The International Retinal Research
The International Retinal Research Foundation (IRRF) is a private foundation established in 1997 and based in Birmingham, Alabama. The organization provides financial support for vision research and is committed to sustaining targeted research efforts in ophthalmology and retinal science.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$20.3M
-1.1% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.7M
-26.4% YoY
Grant Count
9
-18.2% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$190K
-10.0% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The IRRF's mission is to provide financial support for vision research directly while maximizing resources through partnerships and collaborations with outstanding institutions.
The foundation supports scientific research on diseases of the human eye, with particular emphasis on:
- Macular degeneration research
- Diabetic retinopathy research
- General retinal disease research
- Postdoctoral training in vision research
- Educational and scientific exchange in ophthalmology
Grantmaking
The foundation made 14 grants in 2024, with total giving of $1,712,500. Recent major grants include:
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation funds research primarily in Alabama, Washington, and Tennessee, with notable grants to institutions including Vanderbilt University and the UAB Department of Ophthalmology.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of December 2024:
- Total Assets: $20,333,743
- Total Revenues: $1,239,787
- Total Expenses: $2,065,670
- Total Giving: $1,712,500
As of December 2023:
- Total Assets: $20,567,803
- Total Revenues: $1,031,153
- Total Expenses: $2,743,222
The foundation's revenue sources include investment income and dividends, with minimal contributions received in recent years.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $20,333,743 | $20,567,803 | $17,812,175 |
| Revenue | $1,239,787 | $1,031,153 | $2,570,888 |
| Expenses | $2,065,670 | $2,743,222 | $9,272,059 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $1,882,877 | $2,500,830 | $9,044,879 |
| Net Investment Income | $1,110,130 | $844,354 | $2,209,498 |
| Distributable Amount | $1,039,158 | $1,028,112 | $1,133,436 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 9 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
54 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Michael A. Callahan, MD – Trustee
- V. Hugo Marx III – Trustee
- Paul Sternberg Jr., MD – Trustee
- Sandra Blackwood, MPA – Executive Director
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MICHAEL A CALLAHAN MD | PRESIDENT | 0.5 | — |
| V HUGO MARX III | TREASURER | 0.5 | — |
| PAUL STERNBERG JR MD | SECRETARY | 0.5 | — |
| JOHN S PARKER MD | VICE PRESIDENT | 0.5 | — |
| SANDRA BLACKWOOD | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $131,760 |
| CYNTHIA TOTH MD | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The IRRF has announced a shift in focus toward research collaborations and funding partnerships. Recent initiatives include:
Continuation of the Robert Machemer, MD Foundation Fellowship, with 2023 and 2022 awardees announced
2023 Retina Society/IRRF Awardees AnnouncedOngoing partnership with The Retina Society providing multi-year research funding
2023 Retina Society/IRRF Awardees AnnouncedCollaborative award programs with The Macula Society
2023 Retina Society/IRRF Awardees AnnouncedParticipation in convenings of private vision research funding foundations
Involvement in advocacy efforts related to vision research funding
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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