DIIF set to change the future of diabetes research

Meanwhile, funding for diabetes research falls behind other chronic conditions. The Diabetes Innovation and Impact Foundation (DIIF) is here to change that.

DIIF, an initiative of Diabetes Victoria, was officially launched at Melbourne Connect this week. The national foundation is dedicated to a vision: a world in which diabetes can do no harm.

The launch event was an opportunity for prospective funders and researchers to learn more about DIIF’s direction, ambitions, and how supporters can play a meaningful role in what the foundation is building.

How DIIF supports researchers

Diabetes research is often funded in small, short-term grants and the stop-start nature of funding breaks momentum. Leading researchers can spend up to 50 percent of their time writing grant applications, with only a 10 percent success rate.

“We have developed a funding model that aligns the interests of the diabetes community, researchers, and investors,” explains DIIF CEO Glen Noonan.

“Life-changing breakthroughs need time and consistency to evolve. That's why long-term core funding is essential. 

“DIIF presently invests in two world-class research centres. Not scattered grants across disconnected projects, but deep, long-term partnerships.”

DIIF invests in the Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes (ACBRD), in partnership with Deakin University, and the Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations (ACADI), in partnership with the University of Melbourne.

In 2025, DIIF launched a 10-year collaboration with the University of Melbourne, to provide core funding to ACADI.

“When I was a young doctor, the diabetes landscape was completely different,” says ACADI director Elif Ekinci.

“We had people with type 1 diabetes who were completely disengaged with their care because they were burnt out, because it was so hard. I would see all these young people who would develop profound complications.

“But things have changed, and it is because of research. We now have automated insulin delivery, among other diabetes technologies, improving and saving lives. When you invest in diabetes research, it truly delivers.”

A transformative model of philanthropy

DIIF is the first foundation in Australia offering philanthropists the opportunity to invest in diabetes research through the Capital Impact Loan model.

The Capital Impact Loan (CIL) provides long-term, flexible financial support to not-for-profit organisations. Unlike short-term grants, a CIL creates enduring impact.

Under this model, Private Ancillary Funds (PAFs) and Public Ancillary Funds (PuAFs) lend funds to a charity via a limited recourse, interest free, fixed-term loan.

“The funds are a loan, not a gift, so unlike a donation, investors will receive the principal back at term end,” explains DIIF Head of Philanthropy Lauren Monaghan.

“The loan is placed in a professionally managed investment portfolio meeting strict ethical standards. Most of the annual returns will directly fund research, while excess returns are reinvested to grow the capital base.

“Investors will receive biannual reporting on research achievements. The PAF receives the full principal back at term end, while DIIF retains the investment growth.”

This means the contribution continues funding diabetes research indefinitely, while the PAF can relend, support another cause, or reinvest.

“Now more than ever, we need to act boldly and fund smartly,” says CEO Glen Noonan.

“The scale and urgency of diabetes demands a new approach. It’s not just about funding more studies, it’s about supporting the right kind of research that leads to practical solutions, better treatments, and ultimately, prevention for, and a cure of diabetes.”