What Robert Connor Dawes (RCD) Foundation does

Robert Connor Dawes (RCD) Foundation is an Australian-registered nonprofit charity founded in 2013 in memory of Connor Dawes, who died of ependymoma on April 20, 2013 after a 16-month battle. The foundation exists to drive global paediatric brain cancer research advancements and to support young patients and families during treatment, operating across three pillars: Research, Care and Development. It funds clinical and translational research, including the recent Global TarGeT study expansion into Australia, and has financed 14 research programs, 53 researcher travel grants, and a $650,000 music therapy program since inception.

The foundation operates a portfolio of recurring fundraising events — Connor's Run (flagship run), Brainy Ball (biennial gala), Connor's Golf Classic, Go Grey in May (awareness campaign), Kicking Goals for Brain Cancer (sports-club channel), and a New Zealand Coast to Coast Adventure launched in 2026 — alongside an online merchandise storefront and a peer-to-peer fundraising platform built on Funraisin and Shopify. Revenue is generated from one-time donations, monthly "Keeper" giving, wills and bequests, merchandise sales, event registration, corporate sponsorship, and (in the United States) stock and Donor-Advised Fund gifts, supported by DGR 1 status in Australia and 501(c)(3) status in the United States. The Aeternum Fortis Society provides multi-year pledged giving at a $1,000/year minimum.

Customer segments are paediatric brain cancer patients and their families (primary beneficiaries), individual donors and community fundraisers, corporate sponsors (e.g., Brighton Hyundai, Stomping Ground, Drummond Golf), and clinical researchers such as Prof. Nick Gottardo at Perth Children's Hospital / The Kids Research Institute Australia. The foundation is led by Founder and CEO Liz Dawes OAM and is headquartered in Melbourne (Sandringham), with operations across Australia, the United States, and event presence in New Zealand.

Name

Robert Connor Dawes (RCD) Foundation

Legal name

The Robert Connor Dawes (RCD) Foundation

Website

https://rcdfoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Robert Connor Dawes (RCD) Foundation is an Australian nonprofit, founded in 2013, that funds paediatric brain cancer research, provides patient and family support programs including music therapy, and runs community fundraising events across Australia, the United States, and New Zealand.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Charitable Foundation — Paediatric Brain Cancer Research & Support

NAICS

Voluntary Health Organizations (813212), Grantmaking and Giving Services (8132)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Disease-Specific Research & Support (e.g., Cancer, Diabetes, ALS) (BPAGACAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Health & Medical Research Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAL)

Keywords

• Pediatric brain cancer research
• Charitable fundraising events
• Cancer patient support services
• Nonprofit foundation grants
• Community awareness campaigns

Headquarters

HQ city

Sandringham

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Donations: The foundation accepts one-time and regular donations from individuals, with tax-deductible status in Australia (DGR 1) and the United States (501c3). Monthly giving program called 'Keeper' allows supporters to contribute regularly.
2. Merchandise Sales: The RCD Store sells branded merchandise including beanies, socks, clothing, Christmas items, and gift items. All proceeds directly support research, care and support programs.
3. Event Fundraising: Revenue generated from event registrations and fundraising activities including Connor's Run, Brainy Ball, Go Grey in May, golf events, and adventure challenges. Corporate teams can sponsor holes or foursomes at events.
4. Wills & Bequests: The foundation accepts legacy gifts through wills and bequests, allowing supporters to make longer-term commitments to the cause.
5. Stock and DAF Donations (US): US donors can contribute through Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) and gifts of publicly traded stock.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The RCD Foundation funds paediatric brain cancer research through grants and multi-year commitments, delivers direct support programs (notably a $650K music therapy program) for young patients and their families, and raises funds through a portfolio of community events, awareness campaigns, and an online merchandise store. It also operates the Aeternum Fortis Society long-term giving program and accepts donations, bequests, and gifts of stock/DAFs across Australia and the United States.

Product overview

The Robert Connor Dawes (RCD) Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on pediatric brain cancer support and research. The foundation operates a portfolio of fundraising events, awareness campaigns, and direct support programs. Core offerings include signature fundraising events (Connor's Run, Connor’s Golf Classic, Brainy Ball, Coast to Coast NZ Adventure), awareness campaigns (Go Grey in May, Kicking Goals for Brain Cancer), direct patient support (Music Therapy Program), research funding through grants and funded projects, and an online merchandise store. The foundation also offers planned giving options including wills, bequests, and a long-term giving society (Aeternum Fortis Society).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Aeternum Fortis Society (AFS): A long-term giving program where supporters commit to 3-5 years of funding with a minimum of $1000 per year. Many of the foundation's research projects require multiple years of funding.
• Connor's Run
• Brainy Ball
• Go Grey in May
• Kicking Goals for Brain Cancer
• Connor's Golf Classic

