The Baxter Foundation (Baxter International Foundation)

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $14.1 million (2023 charitable disbursements)
• Total Assets: $67.5 million
• Grant Range: $10,000 - $2,600,000
• Application Method: Invitation-only (no unsolicited applications)
• Geographic Focus: Global (preference for communities with Baxter presence)
• EIN: 36-3159396
• Established: 1982

Contact Details

Address: One Baxter Parkway, Deerfield, Illinois 60015

Phone: 224-948-2000

Email: fdninfo@baxter.com

Website: www.baxter.com/corporate-responsibility

Note: The Foundation has moved to an invitation-only application process and does not accept unsolicited proposals.

Overview

The Baxter Foundation, established in 1982, serves as the philanthropic arm of Baxter International Inc., a global healthcare products company. With total assets of $67.5 million and annual charitable disbursements of $14.1 million (2023), the Foundation helps advance Baxter's mission to save and sustain lives through strategic partnerships worldwide. The Foundation focuses on three key areas: increasing access to healthcare for the underserved, bolstering K-12 STEM education to develop the next generation of healthcare innovators, and promoting overall community resilience. The Foundation has transitioned to an invitation-only model, prioritizing Signature Partnerships—large-scale, multiyear programs—over traditional grant applications. Priority is given to communities where Baxter has a significant corporate presence.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Signature Partnerships (multi-year, large-scale programs) The Foundation focuses on strategic, multi-year partnerships with major organizations rather than traditional grant cycles. Recent signature partnerships include:

• UNICEF Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Programs: $7+ million invested since 2020, supporting programs in Colombia ($4 million) and Egypt ($2.5 million) to provide climate-resilient water systems to underserved communities. Programs reach up to 590,000 people in Egypt and support indigenous Wayúu communities in Colombia.

• Operation Smile India Care Centers: $2.2 million over three years (announced 2019) supporting year-round care centers in Mumbai, Srinagar, Bangalore, and Durgapur, treating patients with cleft conditions and facial differences. Expected to reach nearly 300,000 patients, family members, and health workers.

• Northwestern University Baxter Center for Science Education: $2.6 million (2024) continuing a 15-year partnership totaling nearly $9 million. The Center has reached approximately 260,000 students and trained nearly 4,000 teachers across more than 400 schools in Cook and Lake counties.

Transformative Innovation Awards in Community Health (partnership with Direct Relief)

• Grant Amount: $115,000-$150,000 per organization
• Duration: 18-month programs
• Focus: Nutrition programs to improve health outcomes, particularly for diabetes and chronic disease management
• Recent Awards: 2025 awards totaling $750,000 to five organizations; 2023 awards to 12 community health centers totaling over $1 million

Foster G. McGaw Prize (partnership with American Hospital Association)

• Winner: $100,000
• Finalists: Up to three finalists receive $10,000 each
• Focus: Honors hospitals and health systems demonstrating exceptional commitment to community service
• Application: Annual cycle managed by AHA; applications typically close several months before the award presentation

Healthcare Organizations Contributions Management Program

• Grant Range: Generally $50,000 - $100,000
• Focus: U.S. and Canadian not-for-profit healthcare organizations that enhance healthcare delivery, advance medical science (Canada), increase patient education and advocacy, and foster understanding of disease states
• Note: Now invitation-only; strong preference previously given to proposals brought through local Baxter facility or employee

Racial Justice Grants

• $3 million announced for organizations working to advance racial justice
• Focus on addressing systemic barriers to healthcare and education

HBCU STEM Scholarships and Grants

• $1.2 million commitment to fund scholarships and grants at three historically Black colleges and universities
• Baxter Scholars Award: renewable $1,500 scholarships for children of Baxter employees

Priority Areas

Access to Healthcare

• Digital and telehealth innovations
• Healthcare delivery in underserved communities globally
• Dental, mental health, substance abuse services
• Services to disabled populations
• Disaster relief and emergency response
• Medical equipment and supplies

