Learn more about grants for diseases by exploring Inside Philanthropy’s list of top disease nonprofits below. Subscribers can also explore funders using our Grantfinder Search Tool. Become a member today. 

Funding Trends

Grants for diseases support research into prevention, treatment, and cures; awareness campaigns to increase public understanding of diseases; multipronged efforts to eradicate diseases; direct services for patients; and emergency response for disease-related crises like pandemics. Disease-related philanthropy also includes efforts like increasing access to safe drinking water, which can reduce sanitation-related diseases, or funding the training and hiring of community health workers whose front-line care can reduce the burden of disease.

Much funding in this area comes from people who have survived or are struggling with a particular disease, or their loved ones — for example, Michael J. Fox’s giving for Parkinson’s and the Rainin Foundation’s grants related to inflammatory bowel disease. Those examples reflect another way this area of giving is vast and diverse: Funding related to diseases encompasses many diseases, including childhood diseases, the many types of cancer, and diabetes.

These funders tend to focus on a particular disease, such as infectious diseases or noncommunicable diseases, or a certain type of cancer. And not all diseases receive equal support from philanthropy; additionally, funding priorities are affected by such factors as personal connection, potential for impact, and stigma.

Much of the funding in this area goes to large institutions like biomedical science research universities and hospitals. There are also grants for doctors and scientists, and increasingly, grants for cross-disciplinary collaborative teams of researchers. The Elton John AIDS Foundation stands out as one of relatively few funders that consistently supports front-line work and gets resources to marginalized communities.

Though the cost of treating a disease can be enormous, there is little institutional philanthropy going to support individual patients. In the United States, which lacks a universal public healthcare system, gaps in financial resources for individual patients’ expenses are often filled by crowdfunding, with friends, family, and even strangers making individual, non-tax-deductible gifts.

As in most sectors of philanthropy, funders are increasingly taking diversity and equity into consideration. In philanthropy for diseases, this includes working to understand how economic and social issues contribute to health disparities, or supporting increased diversity in clinical trials. 

Other trends in disease-related philanthropy include support for collaboration across disciplines and institutions, as well as venture philanthropy initiatives such as the Parkinson’s Foundation’s Venture Philanthropy Fund to support drug discovery and development, and the Mark Foundation’s investments in cancer research startups. 


National / Multi-State Funders

ABBOTT FUND

Abbott funds at both the national and international levels. It’s disease grantmaking is country specific and focuses on HIV/AIDS and noncommunicable diseases. Work here addresses diabetes, cancer, and other diseases as part of its development work.

ABBVIE FOUNDATION

AbbVie’s grantmaking for diseases works to improve access to healthcare and standards of care in low- and middle-income countries around the world. In particular, it supports HIV/AIDS and neglected tropical diseases. Since joining forces with the Allergan Foundation, it’s giving for diseases might evolve to address more ophthalmological diseases and disorders, as well as well-known diseases.

DR. MIRIAM AND SHELDON G. ADELSON MEDICAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION

AMRF's priority funding areas are neurology, oncology and immunology. The most distinctive thing about this funder is its big emphasis on collaboration as key to faster breakthroughs in medical research. 

AEGON TRANSAMERICA FOUNDATION

The Aegon Transamerica Foundation tends to award grants s to support general operating costs rather than specific projects.

AINSLIE FOUNDATION

The Ainslie Foundation makes grants in a variety of areas but prioritizes support for education, health, and the environment.

DANNY ALBERTS FOUNDATION

This foundation’s disease grants prioritize bipolar disorder.

ALBERTSONS COMPANIES FOUNDATION

Albertsons' disease-related giving primarily goes to cancer programs in research, preventative testing, and access to alternative care.

ALLIANCE FOR CANCER GENE THERAPY

This foundation disease grantmaking centers entirely on researching and finding cures for specific cancers, which change in focus every few years.

ALPHAWOOD FOUNDATION

The Alphawood Foundation’s grantmaking for diseases addresses HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness.

