Together, we will overcome ovarian cancer.
Changing the future for generations of women and girls
The Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) is Australia’s leading independent funder of ovarian cancer research, dedicated to transforming outcomes for the most lethal women’s cancer. In Australia, fewer than 50 per cent of women and girls diagnosed with ovarian cancer will survive more than five years - a figure unchanged for decades, highlighting disparities and gender inequities in research and care that demand urgent action.
The OCRF is rewriting this story. Our vision is a future where those impacted by ovarian cancer live healthy vital lives. To achieve this, we are catalysing change and accelerating progress by increasing awareness, advocating for greater investment and equity, collaborating nationally and internationally, and strategically funding high impact medical research.
Every dollar we raise comes from the Australian community, driven by a shared determination to make our vision a reality.
Together, we will overcome ovarian cancer.
“May their futures be brighter because of what we have done –creating change and saving lives.” – Julie Toop, OCRF Board Chairperson
Left: OCRF-funded researcher, Professor Carlos Salomon Gallo and team at University of Queensland
This page: Strong connection – OCRF ambassadors and staff
Introduction
The OCRF draws upon a rich history of support and an emerging legacy for a quarter century of investment in medical research. Since it was established in 2000, the organisation has evolved into a mature charitable foundation with inherent strengths, highly successful national partnerships in place, and numerous opportunities to increase our impact in the Australian and global context for ovarian cancer research.
As we enter our 25th year in 2025, the Board, committees and executive, have updated the organisational strategy to achieve our ambitious aims for the next five years. We know the time is now to lift our eyes higher than ever before, and to lead the change we seek in ovarian cancer research. It is essential that we advocate for, and with, the ovarian cancer community, and do everything we can to boost investment in medical research. As part of this we will continue to amplify women’s voices and call out structural inequity for women’s health and disease.
We will also celebrate progress, share what we learn, and maintain a daily focus on excellence in our practice. We look forward to collaborating with our generous donors, supporters, government, global peers and the ovarian cancer community to bring this timely strategy to life.
“For too long the survival rates for this disease have stagnated. It simply doesn’t have to be this way. It’s time to unite and agitate for greater awareness, greater investment and finally, better outcomes for ovarian cancer.” – Robin Penty, CEO
Top left: Julie Toop, Chairperson
Bottom right: Robin Penty, Chief Executive Officer
Context
Since the easing of pandemic restrictions in 2023-24, there have been significant changes in the OCRF’s operating context, major growth in turnover, and the establishment of a new leadership team. We’ve increased capability, established strong sector-wide collaboration, consulted widely, and established genuine momentum in awareness and fundraising for this important cause.
In reviewing and updating OCRF’s strategy, the organisation accomplished five objectives, we:
✓ Modified the foundational strategic vision and purpose statement
✓ Aligned our thinking to current context and risk
✓ Committed to four strategic aims and twelve clear goals that drive overall health of the organisation
✓ Refreshed the OCRF’s organisational values and our visual identity
✓ Developed a long-term plan to achieve our aims.
The OCRF Strategic Plan 2025–30 offers confidence and accountability to our supporters regarding the integrity of our approach and decision-making. The strategy is underpinned by strong financial management, support for our talented staff, and ongoing engagement with our community that is characterised by a spirit of collaboration, heart, and an unwavering focus on our vision.
State of play 2025
• $30+ million in total grants paid
• 60 research projects supported since 2000
• $3.5 million – largest annual grant commitment (2025)
• 14 employees
• 90 community ambassadors
Guiding statements
Purpose
Values
A healthy vital future for all those impacted by ovarian cancer.
and Vision
We exist to drive step-change in funds raised, awareness,
These values guide the OCRF’s mission whilst fostering trust,
Integrity
• We are honest, authentic and transparent in all communications.
• We ensure funds raised are allocated responsibly and ethically to support our vision.
• We build trust by consistently delivering on promises and maintaining high standards.