Clean Water, Sanitation and Nutrition

• Climate-resilient WASH infrastructure
• Community water systems rehabilitation
• Water quality monitoring and safe drinking water access
• Nutrition programs integrated with chronic disease management
• Food security initiatives

K-12 STEM Education

• Laboratory equipment and materials (Baxter Box Program)
• Teacher professional development and training
• Student engagement in biotechnology and life sciences
• Pipeline programs for healthcare careers

Community Resilience

• Programs in communities where Baxter has significant presence
• Inclusion and diversity initiatives
• Employee engagement and volunteerism support

What They Don't Fund

• General operating support (only project-specific grants)
• Unsolicited proposals
• Organizations without 501(c)(3) status (U.S.) or equivalent charitable certification (international)
• Programs in locations where Baxter does not have a corporate presence
• Individual requests or scholarships (except through established programs)

Governance and Leadership

President: Stacey Eisen (also Senior Vice President, Chief Communications Officer, and Corporate Marketing at Baxter International Inc.)

Executive Director: Verónica Arroyave, Ph.D., MPH (also Vice President of Corporate Responsibility and Global Philanthropy at Baxter)

The Foundation operates as a private foundation with oversight from Baxter International Inc. Key leadership quotes:

• Verónica Arroyave on nutrition programs: "By supporting community health centers in implementing nutrition-focused programs, we're investing in innovative, sustainable approaches to address the social determinants of health."

• Verónica Arroyave on STEM education: "We're proud to help the Baxter Center for Science Education continue its work to positively impact the development of our future scientists, engineers, researchers, healthcare providers and more."

• Verónica Arroyave on UNICEF partnership: "We are proud to partner with UNICEF to build critically needed water infrastructure for communities in need."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Important: The Baxter International Foundation has moved to an invitation-only application process to better meet strategic needs in Baxter communities. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals.

For Healthcare Organizations with Existing Relationships: Organizations with connections to Baxter through local facilities or employees may be invited to apply through the CyberGrants online portal. The process includes:

1. Registration with the CyberGrants portal
2. Completion of an eligibility quiz
3. If eligible, automatic direction to the appropriate grant application (community/healthcare or education)
4. Portal allows saving work and returning during the open grant cycle

Technical Support:

• CyberGrants technical issues: Click "Need Support" button on portal webpage or email/call 1-855-997-0015
• All other inquiries: fdninfo@baxter.com

Foster G. McGaw Prize Applications: Managed by the American Hospital Association. Organizations interested should visit www.aha.org/fostermcgaw or contact fostermcgaw@aha.org to join the mailing list for application announcements.

Getting on Their Radar

CRITICAL NOTE: The Baxter Foundation operates through invitation-only strategic partnerships. However, organizations may increase visibility through:

1. Baxter Corporate Presence Connection

• Identify if Baxter has a facility, office, or significant business operations in your geographic area
• The Foundation prioritizes communities where Baxter employees live and work
• Strong preference historically given to proposals brought through local Baxter facility or employee

2. Employee Engagement Opportunities

• Baxter offers paid time off for employee volunteer efforts and a "Dollars for Doers" program
• Organizations that engage Baxter employees as volunteers may gain visibility
• Employee gift matching program connects employees with nonprofits

3. Alignment with Strategic Partners

• The Foundation works through established partnerships with organizations like Direct Relief, UNICEF, Operation Smile, and American Hospital Association
• Organizations working with these intermediary partners may be considered for collaborative programs like the Transformative Innovation Awards

4. Healthcare Organizations

• Demonstrable capacity to accomplish goals and sustain programs beyond grant period
• Projects that expand and increase access to healthcare with strong sustainability plans
• Focus on vulnerable populations in areas with Baxter presence
• Evidence of project superiority compared to competing initiatives

5. Long-term Relationship Building

• The Foundation favors multi-year, signature partnerships over one-time grants
• Organizations should demonstrate capacity for sustained impact and partnership
• Alignment with one or more of the Foundation's three key focus areas is essential

Decision Timeline

For Invited Applications (Historical Information):

• Previous grant cycles began in January, May, and September (this may have changed with invitation-only model)
• Review and decision-making process: Up to 8 weeks after grant cycle close
• Funds disbursed after approval, assuming all proper documentation received

For Signature Partnerships: Timeline varies based on negotiation and partnership scope. Multi-year commitments suggest extended relationship-building and proposal development periods.