ALS ASSOCIATION

The ALS Association dedicates the majority of its funding to new drug discoveries and improved therapies toward ALS treatments.

AMERICAN LEGION CHILD WELFARE FOUNDATION

Rather than support a specific disease-related program, the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation prefers to support a variety of disease-related organizations and causes.

AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION

AMA’s grantmaking for diseases works to prevent and manage Type 2 diabetes and hypertension for vulnerable and underserved populations.

AMETEK FOUNDATION

The Ametek Foundation offers broad support for medical research and care at hospitals.

FRED C. AND KATHERINE B. ANDERSEN FOUNDATION

The Andersen Foundation invests in disease organizations, research institutes, academic institutions, and healthcare centers across the United States.

ANDERSEN CORPORATE FOUNDATION

While diseases are not a stated priority, the foundation does make disease grants to major, national disease-related organizations such as the American Diabetes Association and the Sight and Hearing Association.

ANTHEM FOUNDATION

Anthem awards grants in 24 states in which the company operates. The foundation focuses on preventative measures in cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.

AON FOUNDATION

Though not a major source of funding for this grantmaker, Aon supports disease-related nonprofits that address ALS, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, MS, heart health, cancer and pediatric concerns.

ASTRAZENECA HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION

The philanthropic arm of the pharma company supports public education about healthcare issues, with a particular interest in heart health in the U.S.

AT&T FOUNDATION

While AT&T doesn't have a dedicated grant program for work in disease, it makes many modest grants to disease-related organizations throughout the country.

SIDLEY AUSTIN FOUNDATION

The Sidley Austin Foundation supports disease-related organizations across the United States.

AVON FOUNDATION FOR WOMEN

This funder supports breast cancer issues including access to care, education, screening and scientific research. Many grants are $100,000 to $150,000.

CAMERON AND JANE BAIRD FOUNDATION

The Cameron and Jane Baird Foundation support a variety of disease-related organizations across the United States; however, it does not make a large number of such grants each year.

B.W. BASTIAN FOUNDATION

Bastian’s disease work centers on various aspects of HIV/AIDS and the LGBTQ community.

BAXTER INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION

The Baxter International Foundation mainly supports disease-related organizations based in the United States.

BAYER FUND

The Bayer Funds’ grants for diseases primarily center on cancers and cardiovascular diseases.

BD BIOSCIENCES

This company awards immunology and cancer grants to scientists and research institutions annually. These grants are made for research only, and not toward diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.

BD FOUNDATION

BD’s disease work benefits the global health space and often supports pandemics, maternal health, and a variety of diseases.

BLOOMBERG PHILANTHROPIES

Bloomberg’s grants for diseases addresses COVID-19, cardiovascular health, and other causes.

BNSF RAILWAY FOUNDATION

BNSF's grants back diverse disease-related organizations. The application may take up to a year.  

BOSTON SCIENTIFIC FOUNDATION

This funder supports disease prevention and awareness programs in four U.S. geographic regions, with a focus on noncommunicable diseases. It typically provides one-year program support.

WILLIAM K. BOWES, JR. FOUNDATION

The low-profile foundation of a long-time venture capitalist prioritizes cancer researchers at academic institutions. .  

BRIGHT FOCUS FOUNDATION

Medical research for diseases focus on macular degeneration and Alzheimer’s.

BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB FOUNDATION

The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation’s disease grantmaking focus in the U.S. revolves around lung and skin cancer, and HIV in vulnerable populations.

BROAD FOUNDATION

Broad's funding focuses on the two main disorders of inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. 

DANA AND ALBERT BROCCOLI CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

The Dana and Albert Broccoli Charitable Foundation supports disease organizations around the country.

BROOKDALE FOUNDATION GROUP

Brookdale actually comprises three groups whose giving focuses on Alzheimer's and other types of dementia.

BURROUGHS WELLCOME FUND

The Burroughs Wellcome Fund awards grants across a wide range of biomedical interests including the fields of infectious disease, reproductive health, science education, and population science. 