Ambition
• We have bold aims to advance ovarian cancer research, improve patient outcomes, and raise awareness.
• We strive to maximise our impact and deliver results for our supporters and the community.
• We encourage staff and supporters to think creatively and push boundaries for the greatest common good.
Principles of practice
To bring our values to life, our work is guided by the following
Collaborate sector-wide
• We support and enable a cross-sector transformation agenda.
• We demonstrate best practice in all our work.
• We share resources, information, knowledge and time toward common goals.
Are a true advocate
• We advocate for increased research funding, and reduced gender and health inequity.
• We offer key person contributions to system-wide change initiatives.
• We deliver effective and impactful knowledge translation.
cancer.
and research undertaken, for the most
lethal gynaecological cancer in Australia.
innovation and compassion across all our work.
Collaboration
• We work closely with peer organisations, partners and government to accelerate improvements in ovarian cancer.
• We actively engage and work with supporters, volunteers, and partners to amplify our impact.
• We foster an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives from all stakeholders are valued.
following principles of practice, we:
Engage with international peers
• We establish global alliances with similar organisations.
• We foster knowledge exchange.
• We increase the profile of Australian ovarian cancer medical research worldwide.
Accountability
• We report and communicate accurately and honestly to donors and stakeholders.
• We establish measurable goals, and share our successes, lessons and challenges.
• We actively seek feedback from supporters and partners to improve the ways we work.
Heart
• We demonstrate empathy and compassion in every interaction with affected individuals, families, and supporters.
• We ensure everything we do prioritises the needs of those affected by ovarian cancer.
• We celebrate the dedication of volunteers, supporters and donors.
• All of this is communicated in the OCRF Donor Promise.
Prioritise patient voice
• Consumer involvement and co-design is essential to achieving our vision.
• We are community builders.
• We value the power of awareness-raising campaigns for generating momentum and community for our cause.
Strategic narrative
Because ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynaecological cancer, and it requires increased attention and more funding for research
We provide fundraising for expert scientific research and advocacy, and raise awareness and profile
To support world-leading researchers and those impacted by ovarian cancer
That leads to impactful research and positive health outcomes
Which results in lives prolonged and saved, and a community aware.
Strategic aims
Our strategic aims outline what we want to achieve and the way we will get there. From a governance perspective, these aims address and mitigate risks and ensure the OCRF is positioned to succeed in the long term.
Combined, these themes will ensure a strong financial foundation for future research initiatives, and by ensuring the OCRF acts as a well-recognised and trusted leader in the field, we enhance the opportunity to attract more support and resources.
The strategy places a strong focus on sustainability, a robust operating model, and evidence-based decision-making that will ensure the OCRF remains effective and adaptable in the long term.
Ultimately, by enabling high-impact cancer research and fostering national and international collaborations, the OCRF will accelerate progress in detecting, treating and preventing ovarian cancer, working towards our vision of a healthy vital future for all those impacted by ovarian cancer.
Growing: Organisational and fundraising excellence delivers exceptional results.
Amplifying: Amplify our communities’ voice to increase research investment and reduce health inequity.
Enduring: The OCRF is sustainable well into the future.
Impacting: Enable high-impact cancer research.
Impact statement: We will know we have achieved our aims when every Australian affected by ovarian cancer can, and does, survive and thrive.
