FightMND
FightMND is an Australian nonprofit charity founded in 2014 that funds motor neurone disease research and care, operating flagship events Big Freeze at the MCG, Daniher's Drive, and DIY Big Freeze, and distributing merchandise through Coles, Bunnings, and Reddy Express.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2014
- HeadquartersDocklands, Australia
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What FightMND does
FightMND is an Australian nonprofit medical research charity founded in 2014 by AFL legend Neale Daniher AO, Pat Cunningham, and the late Dr Ian Davis OAM to fund research and care programs for motor neurone disease (MND). Headquartered in Burnley North, Victoria, the organization has invested more than $141 million into MND research and care since inception, including $22.9 million deployed in 2025 across 21 projects and a $21.5 million research investment targeting treatments and a cure. FightMND is recognized as one of the world's largest independent funders of MND research, having supported more than 700 Australians into 17 funded clinical trials and 37 drug development grants.
The organization operates a community-led, event-driven go-to-market model anchored on the Big Freeze at the MCG (now in its 12th year), State Freeze events in Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia, the multi-day Daniher's Drive road trip, and the DIY Big Freeze community fundraiser program. Revenue is generated through individual donations, community fundraising events, merchandise sales (Big Freeze Beanies, caps, and socks), corporate partnerships, major-donor programs including the FightMND Club and Hope Champions legacy giving, and transformational gifts such as the A$40 million Birt family donation in 2025. Distribution leverages national retail partnerships with Coles, Bunnings, and Shell Reddy Express, alongside AFL and corporate sponsors including Chemist Warehouse, Cadbury, Asahi, and Liquorland.
FightMND does not develop proprietary technology products; its "product" is research grant funding, care programs, and the convening of scientific collaborations such as the Longitude Prize on ALS and the ALS Scholars in Therapeutics Program. Following Neale Daniher's death in May 2025 and his posthumous recognition as 2025 Australian of the Year, the organization is led by CEO Matt Tilley, Chair Mike Schneider (Managing Director of Bunnings Group), and a board spanning AFL, retail, and research leadership. Operations continue across Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania, with Big Freeze 12, Daniher's Drive 2026 in South Australia, and a growing digital donation product line driving near-term activity.
FightMND firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- FightMND
- Legal name
- FightMND
- Website
- https://fightmnd.org.au
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2014
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- FightMND is an Australian nonprofit charity founded in 2014 that funds motor neurone disease research and care, operating flagship events Big Freeze at the MCG, Daniher's Drive, and DIY Big Freeze, and distributing merchandise through Coles, Bunnings, and Reddy Express.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
FightMND industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Medical Research Charity
- NAICS
- Voluntary Health Organizations (813212), Grantmaking Foundations (813211)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Health & Medical Research Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAL)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Community Health & Prevention Program Funding (HLAJALAF)
Keywords
Where FightMND is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Docklands
- HQ country
- Australia
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices1 record
Markets served
FightMND business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Personnel, Others
Revenue model
- Donations and Fundraising: Primary revenue stream from individual donations, community fundraising events, and corporate fundraising campaigns. Includes one-time and recurring donations from supporters.
- Merchandise Sales: Sale of Big Freeze merchandise including beanies, caps, socks, and digital beanies. Sold through major retail partners (Coles, Bunnings, Reddy Express) and online stores.
- Event-based Fundraising: Revenue generated from participation fees for events like Daniher's Drive ($600 per person with fundraising requirements) and community fundraising activities.
- Bequests and Legacy Gifts: Gifts included in supporters' Wills, managed through the Hope Champions legacy program. Includes residual gifts, specific amounts, and specific items.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | One-time | Daniher's Drive 2026 - South Australia |
| Unit Pricing | One-time | Big Freeze Merchandise |
| Freemium | Annual | Gift in Will - Free Online Will Platforms |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels8 records
FightMND product offering
Product offeringCore offering
FightMND is an Australian nonprofit charity that funds motor neurone disease (MND) research and care programs. It raises funds through community-led fundraising events (Big Freeze at the MCG, DIY Big Freeze, Daniher's Drive, State Freeze events), cause-related merchandise sales (Big Freeze Beanies, caps, socks, Digital Beanies), corporate partnerships with major Australian retailers, and major donor/legacy giving programs. Funds are disbursed as research grants and clinical trial support.
Product overview
FightMND operates as a nonprofit organization focused on funding MND research and supporting Australians affected by Motor Neurone Disease. The organization runs several core fundraising programs: the flagship Big Freeze event at the MCG featuring the iconic icy slide plunge, the DIY Big Freeze community initiative enabling local fundraising events, and Daniher's Drive, a four-day road trip through regional areas. Merchandise products include the signature Big Freeze Beanie (blue beanies sold at major retailers), Digital Beanie (virtual donation), caps, and socks. Additional programs include Hope Champions (legacy giving through Wills), FightMND Club (major donor program), the Global MND Research Roundtable, and collaborations like the Longitude Prize on ALS and ALS Scholars in Therapeutics Program. The organization also runs a volunteer program supporting event operations.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Big Freeze: Annual flagship fundraising event at the MCG featuring celebrity ice plunges and beanie sales to raise awareness and funds for MND research.