CALAMUS FOUNDATION

This foundation’s disease-related work centers on HIV/AIDS.

CAPITAL GROUPS COMPANIES CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

The Capital Groups Companies Charitable Foundation invests in various disease-related organizations and causes across the United States.

CARTER CENTER

Many of Carter’s global health initiatives address diseases and other health concerns caused by parasites.

CELANESE FOUNDATION

The Celanese Foundation awards grants to a variety of disease organizations around the country. It does not name specific diseases of interest to fund.

DONALD AND CAROLE CHAIKEN FOUNDATION

The Donald and Carole Chaiken Foundation funds disease-related organizations across the United States.

CHATLOS FOUNDATION

Chatlos is a largely religious-oriented funder, but about a quarter of its grants back "medical concerns," an area in which it's non-sectarian. It's also agnostic in its disease-related support, giving to a range of causes.   

CHDI FOUNDATION

This funder supports researchers working to slow the progression of Huntington’s disease and produce clinical benefits. It funds and works with HD researchers and universities around the world.

STEVEN AND ALEXANDRA COHEN FOUNDATION

The family’s personal health concerns drive its foundation’s disease-related giving.

CONCERN FOUNDATION

This approachable funder awards grants to early-career researchers studying cancer immunology, genetics and cell biology. It awards about 20 grants each year.

CONQUER CANCER FOUNDATION

The Conquer Cancer Foundation offers grants, awards and fellowships supporting clinical and translational cancer research to physician scientists in every career stage. 

WALLACE H. COULTER FOUNDATION

The Wallace H. Coulter Foundation supports disease organizations in the United States and around the world.

CRAIGLIST CHARITABLE FUND

This foundation has broad interests in disease prevention and research.

CVS HEALTH FOUNDATION

The CVS Health Foundation’s disease-related grants invest in local, regional, and national organizations.

CURCI FOUNDATION

This foundation invests in research into disease prevention and treatment.

CUREPSP FOUNDATION

CurePSP supports researchers studying prime-of-life neurodegenerative diseases, particularly PSP, CBD, MSA, FTD, CTE, and ALS.

DALIO FOUNDATION

The Dalio Family Foundation’s funding interests are broad and go beyond the stated interests listed on its one-page website. Its disease-related grantmaking is no exception.

DAMON RUNYON CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION

This funder backs the best early-career cancer researchers it can identify and backs risky projects. Grants are awarded through six award programs.

LEONARD AND SOPHIE DAVIS FUND

Grants for disease focus on a handful of specific diseases.

DE BEAUMONT FOUNDATION

The de Beaumont Foundation is primarily a public health funder, but also funds the intersection between health, disease prevention and research, as well as between a variety of fields, such as community and economic development, nonprofit development, housing, human services, and higher education.

MICHAEL AND SUSAN DELL FOUNDATION

The Dell Foundation makes grants in pediatric research into chronic childhood diseases. Dell also has childhood health initiatives for organizations working in India and South Africa.

WILLIAM H. DONNER FOUNDATION

The Donner Foundation continues to support cancer research as well as research on other diseases.

DORIS DUKE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

Doris Duke’s Medical Research Program awards grants to “…support the prevention, treatment and cure of human diseases.” 

EMERSON CHARITABLE TRUST

The Emerson Charitable Trust supports a variety of broad disease-related projects across the United States.

EMERSON COLLECTIVE

The Emerson Collective funds research into cancer detection and treatment methods.

ENTERPRISE HOLDINGS FOUNDATION

The Enterprise Holdings Foundation broadly awards grants to disease organizations across the United States despite not maintaining a program in the area. It does not name specific areas of disease-related interest or strategies preferring to fund work related to diseases more broadly.

EPPLEY FOUNDATION FOR RESEARCH

Eppley does not have a program dedicated to diseases, but it sometimes conducts research into major diseases.

LELAND FIKES FOUNDATION

While the Fikes Foundation does not state its specific priorities, tax filings suggest it has an interest in cancer research.