Goals
1. Priority-setting doubles funds raised within five years
2. Exemplary stewardship engages and retains OCRF partners and supporters
What success looks like
• Successful donor and community fundraising programs in place
• Sophisticated and sustainable business partnerships and sponsorships are thriving
• Enhanced regular monthly giving program established
• Structured relationship management program with existing principal and major partners, and major and general donors
• User-friendly support program for community fundraisers
Goals
3. OCRF’s leadership is well-recognised and trusted
4. Audience engagement with the cause is underpinned by compelling communication
5. Ovarian cancer and burden of gynaecological cancers are more broadly understood and a priority for policy makers
What success looks like
• Strategic communications activities demonstrate the OCRF impact and enhance profile
• High level of brand recognition and trust
• Proactive OCRF and researcher engagement improves community understanding of progress and opportunities in ovarian cancer
• Research hub on the website increases insights and knowledge
• Comprehensive government relations and advocacy program catalyses change
Growing
Aim: Organisational and fundraising excellence delivers exceptional results
Amplifying
Aim: Amplify our communities’ voice to increase research investment and reduce health inequity
to success strategic aims goals
Goals
6. Operating model is robust and fit for purpose
7. Strong financial management and investment strategy in place
8. Evidence based decision making is informed by experts
Enduring
Aim: The OCRF is sustainable well into the future
9. OCRF is a great place to work
What success looks like
• Highly effective governance and risk management
• Reserves and investment strategy support organisational vision and ambition
• Strong reciprocal relationships with the academic ovarian cancer research sector
• Best possible staff engagement, team development and wellbeing programs in place
• Active learning culture that respects diversity and inclusion
Goals
10. Funded research to better detect, treat and prevent ovarian cancer is innovative and accelerates progress
11. Success is delivered through effective national and international alliances and initiatives
12. Australian ovarian cancer research is showcased on a global stage
Impacting
Aim: Enable high potential medical research
What success looks like
• Research impact strategy launched
• Grant making process optimised for all parties
• Consumers actively engaged in the research program
• Collaborative initiatives with peers lead to a strong collective voice in Canberra
• Collaborative research projects with global peer charities demonstrate collective impact
• Expanded knowledge translation activities achieve international reach
outcomes
Organisation structure
The Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation is a registered charity in Australia. Our organisation does not receive any direct government funding. Everything we invest into ovarian cancer research, awareness-raising and advocacy is due to the support we receive from donors, fundraisers and partners.
The OCRF is governed by a Board supported by three expert subcommittees.
The foundation operates from its national headquarters in central Melbourne. As at June 2025, the foundation has 14 full and part time employees, including the CEO and three directors.
The foundation’s work is supported by a group of more than 90 community ambassadors who assist with media, public speaking and other advocacy opportunities.
Research team
International Scientific Advisory Committee (ISAC)
Business services and governance team
Finance, Risk and Audit Committee (FRAC)
Donor and partnerships team
Board of Directors
Communications team
Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP)
Chief Executive Officer
Left: The Witchery White Shirt campaign has played a key role in the OCRF’s success for almost two decades
Vision 2030
By 2030, the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation envisions a demonstrable change in ovarian cancer outcomes. Through the strategic implementation of our 2025-2030 plan, we will have catalysed substantial progress in research, awareness, and equity. Our efforts, including our collaborative initiatives, will contribute to:
• Improved survival rates: Our funding contributes to improving treatments and methods of early detection or screening.
• Global leadership in ovarian cancer research: Australia’s established place as a global hub for ovarian cancer research will be enhanced with the OCRF showcasing its funded research on international stages and fostering impactful collaborations with global peers.
• Empowered communities and patients: Women and families affected by ovarian cancer will experience improved health outcomes and quality of life. Their voices will remain central to every step of research and advocacy, ensuring patient-centred solutions. The wider community will be engaged and supported to act and contribute to the cause, with wideranging benefits.
• Sustainable growth and advocacy: The OCRF will double its fundraising capacity, ensuring long-term sustainability while amplifying the voices of communities to support equitable healthcare policies and increased investment in women’s health.
Through these achievements, the OCRF – together with our partners, donors, supporters, researchers and peers – will fulfil its vision of a healthy vital future for all those impacted by ovarian cancer, overcoming the barriers that have long defined this disease.
Together we are stronger.
Together, we will change the future by transforming outcomes for ovarian cancer.
“The
– Dr Maree Bilandzic, Hudson Institute of Medical Research
