136193034

Charity Number: 136193034

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $10.18 million (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed (operates primarily through strategic partnerships)
  • Decision Time: 60+ days (for educational grants); strategic partnerships vary
  • Grant Range: $25,000 - $7,500,000+ (varies by program)
  • Geographic Focus: United States, with emphasis on underserved communities

Contact Details

  • Website: www.novartis.com/us-en/esg/corporate-responsibility/novartis-us-foundation
  • Educational Grants Portal: www.ngcs.novartis.com
  • Email: Not publicly listed (applications through online portal)
  • Phone: Not publicly listed
  • Address: East Hanover, NJ
  • EIN: 13-6193034

Overview

The Novartis US Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation established by Novartis in 1966 to support philanthropic efforts in the United States. The foundation operates with a mission to improve health in underserved communities by creating innovative and sustainable solutions to expand access to healthcare and build trust within the healthcare system. In 2023, the foundation distributed $10.18 million through 8 awards, with major multi-year commitments exceeding $80 million announced since refocusing its mission.

The foundation operates primarily through strategic partnerships with major healthcare organisations, HBCUs, and community health initiatives rather than accepting general unsolicited applications. However, Novartis does accept unsolicited applications for Professional Medical Education Grants and Patient Education Grants through its Grants Central Station (NGCS) portal. President Binta Beard leads the foundation with a strong focus on health equity, community-centred approaches, and addressing social determinants of health.

Funding Priorities

Major Initiatives

Beacon of Hope HBCU Initiative ($50M+ commitment)

  • Established clinical trial Centres of Excellence at four Historically Black Medical Schools: Morehouse School of Medicine, Howard University College of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (approximately $31.4 million)
  • Three-year scholarships of $10,000 annually to 120 students at 26 HBCUs and Medical Schools
  • TMCF partnership providing $2.25 million over nine years for faculty research grants ($25,000 each, 10 grants annually)
  • Partnerships with Coursera, National Medical Association, Merck, and Sanofi

Health Equity Commitment ($25 million)

  • Focus on reducing health disparities in the US
  • Emphasis on clinical trial diversity
  • Building pathways to better breast, prostate, and cardiovascular health for two million people by 2030

Community Health Solutions Strategy

  • Cardiovascular Health: HEART program (five-year commitment) in Nashville, Detroit, and San Bernardino; EngAGE with Heart in Baltimore
  • Prostate Cancer: Partnership with ZERO Prostate Cancer “Blitz the Barriers” initiative ($7.5 million of $20 million total), targeting 12 highest-risk communities, launching in Atlanta and Baltimore
  • Breast Health: Community-based screening and education programs
  • Goal: Reach two million people by 2030

COVID-19 Response Fund ($5 million, 2020)

  • 40 community organisations received grants totaling $4.89 million
  • 20 programs focused on food security, mental health, and social services
  • Recipients included NAMI, Commons Project ($250,000), Americares ($125,000), Direct Relief ($125,000), and community foundations across the US

Strategic Partnerships

  • CDC Foundation: Signature partnership for health systems strengthening
  • Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI): Healthcare transformation partnership
  • New Jersey Primary Care Association (NJPCA): $2 million over two years for telehealth programs at community health centres
  • Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF): Multi-year HBCU alliance
  • ZERO Prostate Cancer: $7.5 million commitment for Blitz the Barriers

Educational Grants (Through NGCS Portal)

  • Professional Medical Education Grants: Support for accredited and non-accredited continuing medical education for healthcare professionals
  • Patient Education Grants: Support for independent patient education initiatives
  • Sponsorships and Memberships: Funding for US nonprofit healthcare organisations (501(c)3, 501(c)4, or 501(c)6)

Employee Programs

  • Matching Gifts Program: Dollar-for-dollar match up to $5,000 per associate annually for contributions to 501(c)(3) organisations
  • Dollars for Doers: Volunteer grants including board service grants ($750 after one year of board service, renewable for up to three years)
  • Science Scholars Program: Partnership with Independent College Fund of New Jersey providing $3,000 scholarships to 15 undergraduate science majors annually, plus year-long mentoring with Novartis scientists