FIRSTENERGY FOUNDATION

FirstEnergy gives modest amounts to disease-focused organizations under its health and safety initiative. Grants are limited to organizations located in regions where FirstEnergy operates or provides services.

LAUREN AND LEE FIXEL FAMILY FOUNDATION

The Fixel Family Foundation broadly awards grants to disease related organizations across the United States. It does not focus on funding specific diseases.

FOSTER FOUNDATION

Foster funds biomedical, cancer, HIV/AIDS, as well as treatment centers and hospitals. Grants are limited to outfits in the Pacific Northwest states, or to work that benefits that region.

FOUNDATION FIGHTING BLINDNESS

The Foundation Fighting Blindness funds a wide range of research that addresses retinal diseases.

MICHAEL J. FOX FOUNDATION

This funder supports research that keeps the Parkinson’s drug development pipeline flowing, hopefully leading to better treatment and an eventual cure for Parkinson’s disease. 

FRIEDMAN FAMILY FOUNDATION

After Jewish causes, tax records indicate that support for health and healthcare access is the foundation’s largest priority. It provides grants for large medical institutions and diseases research outfits.

DAVID GEFFEN FOUNDATION

The David Geffen Foundation invests in a wide range of disease-related organizations across the United States. It does not name specific areas interest regarding disease-related grantmaking.

GEOFFREY BEENE FOUNDATION

Geoffrey Beene’s disease support is focused on cancer research and an Alzheimer’s initiative. Grants go towards prevention, treatments, awareness and research. 

GENENTECH FOUNDATION

The Genentech Foundation invests in disease-related services such as patient outreach, disease education, and health screenings.

GENERAL MOTORS FOUNDATION

The target beneficiary groups of the foundation’s awards grants to disease support and research organizations around the country.  

GENZYME CORPORATION

Genzyme funds initiatives related to rare genetic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, multiple sclerosis, and thyroid cancer. It has a global funding reach and donates millions of dollars each year.

ROSALINDE AND ARTHUR GILBERT FOUNDATION

This funder provides awards to nonprofits, agencies, and universities in Alzheimer’s research and caregiving. It also funds childhood diabetes and obesity prevention causes as part of its healthcare initiative.

GILDER FOUNDATION

The Gilder Foundation broadly supports a number of disease organizations across the United States.

GILEAD FOUNDATION

The philanthropic arm of the biopharma company concentrates giving on HIV/AIDS, liver disease, hematology and oncology, inflammatory and respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular conditions. Gives for research, patient knowledge, access to care, and more.

GLOBAL FUND TO FIGHT AIDS, TUBERCULOSIS AND MALARIA

The Global Fund partners with many of its grantees on program and intervention evaluations, sharing its data with the public via its online databases and publications.

GRAINGER FOUNDATION

Offers nationwide funding to local chapters of large national organizations, but has room for smaller, local groups. It's the charitable arm of the industrial supply company.

HEXBERG FAMILY FOUNDATION

The Hexberg Family Foundation does not have a specific grantmaking program dedicated to disease organizations; however, it awards a number of grants to related organizations.

LYDA HILL FOUNDATION

Lyda Hill doesn't make many grants for disease, but they tend to be large, and usually go to large institutions. Cancer is a top priority.

ARMIN AND ESTHER HIRSCH FOUNDATION

The Armin and Esther Hirsch Foundation broadly funds disease-related organizations across the United States.

GRAHAM AND CAROLYN HOLLOWAY FAMILY FOUNDATION

Awards grants to groups working with the elderly, disadvantaged children, those with developmental or physical disabilities, and the chronically or terminally ill. It makes awards to Alzheimer’s and cancer research. 

HELMSLEY CHARITABLE TRUST

Helmsley focuses its grantmaking on type 1 diabetes, Crohn’s, and irritable bowel disease. Grants tend to go to large organizations, but it sometimes funds smaller organizations.

HEARST FOUNDATIONS

Supports research, intervention, patient quality of life, underserved populations, elderly and children. Promotes the next generation of health professionals and scientists.