- Daniher's Drive
- DIY Big Freeze
- Big Freeze Community Round
- State Freeze
- Hope Champions
- FightMND Club
- Digital Beanie
Products and services
- Big Freeze Annual flagship fundraising event held at the MCG during the AFL King's Birthday round, featuring celebrities taking an icy plunge into a freezing pool on the iconic Big Freeze Slide to raise awareness and funds for MND research.
- DIY Big Freeze Community-based fundraising initiative that allows individuals, schools, sports clubs, and workplaces to host their own Big Freeze-style events, including ice bucket challenges, slides, and community rounds with merchandise sales.
- Daniher's Drive Four-day road trip event that brings FightMND's spirit to regional communities, combining scenic drives, community stops, and fundraising activities. In 2026, the event travels to South Australia for the first time. Registration is $600 per person with minimum $5,000 team fundraising commitment.
- Big Freeze Beanie Merchandise The iconic blue beanie symbol of MND awareness sold at Coles, Bunnings, Reddy Express stores and online at bigfreeze.fightmnd.org.au, with companion caps, socks, and digital beanie offerings. Bulk order minimums apply: Adult Beanie 50, Child Beanie 20, Football/Crew Socks 20.
- Digital Beanie Virtual beanie donation product that allows supporters to show support for MND awareness and donate remotely online, without a physical product. In 2026, FightMND targeted over 100,000 Digital Beanie sales.
- Hope Champions Legacy Giving Program Legacy giving program recognizing supporters who include a gift in their Will to FightMND. Includes residual gifts, specific amounts, and specific items. Free online Will creation available through partner platforms Safewill, EveryWill, and Willed until March 30, 2026.
- FightMND Club Major donor program for individuals, families, and trusts who donate more than $10,000 annually. Members receive exclusive event invitations and see firsthand the impact of their support on MND research and care programs.
Quantifiable outcome
- More than 700 Australians supported to access clinical trials
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use FightMND
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
FightMND technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
FightMND partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
25 partnerships are on record, tiered gold partner - major partner, raffle partner, major partner, official partner, event partner, supporting partner, campaign partner, will writing partner, research partner, international collaborative partner and career development partner.
- Chemist Warehousegold partner - major partnerChemist Warehouse is a Gold Partner for Daniher's Drive 2026, supporting the four-day road trip event in South Australia with fundraising gala and community events.
- Jaycoraffle partnerJayco is the Raffle Partner for Daniher's Drive 2026, providing support for fundraising activities including raffles and auctions at events.
- Colesmajor partnerColes is a Major Partner selling Big Freeze merchandise including beanies, caps, and socks through their supermarket network nationwide. Major supporter of MND research fundraising.
- Bunningsmajor partnerBunnings is a Major Partner selling Big Freeze merchandise and has donated buckets for Ice Bucket Challenge events. Also provides workplace giving and volunteer support.
- AFLofficial partnerAustralian Football League is an Official Partner, providing platform for Big Freeze events at the MCG and State Freeze events with AFL clubs including Melbourne Demons, Essendon, Collingwood, Adelaide Crows, West Coast Eagles, and Brisbane Lions.
- Adelaide Crowsevent partnerPartner for SA Freeze 2026 at Adelaide Oval, hosting Chill on the Hill event with celebrity dunkees taking the icy plunge.
- West Coast Eaglesevent partnerPartner for WA Freeze 2026 at Optus Stadium, hosting Big Freeze event with celebrity dunkees and merchandise sales.
- Brisbane Lionsevent partnerPartner for QLD Freeze 2026 at the Gabba, hosting Big Freeze events with AFL matches and merchandise sales.
- Australian Porkofficial partnerAustralian Pork is an Official Partner supporting FightMND events and fundraising activities.
- Reddy Expressofficial partnerShell Reddy Express convenience stores distribute Big Freeze merchandise including beanies and socks through their petrol station network.
- Cadburysupporting partnerCadbury is a Supporting Partner contributing to FightMND events and fundraising campaigns.
- Liquorlandsupporting partnerLiquorland is a Supporting Partner of FightMND events and activities.
- Asahisupporting partnerAsahi is a Supporting Partner for FightMND events and fundraising activities.
- Flybuyssupporting partnerFlybuys is a Supporting Partner enabling loyalty point donations and contributions to FightMND campaigns.
- Peterssupporting partnerPeters is a Supporting Partner for FightMND events and activities.
- Pullman/Accorcampaign partnerPullman/Accor is a Campaign Partner for FightMND events, providing venue support including hotel accommodations for event activities.
- Safewillwill writing partnerPartnered online Will-writing platform offering free Will creation for FightMND supporters until March 30, 2026, supporting the legacy giving program.