Success Rates

Specific success rate data is not publicly available. However, the Foundation's shift to invitation-only applications and focus on signature partnerships suggests:

• Highly selective process
• Emphasis on strategic fit over volume of applications
• Long-term relationship development more important than traditional competitive application success
• In 2023, the Foundation made 1,234 awards totaling $10.2 million in grants

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable under current invitation-only model. Organizations not selected for initial partnerships may maintain relationships with Baxter through employee engagement and community presence.

Application Success Factors

Foundation-Specific Priorities

1. Geographic Alignment The Foundation explicitly focuses on "communities where Baxter has a significant corporate presence." Success factors include:

• Demonstrable connection to Baxter facility locations
• Programs serving communities where Baxter employees live and work
• NGOs should verify Baxter International Inc. has an office in their country

2. Strategic Partnership Capacity The Foundation states it focuses on "Signature Partnerships—large-scale, multiyear programs." Organizations should:

• Demonstrate capacity for sustained, long-term partnership (3+ years)
• Show ability to scale impact significantly
• Present clear sustainability plans beyond grant period
• Evidence organizational stability and track record

3. Innovation and Evidence-Based Approaches Based on Transformative Innovation Awards and other programs:

• "Novel" approaches to addressing health disparities
• Integration of services (e.g., nutrition with chronic disease management)
• Use of digital and telehealth innovations
• Climate-resilient and sustainable solutions (particularly for WASH programs)

4. Employee Engagement Opportunities The Foundation emphasizes "engaging Baxter employees in its philanthropic work":

• Projects offering meaningful volunteer opportunities for Baxter employees
• Programs in locations accessible to Baxter workforce
• Potential for skills-based volunteering aligned with Baxter's healthcare expertise

5. Measurable Impact and Evaluation From selection criteria: "Evidence of the organization's capacity to accomplish its goals"

• Clear metrics and evaluation frameworks
• Demonstrated track record of impact
• Ability to report outcomes and reach (e.g., "nearly 300,000 patients" for Operation Smile)

6. Addressing Social Determinants of Health Recent quotes emphasize this focus:

• Programs addressing root causes of health disparities
• Integration of healthcare with water, nutrition, education
• "Prevention-focused, climate-resilient services"

7. Collaborative Approach Examples show preference for:

• Partnerships with established organizations (UNICEF, Operation Smile, Direct Relief)
• Multi-stakeholder initiatives
• Programs building local capacity (training healthcare workers, supporting governments)

Recent Successful Partnership Examples

• Tampa Family Health Centers (2025): Nutrition program addressing social determinants of health - $150,000
• Northwestern University (2024): STEM education expansion - $2.6 million
• UNICEF Egypt (2024): Climate-resilient WASH services - $2.5 million
• Direct Relief (2023): Community health center nutrition programs - $1 million+ total
• Children's Health Fund (2023): School-based telehealth programs - $100,000
• Operation Smile India (2019): Year-round surgical care centers - $2.2 million

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Invitation-only model: The Foundation no longer accepts unsolicited proposals. Focus on building relationships through Baxter employee engagement, local facility connections, or partnerships with their strategic partners (Direct Relief, UNICEF, Operation Smile, AHA).

2. Geographic presence is critical: The Foundation explicitly prioritizes communities where Baxter has "a significant corporate presence." Research Baxter facility locations before pursuing this funder.