HIGHMARK FOUNDATION

Highmark awards grants to organizations whose work revolves around the nation’s most widespread chronic diseases, including diabetes and heart disease. 

CONRAD HILTON FOUNDATION

Hilton's U.S. disease-related grants are awarded to organizations working with individuals suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS) as well as research facilities that focus their work on the disease.

KENT RICHARD HOFFMAN FOUNDATION

The Hoffman Foundation invests in organizations that dedicate themselves to addressing HIV/AIDS across the country.

HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE

HHMI does not require its researchers to study a specific list of diseases. It awards flexible funding grants that allow scientists to explore their research in any manner they see fit. 

INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL OUTREACH

This foundation makes grants for medical education and medicine that addresses parasitic infections in children.

JACKMAN FAMILY FOUNDATION

The Jackman Family Foundation broadly awards grants to a variety of disease-related organizations across the United States. It does not name specific disease interests.

GUTHY JACKSON CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

This funder exclusively supports prevention, treatment and cure research for neuromyelitis optica (NMO) spectrum disease. It funds prominent research facilities and institutions of higher education.

MARY KAY FOUNDATION

Mary Kay’s Cancer Research program is primarily concerned with “eliminating cancers affecting women.”

ANNA-MARIA AND STEPHEN KELLEN FOUNDATION

The Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation awards grants to disease organizations located across the country; however, it appears to prioritize East Coast-based organizations.

KLARMAN FAMILY FOUNDATION

The Klarman Family Foundation’s medical research grantmaking generally prioritizes work on eating disorders and cellular biology.

ELTON JOHN AIDS FOUNDATION

EJAF is a major grantmaker in the HIV/AIDS space, and isn’t scared of funding gritty, front-lines work. Its efforts reach some of the most marginalized groups in the United States. 

ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON FOUNDATION

RWJF awards grants toward preventative measures for chronic diseases. The foundation doesn’t support basic biomedical research, nor does it support work in any specific diseases outside of its focus areas.

JPB FOUNDATION

JPB has been providing sizable grants to researchers working on Parkinson's disease and diabetes, but says it will expand its list of disease funding targets. Grants go to consortiums of scientists rather than individuals.

JP MORGAN CHASE FOUNDATION

The JP Morgan Chase Foundation supports local, regional, and national disease organizations.  

KATE SPADE & COMPANY FOUNDATION

The Kate Spade and Company Foundation invests in a variety of disease-related organizations across the United States.

RACHEL AND DREW KATZ FOUNDATION

The Rachel and Drew Katz Foundation funds diverse disease-related organizations across the United States.

MARY KAY FOUNDATION

Disease-related grants from the Mary Kay Foundation support research into cancers that affect women, including but not limited to breast, cervical, uterine, and ovarian cancers.

W.M. KECK FOUNDATION

Keck's Medical Research Program grants tend to come in at $2 million or less, though grants can range from between $500,000 to $5 million. Keck likes taking risks in its grant funding. 

SUSAN G. KOMEN FOUNDATION

The Susan G. Komen Foundation supports research on breast cancer treatments, prevention and detection at leading medical schools and institutes across the U.S. It also supports breast cancer patients experiencing financial distress.

MARIE-JOSÉE AND HENRY R. KRAVIS FOUNDATION

The Kravis Foundation supports major medical institutions and universities in the areas of disease research and health care.

KROGER COMPANY FOUNDATION

The Kroger Company Foundation funds organizations in communities where Kroger and Kroger brand companies operate.

LEFKOFSKY FAMILY FOUNDATION

The foundation of a Groupon founder is keenly interested in medical research, particularly cancer. Much of the foundation's grantmaking is directed to large medical institutions and university medical schools. 

LIVESTRONG FOUNDATION

The LIVESTRONG Foundation provides support to cancer survivors, caregivers and healthcare professionals. Its grantmaking funds projects for cancer research, treatment and care.

MARQUIS GEORGE MACDONALD FOUNDATION

Most (but not all) support goes to large, national groups. While grants tend to be modest in amount, MacDonald supports a wide range of disease-related projects.

