We’re Funding Sight-Saving Clinical Trials to Treat Childhood Blindness.
Our goal is to advance therapies for pediatric inherited retinal diseases. Our current target: we are fundraising for rare disease research and gene-agnostic therapies for childhood blindness.
Current Fundraisers
You can make an impact on saving childhood eyesight by entering our giveaway fundraisers.
Build Your Own Dream Van (BYOVan #3)
170" WB AWD Sprinter + $125,000 custom build budget with Rossmönster Vans + $50,000 cash
VIEW DETAILSHow our fundraisers work
Built on trust and transparency
Learn how you can make an impact on sight-saving research and have a chance to win a life-changing prize.
- Donate to support sight-saving researchEntries are automatically captured and can be seen in your Donor Portal.
- Winner selection by third-party adminWe aren't involved in the winner selection process, to ensure fairness and compliance.
- Winner livestream announcementWe announce all winners live on social media. See our past winner calls!
- It's time for winner day!For vehicle prizes, we fly the winner to Arizona to get the keys, a free-and-clear title, and the prize cash.
What you can check for yourself
- Registered 501(c)(3), EIN 92-2174042Exempt under Section 501(c)(3); look us up on the IRS and Candid.
- 18,900+ verified reviews on Trustpilot and GoogleRated 4.9 Excellent. Read what past entrants and winners say.
- Registered and bonded sweepstakesEligibility, all methods of entry, and start and end dates are published before every fundraiser.
- Donor PortalCheck your entries for any fundraiser you've joined.
Our impact
Sight-saving research funded
$6.1M
granted to sight-saving research as of November 2026, from giveaway fundraisers and direct donations. Every mile below was paid for by entries like yours.
- $1MFirst grant: AXV-101 gene therapy for BBS1
To Axovia Therapeutics, to move a gene therapy for retinitis pigmentosa caused by BBS1 toward a clinical trial.
Oct 2024 - $2MManufacturing and safety studies
Second Axovia grant: GLP toxicology, manufacturing, and the regulatory work needed before a trial could open.
Dec 2024 · announced Feb 2025 - $1MClinical trial authorization
Third Axovia grant, bringing AXV-101 funding to $4M; the UK trial application was cleared in Q3 2025.
Sep 2025 - $1.1MTrial fully funded
Closed the remaining funding gap; RAB's total funding for AXV-101 reaches $5.1M, from lab to first patient.
Dec 2025 · announced Jan 2026 - $1MGene-agnostic research
With Foundation Fighting Blindness: $775,000 to the RD Fund for gene-agnostic research, matched dollar-for-dollar by the Gund Foundation Challenge, and $225,000 to Dr. Thomas Mendel at Ohio State.
Jun 2026 - OpenResearch Grants Program
Researchers worldwide can now apply for RAB funding through the Grants Portal.
Aug 2026
Amounts and dates come from our grant records and update when a new grant is announced. Each grant links to its announcement where available.
About us
We were told there was nothing we could do.
It isn't a race we run. It's a race against time. Kristina and Stephen Johnston founded A Race Against Blindness after their son Luke was diagnosed with Bardet-Biedl syndrome, a rare genetic condition that is slowly taking his sight. What began as a race to fund one gene therapy for one gene has grown into funding research across inherited retinal diseases, a grants program for scientists, and an education hub for families.
- 2020Luke's diagnosis, and a decision
No treatment existed for RP caused by BBS1. We decided to fund one.
- 2023A Race Against Blindness is founded
Our family became the first donor, donating our first prize: the 2023 Adventure Van giveaway fundraiser that started it all.
- 2024First $1 million grant
To Axovia Therapeutics for AXV-101, a gene therapy for RP caused by BBS1.
- 2026Initiation of the AXV-101 gene therapy clinical trial
A total of $5.1M in grant support from RAB made this trial initiation possible.
- 2026Expanding our impact
New $1M grant to gene-agnostic clinical research in partnership with Foundation Fighting Blindness.
See our Feature on Good Morning America!
Luke’s story of seeing the world before losing more vision was featured on GMA, helping propel our mission to the national level.