Disaster Preparedness

  • Funding through American Red Cross, Americares, and Direct Relief to support disaster response throughout the US

What They Don't Fund

  • Overhead administrative costs
  • Recreational components (golf, spa, resort activities)
  • Gifts to speakers or attendees
  • Activities allowing speakers/participants to bring spouses or guests to meal functions
  • Requests not submitted at least 60 days prior to event date
  • Direct support to individuals (only to organisations)
  • Projects linked to prescribing, purchasing, formulary status, or reimbursement
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Governance and Leadership

President: Binta Beard, ScD, MS (Head of US Social Impact at Novartis)

Secretary: Jamie Huertas

Treasurer: Eduard Marti (US Treasurer and Deputy Country CFO at Novartis)

About the President

Binta Beard previously served as chief public health policy advisor to Senator Richard Durbin, where she developed legislative priorities and advanced congressional action on healthcare, public health, and consumer safety. She is recognised as a 40 Under 40 awardee by the National Minority Quality Forum.

Board Structure

The foundation is governed by officers who bring expertise in healthcare policy, public health, and corporate finance. The foundation operates as part of Novartis's broader corporate social responsibility structure, with no compensation reported for officers in recent filings.

How to Apply to 136193034

Strategic Partnership Model

The Novartis US Foundation primarily operates through strategic partnerships and proactive identification of community health initiatives rather than accepting general unsolicited grant applications. The foundation reviews hundreds of proposals and prioritises communities where Novartis employees live and work.

Educational Grants (Open Application)

For Professional Medical Education Grants and Patient Education Grants:

How to Apply:

  • All applications must be submitted through Novartis Grants Central Station (NGCS) at www.ngcs.novartis.com
  • Applications accepted year-round
  • No applications accepted via mail, email, or fax
  • Complete eligibility requirements before applying

Timing Requirements:

  • Applications must be submitted at least 60 calendar days prior to event date
  • Requests not meeting the 60-day deadline may be denied
  • Do not consider any request approved until written documentation received

Review Process:

  • Each request evaluated on individual merit
  • Previous support does NOT guarantee future funding
  • More requests received than can be funded
  • Independent, non-promotional programs preferred
  • Must be compliant with all legal, regulatory, and Novartis guidelines

Decision Timeline

  • Educational Grants: Minimum 60 days from submission
  • Strategic Partnerships: Timeline varies; foundation proactively identifies partners
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed; foundation notes that “many more requests are received than can be funded”

Application Success Factors

Leadership Insights from Binta Beard

“Our vision is clear: We want to help communities across America to live longer and better lives by building bridges to care for those that need it most.”

"We can't do it alone. We have to do it together, and part of that involves centring the voices and expertise of communities that speak to the unique needs of a community."

“Real change happens with, not for, communities.”

Foundation's Strategic Approach

  • Community-Centred: Emphasises partnerships with community organisations, national advocates, and medical institutions
  • Social Determinants Focus: Recognises that "80 to 90% of the work that impacts the patient's health happens outside of the four walls of the doctor's office"
  • Meeting People Where They Are: Programs embedded in familiar community spaces (churches, senior centres, community events)
  • Trust Building: Primary focus on building trust within the healthcare system in underserved communities
  • Long-Term Commitments: Multi-year partnerships rather than one-time grants

Key Success Factors for Educational Grants

  • Preference for nonprofit organisations or collaborations with nonprofits
  • Programs must be independent of commercial bias and non-promotional
  • Focus on improving patient care and healthcare professional education
  • Strong consideration for academic medical centres, medical universities, and professional associations
  • Research fellowships and awards programs supported
  • Clear educational objectives and measurable outcomes

Red Flags to Avoid

  • Applications linked to prescribing or purchasing
  • Requests including recreational activities
  • Missing the 60-day advance deadline
  • Requests for administrative overhead
  • Promotional or commercially biased content
  • Applications for individual support rather than organisational programs

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References

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