MAJESTIC REALTY FOUNDATION

The philanthropic arm of the real estate development firm tends to support health causes with modest grants to groups working in the eight regions of the country where the company operates.

ROBERT MAPPLETHORPE FOUNDATION

The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation focuses disease-related grants on HIV/AIDS.

MARCUS FOUNDATION

Disease-related grantmaking is pretty broad at Marcus. It does have a history of supporting research in cancer, innovative therapies to treat heart disease and autism, pathology, ALS, and diseases affecting the brain.

J. WILLARD AND ALICE S. MARRIOTT FOUNDATION

The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation’s disease related grantmaking invests in medical research, hospitals, mental health, and disease specific programs; however, it does not name interest in specific disease areas.

MATTEL FOUNDATION

Mattel’s grantmaking for health and diseases appears to emphasize programs for children who are affected by AIDS, pediatric cancers and juvenile diabetes.

MAXIMUS FOUNDATION

The MAXIMUS Foundation does not have specific areas of focus for its disease related grants.

MCJ AMELIOR FOUNDATION

Funds a broad range of disease-related organizations nationally, with perhaps some favoritism to East Coast and New Jersey outfits.

MCKESSON FOUNDATION

McKesson supports larger national disease-related groups as well as local and grassroots outfits. It also supports a wide variety of disease causes.

ROBERT AND JANICE MCNAIR FOUNDATION

Beginning late last decade, the couple began to focus on medical research in breast and pancreatic cancer, diabetes, and the neurosciences.

MEDTRONIC FOUNDATION

Medtronic’s grantmaking focus is in noncommunicable diseases, access to care, health education, and other projects with a public health focus. Generally speaking, it doesn't fund research.

MELANOMA RESEARCH ALLIANCE

The MRA brings together other foundations, academic institutions and biopharma companies to leverage funding for research. 

MERCK COMPANY FOUNDATION

Merck has concluded its HIV and asthma initiatives. For now, its U.S.-based grantmaking is focused on type 2 diabetes. 

MICHELSON MEDICAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION

The Michelson Medical Research Foundation (MMRF) supports forward thinking initiatives in medical science by leveraging the collaboration of engineers, scientists, and physicians to solve real world problems, rapidly moving medical advancements into our society.

MILKEN FAMILY FOUNDATION

This funder’s basic and medical research largely focuses on cancer causes, treatments, and cures. The founder, Mike Milken, also established the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

AMBROSE MONELL FOUNDATION

The Ambrose Monell Foundation invests in an array of projects related to disease research and treatment.

MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS FOUNDATION

The Motorola Solutions Foundation, philanthropic arm of its corporate communications and technology giant, invests in both local and national disease-related organizations.

NAILBA CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

The NAILBA Charitable Foundation invests in local and grassroots groups that support vulnerable populations, specifically children. 

NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY

This funder awards grants to support multiple sclerosis studies through research, training, pilot research, commercial funding, patient management/care/rehabilitation research, and health care delivery/policy research.

NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR RARE DISORDERS (NORD) 

NORD offers research grants to individual academic scientists as well as organizations studying rare diseases. NORD is not a federal grant program, but it does advocate on behalf of the FDA and NIH.

NEWMAN’S OWN FOUNDATION

This foundation’s grants for diseases focus on children with serious medical conditions.

OMRON FOUNDATION

The Omron Foundation awards grants to support the prevention, treatment and research of a heart disease, stroke and childhood illnesses.

OPEN PHILANTHROPY PROJECT

Grantmaking sourced from the human health program supports “tractable and cost-effective research on the world’s most burdensome diseases” and has prioritized heart disease, cancers and malaria in recent years. The foundation also gives to projects that support pandemic-preparedness.

WILLIAM AND ELLA OWENS MEDICAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION

Prefers to back Texas-based organizations, but some grants go out of state. Awards sizable grants for the study of disease including macular degeneration, breast cancer, diabetes and Parkinson's.

