Novartis US Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $10.18M (2023)
• Success Rate: Highly selective (8 awards in 2023)
• Decision Time: 60+ days for educational grants; varies for strategic partnerships
• Grant Range: $25,000 - $7.5M (typical); up to $50M+ for multi-year initiatives
• Geographic Focus: Nationwide US, with emphasis on communities where Novartis employees live and work

Contact Details

• Website: www.novartis.com/us-en/esg/corporate-responsibility/novartis-us-foundation
• Grant Portal: www.ngcs.novartis.com
• Phone: Not publicly listed
• Email: Not publicly listed
• Location: East Hanover, NJ

Overview

Founded in 1966, the Novartis US Foundation is a private foundation with approximately $16.8 million in assets that distributes over $10 million annually to improve health in underserved communities across the United States. The foundation recently refocused its mission to create innovative and sustainable solutions that expand healthcare access and build trust within the healthcare system. Since this strategic shift, the foundation has committed over $80 million to partnerships addressing health inequities, with a particular focus on increasing diversity in clinical trials and strengthening healthcare systems in historically underserved communities. Under the leadership of President Binta Beard, ScD, the foundation operates with a hybrid model—proactively developing strategic partnerships while also accepting applications for educational grants through their online portal.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Beacon of Hope Initiative: $50M+ over 10 years for HBCU partnerships and clinical trial diversity
• Strategic Health System Partnerships: $2M - $7.5M for multi-year collaborations with health organizations
• Faculty Research Grants: $25,000 annually to HBCU faculty (10 per year through TMCF)
• Educational Grants: $25,000 - $500,000 for professional medical education and patient education programs (rolling basis via NGCS portal)
• Community Health Grants: Variable amounts for local organizations addressing social determinants of health

Priority Areas

• Health equity in underserved communities (particularly Black and Hispanic populations)
• Clinical trial diversity and inclusion
• Cardiovascular disease, breast, and prostate health
• Social determinants of health
• Healthcare workforce diversity and STEM education
• Disaster preparedness and community resilience
• Trust-building between communities and healthcare systems

What They Don't Fund

• Administrative overhead as primary use of funds
• Recreational activities
• Individual patient support (organizational grants only)
• Programs linked to prescribing or purchasing products
• Promotional or commercially biased content
• Late applications (submitted less than 60 days before event)

Governance and Leadership

President: Binta Beard, ScD, MS - Head of US Social Impact and President of Novartis US Foundation. Former chief public health policy advisor to Senator Richard Durbin, with extensive experience in global philanthropy from AbbVie.

Secretary: Jamie Huertas

Treasurer: Eduard Marti - US Treasurer & Deputy Country CFO at Novartis

Dr. Beard emphasizes community-centered philanthropy: "Real change happens with, not for, communities. We have to do it together... centering the voices and expertise of communities that speak to the unique needs of a community."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation operates a hybrid model:

1. Strategic Partnerships (Primary): Proactive outreach for major initiatives. The foundation identifies and approaches organizations aligned with strategic priorities.

2. Educational Grants (Open Application): Submit through Grants Central Station (NGCS) at www.ngcs.novartis.com

   • Complete application required 60+ calendar days before event
   • Online portal submission only
   • Preference for non-profit organizations

Decision Timeline

• Educational grants: Minimum 60 days from submission
• Strategic partnerships: Varies based on initiative scope
• Notification via email for portal applications

Success Rates

Highly selective - In 2023, the foundation made only 8 awards totaling $10.18 million, indicating a focus on high-impact, strategic partnerships rather than volume.

Reapplication Policy

Not explicitly stated; unsuccessful applicants for educational grants may reapply in future cycles with improved alignment to priorities.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's approach and leadership statements:

• Community-Centered Design: Proposals that demonstrate authentic community engagement and co-creation with affected populations stand out. As Dr. Beard notes, "80 to 90% of the work that impacts the patient's health happens outside of the four walls of the doctor's office."

• Evidence of Systemic Impact: Focus on solutions that address root causes of health disparities, not just symptoms

• Geographic Alignment: Priority for communities where Novartis employees live and work, particularly East Hanover, NJ and surrounding areas

• Multi-Sector Collaboration: Proposals showing partnerships across healthcare, education, and community organizations receive preference

• Sustainability Plan: Clear pathway to continue impact beyond grant period

• Measurement Focus: Robust evaluation plans that can demonstrate reduced health disparities

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The foundation primarily works through proactive strategic partnerships but maintains an open portal for educational grants
• Average grant size in 2023 was $1.27 million, indicating preference for large-scale, transformative initiatives
• Strong alignment with clinical trial diversity and HBCU partnerships increases competitiveness
• Applications must be submitted at least 60 days in advance through the NGCS portal
• Focus on trust-building between communities and healthcare systems is a unique differentiator
• Geographic proximity to Novartis operations (especially New Jersey) may provide advantage
• Leadership values community voice and expertise - ensure proposals demonstrate authentic community engagement

References

• Novartis US Foundation Official Website (www.novartis.com/us-en/esg/corporate-responsibility/novartis-us-foundation) - Accessed February 2024
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Novartis US Foundation Form 990 Data (2023, 2024)
• "Novartis US Foundation commits $25M to improve health equity" - PR Newswire, September 2020
• "Howard University Expands Clinical Research Work, Receives Boost with Novartis US Foundation Beacon of Hope Grant" - The Dig at Howard University, 2022
• "Novartis strengthens commitment to Beacon of Hope initiative" - Novartis Press Release, July 2022
• "Talking Purpose with Andrea Wood, featuring Binta Beard" - Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals
• Novartis Grants Central Station (www.ngcs.novartis.com) - Application portal information
• "Novartis and the Novartis US Foundation establish USD 5 million US COVID-19 Community Response Fund" - PR Newswire, April 2020