3. Think multi-year and large-scale: The Foundation focuses on "Signature Partnerships" rather than one-time grants. Proposals should demonstrate capacity for sustained partnership of 3+ years and significant reach.

4. Align with strategic focus areas: Projects must clearly address at least one of three priorities: access to healthcare, STEM education, or community resilience, with emphasis on innovation and sustainability.

5. Leverage intermediary partnerships: Organizations unable to access the Foundation directly should explore opportunities through Direct Relief's Transformative Innovation Awards, the Foster G. McGaw Prize through AHA, or UNICEF's WASH programs.

6. Demonstrate employee engagement potential: The Foundation values "engaging Baxter employees in its philanthropic work." Projects offering meaningful volunteer opportunities for Baxter's workforce may have an advantage.

7. Sustainability and capacity are essential: The Foundation looks for "evidence of the organization's capacity to accomplish its goals and continue the project post grant period." Strong evaluation frameworks and sustainability plans are critical.

References

1. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - The Baxter Foundation (EIN: 36-3159396). Form 990 data accessed February 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/363159396

2. Baxter International Inc. Corporate Website - Championing Our People and Communities. Accessed February 2026. https://www.baxter.com/our-story/corporate-responsibility/championing-our-people-and-communities-0

3. CauseIQ - The Baxter International Foundation Profile. Accessed February 2026. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/baxter,363159396/

4. Charity Navigator - The Baxter Foundation Profile. Accessed February 2026. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/363159396

5. Foundation Directory Online (Candid) - Baxter Foundation Profile. Accessed February 2026. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=AMER039

6. Inside Philanthropy - Baxter International Foundation. Accessed February 2026. https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/grants-b/baxter-international-foundation

7. Direct Relief Press Release. "Direct Relief, Baxter Foundation Announce 2025 Transformative Innovation Awards in Community Health." November 2025. https://www.directrelief.org/2025/11/direct-relief-baxter-foundation-announce-2025-transformative-innovation-awards-in-community-health/

8. Baxter Newsroom. "The Baxter Foundation Announces $2.6M Grant to Advance STEM Education in Chicagoland Through Partnership with Northwestern University." November 2025. https://www.baxter.com/baxter-newsroom/baxter-foundation-announces-26m-grant-advance-stem-education-chicagoland-through

9. Baxter Newsroom. "The Baxter International Foundation and UNICEF Partner to Expand Access to Safe Water and Sanitation in Egypt." 2024. https://www.baxter.com/baxter-newsroom/baxter-international-foundation-and-unicef-partner-expand-access-safe-water-and

10. Baxter Newsroom. "The Baxter International Foundation and UNICEF USA Announce Partnership to Improve Water Security in Colombia." 2021-2024. https://www.baxter.com/baxter-newsroom/baxter-international-foundation-and-unicef-usa-announce-partnership-improve-water

11. Business Wire. "The Baxter International Foundation Commits $2 Million+ to Operation Smile Care Centers in India." June 4, 2019. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190604005284/en

12. American Hospital Association. "Foster G. McGaw Prize." Accessed February 2026. https://www.aha.org/fostermcgaw

13. Baxter Newsroom. "The Baxter International Foundation Announces $3 Million In New Grants To Organizations Working To Advance Racial Justice." https://www.baxter.com/baxter-newsroom/baxter-international-foundation-announces-3-million-new-grants-organizations

14. Direct Relief Press Release. "Direct Relief, Baxter International Foundation Announce 2023 Transformative Innovation Awards in Community Health." October 2023. https://www.directrelief.org/2023/10/direct-relief-baxter-international-foundation-announce-2023-transformative-innovation-awards-in-community-health/

15. FundsforNGOs. "Baxter International Foundation: Community Grants Program." Accessed February 2026. https://www2.fundsforngos.org/latest-funds-for-ngos/baxter-international-foundation-community-grants-program-underprivileged-individuals/