PANCREATIC CANCER ACTION NETWORK

Fast-growing outfit helps people affected by pancreatic cancer and provides millions in funding for research into treatment, including precision medicine and early detection.

PEPSICO FOUNDATION

The PepsiCo Foundation awards a wide variety of disease-related organizations in the United States.

PERELMAN FAMILY FOUNDATION

The Perelman Family Foundation and the Perelman Family Charitable Trust represent the philanthropy of the billionaire Ronald O. Perelman. Giving encompasses higher education, health, diseases, Jewish causes, arts and culture and mental health.

NANDO AND ELSA PERETTI FOUNDATION

The Peretti Foundation supports research on the effectiveness of treatments for various diseases, prioritizing projects at universities and research institutions in Italy.

PERSHING SQUARE FOUNDATION

Pershing Square is emerging as a solid health funder. The majority of the foundation’s health philanthropy centers around a cancer research collaborative.  

PFIZER FOUNDATION

Pfizer has a decent-sized list of disease-specific research interests—mostly non-communicable diseases, though it occasionally funds research into infectious diseases.

POLO RALPH LAUREN FOUNDATION

The Polo Ralph Lauren Foundation supports disease-related organizations across the United States.

POSES FAMILY FOUNDATION

Poses doesn't have specific disease grants, but gives to diverse disease-related groups. A big supporter of outfits supporting people with disabilities and learning and attention issues. Disease grants mostly go to big national orgs, but sometimes to local and regional groups.

FRANK AND DENISE QUATTRONE FOUNDATION

The Quattrone Foundation invests in various disease-related organizations across the United States.

RAINBOW WORLD FUND

Grants for diseases work to uplift the LGBTQ community around the world.

KENNETH RAININ FOUNDATION

This funder's health giving only focuses on inflammatory bowel disease. It is receptive to risky ventures, and seeks grantees that will embark on interdisciplinary ventures.

JEROME ROBBINS FOUNDATION

Following the AIDS crisis of the 1980s, the foundation also supports organizations providing health services to those affected by the disease.

ROBBINS FAMILY FOUNDATION

The Robbins Family Foundation was set up by hedge fund star Larry Robbins and gives health grants mostly in New York and Illinois, with a primary focus on cancer. 

ROBERTSON FOUNDATION

Robertson funds “game changing medical research.”

ROCKEFELLER FOUNDATION

The prospects for disease-related grants at Rockefeller look pretty grim. Since ending its grantmaking for global disease surveillance, Rockefeller has shifted its focus away from disease-driven research.

ROSENTHAL FAMILY FOUNDATION

Rosenthal provides generally modest grants to national disease-related groups as well as smaller outfits. 

ROYAL SOCIETY OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE

RSTMH names several specific tropical diseases among its grantmaking priorities.

SALESFORCE FOUNDATION

The Salesforce Foundation does not specify its disease research priorities; however, it funds disease-related organizations and projects both locally and nationally.

SANDLER FOUNDATION

Sandler invests heavily in asthma research and basic scientific research. While it has plenty of resources and doesn't shy away from placing big, risky bets, most grantseekers will find this funder inaccessible. 

SECUNDA FAMILY FOUNDATION

The Secunda Foundation has made broad and modest donations to disease-related organizations and health-care institutions.

SEMPRA FOUNDATION

Funded by Sempra Energy, grants for diseases focus on organizations in California.

SIDGMORE FOUNDATION

This family foundation’s disease-related grantmaking focuses on the fields of audiology and cardiology. Sidgmore tends to favor outfits in Metro D.C., but it does make grants to a few large national organizations. 

SIMONS FOUNDATION

The Simons Foundation supports research into the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of autism.

PAUL E. SINGER FOUNDATION

The Paul E. Singer Foundation broadly awards health grants across the United States to support healthcare delivery innovations.

ALAN B. SLIFKA FOUNDATION

The Alan B. Slifka Foundation funds a wide array of biomedical research studies concerning sarcoma, melanoma, Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome.