Products and services

• Connor's Run Annual flagship fundraising running event held in memory of Connor Dawes, combining community participation with fundraising to support paediatric brain cancer research. Open to individual runners and teams.
• Connor's Golf Classic Annual charity golf tournament at Victoria Golf Club raising funds for paediatric brain cancer through foursome entries ($2,500), hole sponsorships ($5,000), and on-course competitions. Targeted at corporate sponsors and amateur golfers.
• Brainy Ball Biennial black tie gala featuring three-course dinner, live entertainment, and silent/live auction (via GalaBid) to raise funds for young people with brain cancer. Offers lunch-only tickets (e.g., $95 with drinks) and corporate table packages.
• Go Grey in May Annual awareness and fundraising campaign throughout May where participants wear grey, host events, and fundraise for childhood brain cancer research. Open to schools, workplaces, and individuals.
• New Zealand Coast to Coast Adventure Multi-day human-powered adventure challenge crossing New Zealand's Southern Alps, combining cycling, hiking, and rafting to raise funds for brain cancer research. Open to adventure-seeking supporters with a $400 deposit.
• Kicking Goals for Brain Cancer Sports-themed fundraising initiative encouraging football, rugby, and soccer clubs to raise funds and awareness for paediatric brain cancer through merchandise and events.
• Music Therapy Program Therapeutic music program for young brain cancer patients, providing direct support for patient care and emotional wellbeing, backed by $650K of program investment.
• Research Programs & Travel Grants Funding mechanism for paediatric brain cancer research projects and researcher travel grants to advance scientific understanding and treatment options. Open to medical researchers and clinicians via application.
• Aeternum Fortis Society (AFS) Long-term giving membership program requiring a minimum $1,000 annual commitment over 3–5 years to support multi-year research projects. Latin motto meaning 'eternal strength' coined with Connor Dawes.
• RCD Foundation Store Online merchandise shop selling beanies, footy socks, caps, apparel, and seasonal items (including a Christmas Collection of tea towels, ornaments, cards, aprons, and picnic blankets), with all proceeds supporting research, care and support programs.
• Donation Programs Multiple donation options including one-time donations (at $50/$100/$250 or custom amounts), regular monthly giving (Keeper program), wills and bequests, in-memory and in-celebration tribute giving, and US-specific stock and Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) contributions.

Quantifiable outcome

• 50% survival rate with current treatments, but 90% of survivors left with lifelong impairments - highlighting urgent need for better research
• +1 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor, moderate and core.

• Malt Donkey Fine AlesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Craft beer sponsor providing drinks for the Connor Golf Classic event. Located at Hole #14 as the Party Hole/Closest to the Pin sponsor.
• Brighton HyundaiminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Sponsoring Hole #4 at Connor Golf Classic with opportunity to win a Hyundai Kona for a hole in one.
• Drummond Golf CheltenhamminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Major sponsor providing $50 voucher for every player at Connor Golf Classic.
• Stomping GroundminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Beer sponsor for Longest Drive competition on Hole #17 at Connor Golf Classic, providing slab of beer as prize.
• Hannah PriestmoderateOthers · 1 January 2026AFLW player and captain of St Kilda serving as RCD Kicking Goals Ambassador, helping raise awareness and funds for kids with brain cancer through sports clubs.
• Prof. Nick GottardocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Head of Paediatric and Adolescent Oncology and Haematology at Perth Children's Hospital; Co-head of Brain Tumour Research Program at The Kids Research Institute Australia. Joining the Coast to Coast team to raise awareness and funds.
• Clutch & CominorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Prize sponsor for Nearest to Pin competition at Hole #7, providing $100 e-Voucher.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• The Kids' Cancer Project: Australia-based childhood cancer research charity funding clinical trials and translational science. Closest domestic peer with overlapping mission, donor segments and research-partnership model in the Australian market.
• Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation: US-based nonprofit dedicated exclusively to pediatric brain tumors, funding research and family support. Most direct international peer given RCD's disease-specific pediatric brain cancer focus, overlapping donor base and program model.
• CureSearch for Children's Cancer: US nonprofit funding pediatric cancer research and clinical trials. Comparable as a disease-focused (childhood cancer) research-grant maker with a multi-channel fundraising mix overlapping RCD's approach.
• National Pediatric Cancer Foundation: US nonprofit funding pediatric cancer research with a focus on less toxic treatments. Similar positioning as a research-grant-making pediatric cancer charity, competing for similar US-based donors.

Others

• Children's Oncology Group: World's largest pediatric cancer research organization running cooperative clinical trials. Relevant as a likely recipient of RCD research grants and a comparator for the scale and rigor of pediatric oncology research funding infrastructure.
• Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre (University of Nottingham): UK-based academic research centre focused on childhood brain tumors. Adjacent to RCD as a likely research partner or comparator for grant-making standards in pediatric neuro-oncology.

Broad incumbents

• Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation: Large US pediatric cancer charity funding research grants and family support. Comparable in mission scope but broader (all childhood cancers) and substantially larger scale, making it an incumbent competitor for the same donor pool.
• Starlight Children's Foundation: Australia-anchored children's charity focused on the wellbeing of seriously ill children including cancer patients. Comparable in event-driven fundraising and family-support programming, but covers a broader illness base than RCD.
• Ronald McDonald House Charities (Australia): Major Australian charity supporting families of seriously ill children, including those undergoing cancer treatment. Comparable audience (families of pediatric patients) and corporate-partnership fundraising model.

Regional players

• Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada: Canadian brain tumor charity supporting patients, families and research across all ages. Similar mission architecture (research + patient support) but operates primarily in Canada rather than Australia/US, hence a regional peer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rcd-foundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Robert Connor Dawes (RCD) Foundation