You can make an endowed gift through our Discovery Fund.

By doing so, you will help to build a permanent endowment that will generate a stream of funds in perpetuity to:

  • Develop innovative research initiatives
  • Recruit and retain to researchers
  • Bridge the gaps in funding cycles
  • Purchase state-of-the-art equipment

Without new understanding, there are no breakthroughs, no new wonder drugs, no cures.

The SVI Discovery Fund is a perpetual endowment established by long-time supporter Christine Tarascio AM, inspired by family members and friends who have been affected by disease. Having achieved its initial capital goal of $5 million, the Discovery Fund made its first distribution in 2021, supporting the recruitment of cancer biologist Associate Professor Elaine Sanij.

“It is a career-defining opportunity to establish a new laboratory – for which I am hugely thankful. I am committed to finding ways to alleviate the pain and suffering caused by cancer – that is what motivates me every single day.”

Associate Professor Elaine Sanij

For further information on the Discovery Fund, contact SVI Foundation: [email protected] or (03) 9231 2480.

Discovering a moment of impact

Christine’s SVI journey began with a moment of connection. “One of my sons, Sam, has psoriatic arthritis. I was invited on a laboratory tour and the SVI team told me about research they were doing in that field. I would do anything for my children, so I was hooked,” she says.

Inspired by the dedication of SVI’s scientists to understand disease and make a difference to health, Christine went on to establish a fund in their honour – the SVI Discovery Fund.

“I’ve witnessed the huge ongoing challenge researchers face in gaining sustainable support, and I wanted to do something about that. So, I set about convincing my contacts to pledge $10,000 a year for five years, with the initial aim of building an endowment of $5million.”

In March 2020, just before Australia’s nationwide Covid-19 lockdown, Christine’s vision was achieved.

“There has been a lot of work, and a lot of loyalty from fabulous donors – many of whom are friends – so much so that we are now heading towards $10 million,” she says. “For many, the year 2020 didn’t offer much to celebrate, so it was nice to have something positive to focus on.”