Following natural disasters and in times of national crisis, America’s private sector steps up to aid the states. We are proud of the herculean efforts of CSG Leadership Circle and Associates, our private sector members, as we combat COVID-19 together. Associates in Action articles highlight CSG Associates’ philanthropic efforts and public-private partnerships throughout the states.
Alkermes, a CSG Leadership Circle and CSG Justice Center Business Council member, recognizes the significant and critical challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought on populations central to its mission, including people living with addiction, serious mental illness or a cancer diagnosis. To address urgent COVID-19-related needs in the communities it currently serves, Alkermes is activating a special edition of its program, Alkermes Inspiration Grants, called the Alkermes COVID-19 Relief Fund.
Since 2016, Alkermes Inspiration Grants has awarded $3 million in funding to innovative programs that support the comprehensive needs of those most impacted by serious diseases in its areas of focus. Historically, applicants and grant program recipients have included a broad variety of organizations, from large advocacy groups and academic institutions to small grass roots organizations in rural communities who are all working to make a difference. Alkermes recognizes that the large volume of high-quality applications demonstrates the necessity for funding to support impactful, community-based programs.
Through the COVID-19 Relief Fund, Alkermes will award a total of up to $500,000 in grants in 2020 to support innovative and impactful programs designed to address acute and long-term challenges that patients, caregivers and family members face as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic across the U.S. The application period will run through May 20, 2020.
Alkermes recognizes that COVID-19 has introduced serious and substantial challenges to the patient communities central to the company’s mission, along with their families and caregivers. The goal of the Alkermes COVID-19 Relief Fund is to support programs designed to address both acute and long-term challenges that people in these communities may face as a result of the pandemic.
This grant initiative is intended to complement charitable contributions that Alkermes has made to support local food and care programs for schoolchildren and the elderly, along with sourcing/supplying PPE for local healthcare providers, in the communities where Alkermes employees live and work. Alkermes is seeking to support programs with a broad geographic reach across the U.S. that can be implemented within a short time frame and have the potential to lead to sustained impact beyond the immediate crisis.
“The patient communities we serve — including those living with or impacted by substance use disorders, serious mental illness or a cancer diagnosis — are particularly vulnerable to the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Richard Pops, chief executive officer of Alkermes. “Alkermes is committed to supporting these communities by funding innovative programs that can have an immediate and positive effect on those with acute needs. The Alkermes COVID-19 Relief Fund is a reflection of our belief that we are stronger together, and we look forward to supporting grantees as they work to make a lasting, real-world impact.”
For more information on the Alkermes COVID-19 Relief Fund, including the application, submission instructions and evaluation criteria, please visit: https://www.alkermes.com/responsibility