Collective Member Organization Rallies Boston Biotech Companies to Drive Social Change
Life Science Cares Boston, a nonprofit that connects life science executives and employees with nonprofits fighting poverty across Greater Boston, has awarded $755,000 in grants to 27 social service organizations for a second year. The 2020 award distribution brings the collective member organization’s four-year giving total to more than $3.8 million.
Founded in 2016, Life Science Cares was created as a platform for members of the life sciences industry to give back while also giving nonprofits the funds and volunteer power necessary to grow and innovate. This combination of connecting multi-year grants and volunteers to nonprofits that need both is the core value the organization brings as it works to decrease the ever-widening economic and opportunity gap in communities.
This year’s grant distribution culminates another year of rapid expansion and community impact. In addition to its annual grants program, since March Life Science Cares has led a multi-faceted COVID-19 relief effort to help Greater Boston neighbors facing challenges during the crisis, rallying 600 area biopharma executives and employees to raise $1.8 million for organizations that provide food, shelter and medical care throughout the pandemic.
“The Life Science Cares model is unique in that our corporate members’ support extends well beyond financial contributions to include volunteer engagement, strategic support and in-kind donations of goods or services,” says Sarah MacDonald, Executive Director for Life Science Cares. “This year, more than ever, it is an honor to invest in our partners working tirelessly to provide food, housing, education and employment to our neighbors in need.”
Each of Life Science Cares’ partnerships look vastly different, but all are aimed at fighting poverty. Partners who address basic human needs, such as food and shelter, are working with homeless populations and those living month to month and struggle to pay for groceries, bills and rent. Partners who provide educational programs serve underrepresented and underserved youth in schools and after-school programs. And, partners who focus on economic sustainability work with young adults, immigrants and sometimes mid-career individuals who are looking for better opportunities in the workforce, often seeking to switch from gig economy jobs to more stable salaried positions.
Grant recipients include: ABCD, BioBuilder, Boston Healthcare for the Homeless, Bottom Line, Breakthrough Greater Boston, BUILD Boston, CASPAR, Circle of Hope, City Sprouts, Cradles to Crayons, Food for Free, Girls Inc., Hope & Comfort, Household Goods, International Institute of New England, Just-A-Start, Madison Park Development Corporation, Pine Street Inn, Project Hope, Room to Grow, Rosie’s Place, Science from Scientists, Tech Goes Home, The Possible Project, The Wily Network, Waltham Fields Community Farm, and Year Up.
Life Science Cares is a turnkey CSR program for the life science industry and a model through which other professional industries can leverage their time, talent and treasure to tackle society’s greatest social issues. The organization recently expanded into Philadelphia and will launch affiliates on the West Coast in the coming months. To get involved, visit www.lifesciencecares.org.