precision medicine initiatives, and international partnerships, it works to move scientific discoveries into clinical practice.
Researchers and clinicians interested in funding can review current opportunities and eligibility criteria on the official grants page. Individuals and organisations can also support the foundation through donations, fundraising, and other philanthropic partnerships.
For more information, visit here.