Winner's circle
Recent winners
GMC Yukon Denali + Grand Design Serenova
- Ended
- October 10, 2026
- Winner
- Colin from VT
Final Chance F150 Raptor + Explorer ST
- Ended
- October 3, 2026
- Winner
- Todd H. from Iowa
2nd Chance Rossmonster Baja Trail LX
- Ended
- September 14, 2026
- Winner
- Danette, H from Iowa
Thor RV + Bronco + $50k cash
- Ended
- September 5, 2026
- Winner
- Dan M from CO
Don't take our word for it. Take theirs.
Every review you see here is collected and verified by Trustpilot, not by us. We can't edit them, hide them, or pick the order.
We show every star rating, one through five, because that's what transparency means.
Good job
The process was quick and easy.
Read on Trustpilot (review by Felicia Lee)
Ease and Confidence
What made my experience great was how simple and convenient the donation process was. There were no complications and I felt confident that my contribution was going toward a worthy cause. It's always rewarding to support an organization that making a positive impact in peoples's lives.
Read on Trustpilot (review by Wayne Keith)Very simple to use
Very simple to use. Very informative about what the company is doing and what your donation does. Gives you information for taxes right away.
Read on Trustpilot (review by Nicholas Goschy)What a great cause and what a great…
What a great cause and what a great organization!
Read on Trustpilot (review by JB)I was forced to retire last year at 64…
I was forced to retire last year at 64 due to my company closing. Then 6 months later I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer that spread to my bones now. Social Security is my only income, so my budget is really limited. My entire family lives out of state, so travel is hard. Entering this contest to win the travel van was a risk I was willing to take, not only to help in your research, but winning would give me the ability to travel to visit family more easily. Entering the contest was easy to do, and gave me some excitement I haven't felt in a long while. Thank you for that.
Read on Trustpilot (review by Zietlow)Clear mission providing great incentive…
Clear mission providing great incentive to support RAB
Read on Trustpilot (review by Peter Stock)The giving was genuine!
The compassion of giving was a great source. Our host appears genuinely honest in his narratives onscreen. Common concerns on VISION was duly considered before the donate button was pushed. I gave with hope of earning/acquire a piece of the FJ27 Toyota.
Read on Trustpilot (review by Cor Van Overeem)Nonprofit organization is doing well…
Nonprofit organization is doing well for the welfare of finding cures for blind children. I am happy to donate a small amount each month. Thank you
Read on Trustpilot (review by Joyce Cuellar)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazing work
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Race Against Blindness — An Amazing Organization! I just want to take a moment to recognize the wonderful work that A Race Against Blindness is doing. Helping children with visual disabilities and giving them hope for a brighter future is truly something special. I mean, what could be more rewarding than helping someone see the world around them? And even more importantly, helping a child have that opportunity. That’s priceless! Personally, having a family member with a disability, I understand how important it is to have people and organizations that genuinely care and are willing to make a difference in someone’s life. I also love the fact that this is a nonprofit organization dedicated to such a meaningful cause. It’s refreshing to see people putting their hearts into helping others, especially children who deserve every opportunity to experience the beauty of life. To everyone involved with A Race Against Blindness, keep doing what you’re doing! Your dedication, compassion, and commitment deserve recognition and support. Much respect, and keep up the amazing work! 👏❤️ God bless you all!
Read on Trustpilot (review by Johnny Medina)It’s important for people to know that these donations can be life changing to children loosing their eyesight.
Best experience very easy to understand and manage website.
Read on Trustpilot (review by Lydia Vazquez)Its always going to be a great…
Its always going to be a great experience to help the ones in need. Even if I never win the prize I will always be grateful to be a part of a race against blindness no profit donor 🙏 God bless all kids
Read on Trustpilot (review by Anthony Sanchez)Transparency and Acurracy
They answer any questions I see people ask and they take the time to go through the details from start to end. The rules, what to expect if you win, the tax information, and anything I might have missed.
Read on Trustpilot (review by Joy Tipton)The kind of charity that makes a difference.
