Tom Simpson Trust Fund
About the Tom Simpson Trust fund
The Tom Simpson Trust Fund supports cardiac care research in South Australia through the provision of grants for research equipment.
The Tom Simpson Trust Fund was established in October 2010 through the generous support of Mrs Elizabeth Simpson in memory of her late husband Mr Tom Simpson.
Application details
Eligibility
For an application to be eligible, the applicant must be:
- based in South Australia,
- an early career researcher (less than 10 years),
- undertaking research with a cardiac focus,
- and applying for future expenditure (not retrospective).
Priority will be given to applications from investigators seeking to establish a research career in South Australia.
As a guide, requests for funding in the range of $10,000 to $15,000 (excluding GST) will be considered more favourably.
Timeline
- Applications open: Monday 15 September 2025
- Applications close: 5 pm (ACDT) Monday 27 October 2025
How should you apply?
All applicants must complete the application process via the Heart Foundation Grants Management Portal.
Email questions to research@heartfoundation.org.au
Frequently asked questions:
Who can apply?
Eligibility is assessed at the application closing date. Applicants must be based in South Australia and be within 10 years of the conferral of their PhD at the application closing date.
What can the funding be used for?
The Tom Simpson Trust Fund supports the purchase of research equipment directly related to the approved cardiovascular research project described in the application.
What can't the funding be used for?
Funding cannot be used for activities or expenses outside the scope of the approved application.
Examples may include:
- Salaries or stipends
- Conference attendance or travel
- Retrospective reimbursement for equipment already purchased
- Equipment costs unrelated to the approved research project
- Non-equipment project costs
Can I apply for equipment that has already been purchased?
No. Funding cannot be used to reimburse equipment purchased before the grant is awarded.
Do I need to purchase the equipment before funding is paid?
Yes. The Tom Simpson Trust Fund operates on a reimbursement basis. This means the approved equipment must be purchased by the administering institution before a reimbursement claim can be submitted.
Once the equipment has been purchased, the administering institution should provide a valid tax invoice and supporting receipts to the Heart Foundation for reimbursement.
How is funding paid?
Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis.
Once the purchase has been completed, the institution’s Research Administration Office or Finance Office should submit:
- A valid tax invoice
- Copies of the relevant receipts
to sacvrn@heartfoundation.org.au for reimbursement.
Payment will be processed following receipt and review of the required documentation.
Only expenditure relating to the approved equipment outlined in the application can be reimbursed.
Can I change the equipment after my application has been approved?
The funding is awarded for the equipment outlined in the approved application.
If you need to make changes to the approved equipment purchase, please contact the Heart Foundation. Changes may require approval through a formal variation process.
What happens if the equipment costs less than anticipated?
Funding can only be claimed for actual approved expenditure incurred. If the final equipment cost is lower than the amount outlined in the application, only the actual cost incurred can be claimed.
If changes to the approved equipment purchase or use of unspent funds are proposed, this must be discussed with the Heart Foundation and approved in writing before any expenditure is incurred. Approval may require a formal variation.
Can I request an extension or variation to my grant?
Yes. If circumstances arise that may affect the approved project, expenditure timeline, or equipment purchase, please contact the Heart Foundation as early as possible.
Extensions and variation requests can be submitted via the grants management portal for assessment.
Do I need to be an SA CVRN member to apply?
SA CVRN membership is not an eligibility requirement for the Tom Simpson Trust Fund.
However, applicants are strongly encouraged to join the South Australian Cardiovascular Research Network (SA CVRN) to stay connected with funding opportunities, events, collaborations, and other cardiovascular research activities across South Australia.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
For questions regarding eligibility, applications, or grant administration, please contact:
SA CVRN
or
Heart Foundation Research Team
Last updated07 September 2026
Last reviewed30 July 2024