Arthritis New Zealand is a not-for-profit organisation which aims to enable a better quality of life for people affected by arthritis. Arthritis New Zealand works in the areas of education, public awareness, direct support, lobbying and funding research.

The causes of most forms of arthritis are unknown. Much of the research today is focused on trying to understand the condition and why some people are affected. By understanding what causes arthritis researchers hope to find better methods of diagnosis, treatment and even prevention for some of the conditions.

Arthritis New Zealand supports such research in New Zealand and research grant applications are called for annually. They are carefully considered by our Research Grants Committee and include independent assessment from international sources.

Arthritis New Zealand now invites applications from people or organisations involved in the field of Rheumatic Diseases for grants from the following funds for the period 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2010.

National Research Fund
Arthritis New Zealand has approximately $150,000 available in this fund for distribution in 2009/10 towards projects involving quantitative and qualitative research in the field of arthritis.

Auckland Research Fund
Arthritis New Zealand has approximately $750,000 available in this fund for projects involving quantitative and qualitative research in the field of arthritis. This fund is only available to Auckland-based applicants or for research projects conducted in the Auckland region.

Irwin Isdale Memorial Fund
Arthritis New Zealand has approximately $4,000 available for distribution from this fund in 2009/10. This fund is available to enable trainee Rheumatologists to attend appropriate conferences and meetings in New Zealand or Australia.

Wellington Regional Denisitometry Trust - Osteoporosis Fund
Arthritis New Zealand has approximately $10,000 available for distribution from this fund in 2009/10. This fund is available to all health professionals for research in the field of Osteoporosis. Grants can be made for research, education, travel or "in aid".

The following criteria must be met with each applications:

1. Each application needs a clearly directed hypothesis, which will be tested by the study.
2. Grants will only be made for research/studies, which are of a high standard, maintaining the reputation of the New Zealand scientific community and Arthritis New Zealand as the funding body.

Closing date for all applications is Tuesday, 31 March 2009.