Brightfocus Foundation

Filing Period

Apr 1, 2012 to Mar 31, 2013

Signed

Aug 8, 2013

Return Version

2012v2.1

Gross Receipts

$27,920,319

Mission

Major Activities

Activity 2

Macular Degeneration Research (MDR) -- Through an outreach effort in key trade publications and information distribution at major conferences for eye researchers, MDR encourages junior- and senior-level scientists around the world to apply for its prestigious research grant program. MDR annually offers grants to scientists through a sophisticated peer-review process managed by the MDR Scientific Review Committee. This group of the field's leading scientists bases these decisions on scientific merit using a rigorous evaluation system. During the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013, MDR awarded $1,440,000 in grants to 12 new projects that range from studies to understand the influence of racial identity on increased risk for macular degeneration to those aimed at designing new cell-based therapies to target and eliminate the molecular changes that lead to macular degeneration. Additional details about specific projects are included in Schedule I. MDR-funded projects were featured in media articles, including progress in the development of a molecular switch to replace dying photoreceptors, as well as progress in treating the currently untreatable dry for of macular degeneration. More details on this and other successful outcomes achieved through MDR funding are available in the news updates section of the BrightFocus.org website.MDR's Children's Corner for Macular Degeneration, a website aimed at teaching children and their families about the degenerative disease through stories, interactive games, and sharing activities, continues to help family members learn about the disease. The BrightFocus PSA titled "What Would You Like to See" aired as part of our "See a Better Tomorrow" campaign. Produced in English and Spanish, it was aired on TV, radio, and online, raising awareness about glaucoma and macular degeneration and generating calls, emails, and website visits. MDR benefitted from $6,272,112 in donated media services and garnered 348,171,590 impressions. MDR proactively disseminates information to the public directly and via traditional and social media. Other channels include email, newsletters, publications, videos, and podcasts. This includes information on risk factors, preventive measures, the progression of the disease, available medical treatments, suggestions for adapting to low vision, and new research developments. Medical and research news updates on macular degeneration are routinely posted on the BrightFocus website and distributed to interested audiences.MDR continued to distribute high quality informative materials, including updated editions of "Macular Degeneration: The Essential Facts," the comprehensive booklet "Living with Macular Degeneration," "Safety and the Older Driver," and the "Low Vision Resource List." MDR created a set of eight fact sheets in English and Spanish as well as new streaming media content. The organization now provides 13 macular degeneration videos, including an animated video series, donated by Eyemaginations. Three editions of the MDR newsletter were sent to interested constituents by mail and email. All MDR publications are in large print and available in PDF in English and Spanish on the BrightFocus website at www.brightfocus.org/MDRresources. The BrightFocus Insider Report, which included information about macular degeneration, was distributed twice this year. Answers to 253 Ask an Expert questions on macular degeneration were provided via email and on the BrightFocus website during the year. MDR distributed 14 medical and research eAlerts to the macular degeneration listserv subscribers. Each week BrightFocus distributed a range of messages on macular degeneration using its social media channels, engaging thousands of followers. BrightFocus Scientific Affairs division staff members were interviewed for media stories including several vision-oriented radio programs. The Miami Herald printed a letter to the editor from BrightFocus on the importance of comprehensive eye examinations

Activity 3

National Glaucoma Research (NGR) -- NGR grants are available to glaucoma researchers worldwide. NGR places special emphasis on encouraging applications from young scientists and those with cutting-edge ideas. Annual grant applications are peer-reviewed, and recipient selections are based on scientific merit. During the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013, NGR awarded $1,549,488 for 16 new projects that range from examinations of the roots of glaucoma in the brain to studies designed to alleviate the buildup of pressure within the eye, a documented risk factor for glaucoma. Additional details about specific projects are included in Schedules F & I.NGR-funded research was recognized by the media this year, including new NGR-supported data that provide new genetic links that might control how glaucoma is passed from one generation to another. Other news reports detailed new BrightFocus supported strategies for protecting the nervous system of the eye from damage due to glaucoma. More details are available in the news updates section of the BrightFocus.org website.The NGR communications outreach program encourages people to take preventive measures (e.g., scheduling regular eye exams), to adhere to medication regimens, and to understand risk factors and symptoms. It also provides information on treatments as well as resources for adjusting to low vision. Regular updates on current glaucoma research and the latest study results are disseminated to the public directly and through the web, email, and social and traditional media. As a curator of critical news in the field, NGR distributed 12 medical and research eAlerts to its glaucoma listserv subscribers.NGR responded to 235 Ask an Expert questions, sending emails directly to the inquirers and posting answers on the website for all to see. Updated versions of two NGR publications--"Essential Facts on Glaucoma" and "Living with Glaucoma"--continue to be in great demand. Other popular publications include "Safety and the Older Driver," the new "Low Vision Resource List," and five glaucoma fact sheets in English and Spanish. All NGR materials are in large print and available in PDF in English and Spanish at www.brightfocus.org/NGRresources. The site also features 15 podcasts and 15 video series including a series of seven videos describing glaucoma risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, lifestyle changes, and research. This video series, produced with the MonkeySee network, is available through more than 1500 online outlets as well as the BrightFocus site and YouTube. BrightFocus now delivers an animated video series about glaucoma through Eyemaginations. Three editions of the NGR newsletter were mailed to readers during the year and posted to the BrightFocus website, and information about glaucoma was included in two editions of the BrightFocus Insider Report. With one of the most active social media followings in the glaucoma field, NGR communicated news and information several times each week via these networking channels. The BrightFocus PSA titled "What Would You Like to See" aired as part of our "See a Better Tomorrow" campaign. Produced in English and Spanish, it ran on TV, radio, and the Internet, raising awareness about glaucoma and macular degeneration and generating calls, emails, and web visits. NGR benefitted from $6,272,112 in donated media services and garnered 348,171,590 impressions. BrightFocus's Scientific Affairs division staff members were interviewed for media stories including several vision-oriented radio programs. NGR mailed awareness-raising materials on glaucoma to tens of thousands of households, focusing on: 1. Symptom recognition, urging people to schedule an eye examination for early detection, as symptoms are not always noticed in early stages of the disease.2. Lifestyle choices that promote good health and steps the public can take to reduce the likelihood of the onset of the disease (i.e. eat an "eye healthy" diet).3. Treatments and medicines to

Filer

EIN

23-7337229