This is the kind of charity that appealcompletion! I know that the money raised will give real help in finding solutions for blindness. I made my donation in honor of my recently deceased brother who worked for the Minnesota State Services for the Blind. The prize offering of a loaded Recreational Vehicle is amazing, and I hope it attracted a terrific amount of donations. I also hope that I win the competition!
Read on Trustpilot (review by -Jim G)Amazing what this is doing for our…
Amazing what this is doing for our children in trying to find a cure and stop blindness. Getting thousands upon thousands of people educated to help support a much needed charity.
Read on Trustpilot (review by Carolyn Ficklin)The importance of giving back ,
The importance of giving back ,
Read on Trustpilot (review by Maribel D. )
if i buy 20 i get 20 free entries and…
if i buy 20 i get 20 free entries and that is NOT what happened
Read on Trustpilot (review by Lonnie Huggenberger)Just getting started here but all the…
Just getting started here but all the info has been clear and there are lots of opportunities to win. This will be a fun ride.
Read on Trustpilot (review by CATHERINE HAMMON)good luck
Can't wait to see results
Read on Trustpilot (review by Robert Swanson)
First timer
Hello I am First timer
Read on Trustpilot (review by MuKalla Brundige)Dreaming
Gives us all a few days to dream while helping others a little bit. Thank you. Everyone needs to dream a little sometimes even if they don't win. Great cause helping other to see. Someone will actually see their dream come true.
Read on Trustpilot (review by Mary)A great charity and a great opportunity…
A great charity and a great opportunity to win a an amazing vehicle with the with the bonus of having a tax deductible donation to a great cause.
Read on Trustpilot (review by Dave)First time donating …
This is my first time donating to this cause. I think this is a worthy cause and the process was very easy.
Read on Trustpilot (review by Coletta Parker)Thank God for what you're doing.
I think what you are doing to help others is commendable. I pray they will find a cure for these diseases.
Read on Trustpilot (review by Linda Meredith)A worthy cause
The ability to donate is simple. The cause is a great need, more people need to get behind this. The prizes are phenomenal.
Read on Trustpilot (review by Alex Rudolph)
Reviews come from real donors and supporters who entered a fundraiser or had a direct interaction with our team, each one verified by Trustpilot.
Read all reviews on TrustpilotGrant funding updates
The impact you made possible
Blindness Education Resources
Are you looking for education or resources for blindness?
As a family-run nonprofit and parents of a child facing blindness, we know how it felt when we got the diagnosis and didn't know where to begin. The resources were limited, and we felt alone. This education hub is here to help change that.
Open the Education HubWhere would you like to start?
- We just got a diagnosisA calm place to begin, with the next steps in order.
- I'm looking for a clinical trialStudies for inherited retinal diseases, by phase and status.
- I'm raising a child with an IRDSchool, support, and everyday life.
- I'm a researcher or clinicianGene profiles with references, and our grants program.
RAB educational series
Learn with Dr. Steve Johnston
Blindness Education Podcasts with Co-Founder Dr. Steve Johnston
Inherited Retinal Disease Education: Free Clinical Trial Hub
An introduction to the free clinical trial hub for inherited retinal diseases.
Watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab)
Vision Loss Treatments: Gene Therapy, Optogenetics and More
An overview of vision loss treatment topics, including gene therapy and optogenetics.
Watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab)
Retinal Gene Therapy: How Viral Vectors Deliver Missing Genes
A look at how viral vectors deliver missing genes in retinal gene therapy.
Watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab)
For information only. Discuss clinical trial information with your retina specialist.
Meet the Team
We founded the nonprofit when we found out our son has a rare genetic condition and is slowly going blind. But that really only scratches the surface in terms of our motivation. Since learning of Luke's diagnosis, we have become strongly connected to the rare-diseases community. While rare diseases are actually not unusual, with more than 7,000 diseases classified as rare, each one individually often affects only a small number of people. Thus many rare diseases don't receive enough attention and resources to help fund research for adequate treatments or even possible cures.
Stay in the race
New fundraisers, winners, and grant news, about twice a month. Questions? The Help Center is our front door.
Visit the Help Center