- EveryWill (formerly Gathered Here)will writing partnerPartnered online Will-writing platform (formerly Gathered Here) offering free Will creation for FightMND supporters, supporting the Hope Champions legacy giving program.
- Willedwill writing partnerPartnered online Will-writing platform offering free Will creation for FightMND supporters until March 30, 2026, supporting the legacy giving program.
- MND Tasmaniaresearch partnerMND Tasmania is a partner in the $831,000 funding package from the Tasmanian Government for MND research and support services, working alongside FightMND and Menzies Institute for Medical Research.
- Menzies Institute for Medical Researchresearch partnerMenzies Institute for Medical Research, led by Associate Professor Catherine Blizzard, is investigating MND causes and higher risk in Tasmania, funded by the $831,000 partnership.
- University of Wollongong - Yerbury Labresearch partnerYerbury Lab at University of Wollongong, founded by Professor Justin Yerbury after his own MND diagnosis in 2016, has received multiple research grants from FightMND.
- Longitude Prize on ALSinternational collaborative partnerInternational collaborative prize initiative where FightMND is a partner, with 20 global teams advancing to Stage 1 as of May 2026.
- ALS Scholars in Therapeutics Programcareer development partnerFightMND collaboration supporting the next generation of MND researchers through the ALS Scholars in Therapeutics Program.
- Global Ballooningevent partnerLaunch partner for Big Freeze 12 Beanie hot air balloon reveal at Marvel Stadium, providing the giant 27-metre balloon for the campaign launch.
Scale indicators14 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
FightMND competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- MND Australia: National peak body for motor neurone disease in Australia, focused on advocacy, research funding, and care support for people living with MND. Directly comparable mission and beneficiary population to FightMND.
- MND NSW: New South Wales state association providing services, equipment, and research funding for people affected by MND. Overlaps with FightMND on care programs and regional fundraising in Australia.
- The ALS Association (US): Largest US nonprofit funding ALS (the American equivalent of MND) research, advocacy, and care services. Closest international analog to FightMND in mission, scale, and event-driven fundraising model.
- ALS Therapy Development Institute: World's largest nonprofit biotech focused exclusively on ALS/MND drug development. Comparable on the research-funding side of FightMND's portfolio, particularly drug development grants.
- Project ALS: US nonprofit funding and conducting ALS/MND research with a focus on therapeutics development. Comparable funder of preclinical and translational MND/ALS research.
- Motor Neurone Disease Research Australia (MNDRA): Australian nonprofit dedicated to funding MND research, with overlapping scientific grant programs and research advocacy. Directly comparable to FightMND's research-grantmaking function.
Broad incumbents
- Cancer Council Australia: Australia's leading cancer charity combining research funding, prevention, and patient support. Comparable at the level of national disease-charity scale, multi-channel fundraising, and government-funded research advocacy.
- National Heart Foundation of Australia: Major Australian health charity funding cardiovascular research and running community fundraising campaigns. Comparable in operating model, retail partnerships, and large-scale event fundraising.
Emerging players
- Brain Foundation Australia: Australian charity funding neuroscience research across multiple neurological diseases, including MND. Partial overlap with FightMND on neurological research funding priorities.
Regional players
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research: Tasmania-based medical research institute and a FightMND research partner investigating MND causes in the Tasmanian population. Comparable as a recipient of FightMND grant funding and a regional MND research hub.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
FightMND social profiles
Digital presenceFightMND financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
FightMND leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
FightMND funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
FightMND M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments5 records
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about FightMND
What does FightMND do?
FightMND is an Australian nonprofit charity that funds motor neurone disease (MND) research and care programs. It raises funds through community-led fundraising events (Big Freeze at the MCG, DIY Big Freeze, Daniher's Drive, State Freeze events), cause-related merchandise sales (Big Freeze Beanies, caps, socks, Digital Beanies), corporate partnerships with major Australian retailers, and major donor/legacy giving programs. Funds are disbursed as research grants and clinical trial support.
Is FightMND a public or private company?
FightMND is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was FightMND founded?
FightMND was founded in 2014.
Where is FightMND based?
FightMND is headquartered in Docklands, Australia, in the Oceania region.
How does FightMND make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Donations and Fundraising is the primary driver. The others are merchandise Sales, event-based Fundraising and bequests and Legacy Gifts.
Who are FightMND's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are MND Australia, MND NSW, The ALS Association (US), ALS Therapy Development Institute, Project ALS and Motor Neurone Disease Research Australia (MNDRA). Broad incumbents are Cancer Council Australia and National Heart Foundation of Australia. Brain Foundation Australia is listed as an emerging player. Menzies Institute for Medical Research is listed as a regional player.
Does FightMND have an API?
No public API is recorded for FightMND.
What industry is FightMND in?
FightMND's product category is Medical Research Charity. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAKAL, Health & Medical Research Grantmaking Foundations, with a secondary code of HLAJALAF, Community Health & Prevention Program Funding. Its NAICS code is 813212.