SONTAG FOUNDATION

Partnering with the Arthritis National Research Foundation, the Sontag Foundation awards $75,000 annually to a single promising scientist working on rheumatoid arthritis breakthroughs. For Sontag, it's all about impact.

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES

Southwest Airlines launched their Medical Transportation Grant Program in order to support “much-needed assistance to medical patients and their family members who are traveling for specialized life-saving or life-changing medical care.”

ALEXANDER AND MARGARET STEWART TRUST

Pediatric illnesses and cancer are giving priorities at Stewart. The trust tends to favor organizations located in D.C., Maryland and Virginia in its grantmaking.  

ST. JUDE MEDICAL FOUNDATION

The St. Jude Medical Foundation supports organizations working with individuals suffering from chronic cardiac conditions and chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia and arthritis.

ST. BALDRICK'S

St. Baldrick’s is the leading all-volunteer cancer charity. It’s given millions to fund childhood cancer research, and its grantmaking process is highly accessible to researchers in this field. 

T. ROWE PRICE FOUNDATION

The T. Rowe Price Foundation awards disease related grants or organizations operating in the United States.

LASZLO N. TAUBER FAMILY FOUNDATION

The Tauber Family Foundation focuses its disease grantmaking on research, clinical trials and public outreach, especially involving breast cancer.

NANCY TAYLOR FOUNDATION FOR CHRONIC DISEASES

Supports the study of a broad range of chronic diseases, including rare and underfunded conditions.

ROBERT AND JAIMIE TAYLOR FOUNDATION

The Robert and Jaimie Taylor Foundation is an under-the-radar funder that supports a variety of disease-based organizations across the United States.

JOHN TEMPLETON FOUNDATION

This foundation funds scientific research in a range of sectors, including genetics, biological sciences and neuroscience. Grants are awarded nationally and internationally.

EDWARD AND DELLA THOME MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

Thome mainly funds common diseases of aging. It's an accessible funder, but is managed by the Bank of America, and it may be hard to form relationships with program officers. Makes few but substantial grants.

TJX FOUNDATION

This discount retailer’s foundation awards disease-related grants through its health program. The areas of focus for TJX are medical research and the treatment of chronic and congenital diseases.

THRASHER RESEARCH FUND

This funder supports efforts to prevent, treat, and cure a wide range of diseases that affect children. Funding goes to early-career physicians and researchers, as well as experienced doctoral-level principal investigators.

TOW FOUNDATION

Tow’s recent grantmaking for disease research has focused on neurodegenerative diseases, cancer and the role of genomics in identifying and curing diseases.

TURING FOUNDATION

The Turing Foundation supports research on the diagnosis and treatment of leprosy.

UNITED HEALTH FOUNDATION

The charitable arm of UnitedHealth Group doesn't have a program in diseases, but it supports groups addressing Alzheimer's, cancer and heart disease. 

V FOUNDATION

The V Foundation for Cancer Research offers several programs to fund cancer research across the United States.

VERIZON FOUNDATION

Verizon focuses on improving the quality of life for underserved communities. Nationwide funding and a wide range of grant subjects make it an enticing potential grantmaker. However, grants are relatively small.

WALMART FOUNDATION

The Walmart Foundation gives widely in this area, making grants throughout the country and to diverse disease-related organizations. 

WALTHER CANCER FOUNDATION

The Walther Cancer Foundation has a geographical and academic focus—it gives mostly to Midwest universities. As the name implies, its grants go almost entirely to cancer-related causes. 

WASSERMAN FOUNDATION

Funding goes to diverse disease causes and healthcare providers, generally to large national organizations rather than smaller outfits. 

WELLS FARGO FOUNDATION

The Wells Fargo Foundation broadly funds local, regional, and national disease organizations across the United States.

WILF FAMILY FOUNDATIONS

The Wilf Foundations give regularly to hospital systems, medical colleges and disease research institutes. Giving in these areas is mainly limited to the U.S.

WUNDERKINDER FOUNDATION

The Wunderkinder Foundation broadly supports disease organizations in the United States.

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