UCB's Global Corporate Website

About the Fund

The UCB Community Health Fund was first launched in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund, managed by the King Baudouin Foundation, aims to address health disparities amongst vulnerable populations.

In accordance with the WHO's philosopy on healthcare, UCB adopts a holistic view on health, encompassing physical, mental and social well-being. Through the Community Health Fund, UCB can support the health of vulnerable populations such as racial and ethnic minorities, children, older people, socio-economically disadvantaged persons, un(der)insured or those with certain medical conditions (not related to UCB therapeutic areas nor assets) in the countries where UCB is active. As a purpose-driven company, we believe it is important to support our communities and care for those most in need.

 

Helping organizations since 2020

Since its establishment in 2020, the UCB Community Health Fund supported over 200 projects around the globe. 

Conversation with the Community Health Fund grantee, Ideas Foundation’s Chief Executive, Heather MacRae

Our Mission


The UCB Community Health Fund supports vulnerable people facing economic and health disadvantage across countries in which UCB has offices. As a global fund, it helps vulnerable people such as racial and ethnic minorities, children, older people, socio-economically disadvantaged persons, un(der)insured, or those with certain medical conditions not related to therapeutic areas nor assets of UCB. Members of these vulnerable populations often have health conditions that are exacerbated by inadequate access to healthcare resources.

As a company with a strong purpose and dedication to create value for patients, now and into the future we know that through our strategic choices and daily business we can contribute the most to improve the health of people with severe diseases, including those from vulnerable groups. With the UCB Community Health Fund we want to address important issues that are outside of our business scope.

Funding impact

The UCB Community Health Fund takes a long-term view. Successful applications for support will aim to have a lasting positive impact. The funding will build and strengthen relationships between UCB, communities, and stakeholders.

Since its establishment in 2020, the UCB Community Health Fund has awarded a total of €6.5 million to over 140 projects around the globe. Organizations in the US, UK, France, Belgium, Canada, India, Ireland, and many other countries, have been able to support local communities through support from the Fund.

 

How it works

The Fund publishes Calls for Projects that address the needs of specific vulnerable groups. An independent selection committee assists in the selection of projects and award funding. The selection committee for each call is selected by a management committee – working on a pro bono basis – which is composed of representatives from UCB, the King Baudouin Foundation, and an independent chair who is supported by a general secretary.

Collaborating with the King Baudouin Foundation

The fund is managed by the King Baudouin Foundation, an independent, foundation based in Brussels, Belgium. It seeks to change society for the better and invests in inspiring projects and individuals. For many years, the Foundation has supported projects and initiatives in Belgium and internationally.