Funds directed toward nonprofit organizations effectively addressing poverty and inequality in Life Science Cares’ communities
Charitable grants to support organizations addressing disparities in underserved communities

Life Science Cares, Inc. (LSC), a nonprofit organization activating the financial and human capital of the life sciences industry and partnering with local nonprofits to disrupt the cycle of poverty and inequity throughout its communities, today announced that it has distributed $20 million in grants to over 70 nonprofits since the organization’s inception in 2016. These grants, focused on addressing three critical pillars – basic needs, education and economic opportunity – continue to support community-driven initiatives that provide essential services for those in need.

Founded in Boston, Life Science Cares operates through a locally driven model that harnesses the power of the life sciences community to make direct, meaningful impacts in their local areas. The organization has expanded its presence across the U.S., with chapters now active in five major biotechnology clusters including Boston, San Francisco, Philadelphia, San Diego and New York. In addition to its U.S. growth, Life Science Cares recently established a chapter in Switzerland, marking the organization’s first international expansion. Each chapter is led by local leaders who drive fundraising efforts, organize corporate volunteer opportunities and foster partnerships with local nonprofits to address critical community needs.

“Reaching this milestone is a testament to the incredible dedication of the life sciences community and the impact we’ve been able to make together. From our roots in Boston to other major U.S. life science clusters and now internationally, Life Science Cares has proven that when we unite around a common purpose, we can create measurable and lasting change,” said Sarah MacDonald, CEO of Life Science Cares. “I’m also thrilled by the excitement we saw from the community last week during the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, where our team was on the ground challenging life science leaders to support  Life Science Shares, an opportunity to allocate a portion of future earnings to Life Science Cares, empowering us to have an even greater impact on our communities.”

By fostering meaningful partnerships across multiple regions, Life Science Cares ensures that each chapter can address the unique needs of its local population. This approach has led to the development of a range of impactful programs tailored to each community, including:

• Boston: Math tutoring program sees big gains for students
• New York: 2nd Annual Life Sciences Day for students across New York City
• Philadelphia: Philadelphia partnered with BioAnalysis on an industry tour for young people
• San Diego: Food is Medicine effort connects Kura Oncology, Inc. and Mama’s Kitchen to deliver 1,000 meals a week
• San Francisco: The Equity Express brings farm workers healthcare
• Project Onramp: A transformative paid internship and mentorship program that connects underresourced college students with opportunities in the life sciences industry, providing valuable experience and career pathways. To date, more than 1,000 talented young people have been matched with real-world work experiences.

New this year, Life Science Cares has begun to invest in solutions to drive health equity. LSC Boston has funded 10 organizations in three impact areas: safe homes and vibrant communities; access to equitable, dignified care; and advocacy and civic wellness.

“Because health equity directly intersects with each of the pillars of our mission: basic needs, access to education and access to opportunity, we believe it is an important area for support,” said MacDonald. “Healthcare is a fundamental need. Without access to it, individuals face significant barriers in pursuing education and building a pathway to sustainable employment. By addressing healthcare disparities, we aim to not only improve the immediate well-being of our community members but also empower individuals to access the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.”

About Life Science Cares

Life Science Cares (LSC) activates the financial and human capital of the life sciences industry and partners with nonprofits to disrupt the cycle of poverty and inequality in our communities. Now operating in five US life science hubs (Boston, Philadelphia, San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area, and New York), LSC has invested $20 million and tens of thousands of volunteer hours in community organizations providing access to basic needs, access to education or access to opportunity. Life Science Cares Switzerland, the first international LSC effort, launched in April 2024. Learn more at https://lifesciencecares.org.