Since the beginning of the global COVID-19 crisis, our focus has been on patients, our employees, supporting our communities, as well as the healthcare staff working on the frontlines. 

We recognize some populations will face greater challenges over the medium and long-term than others. Many have lost jobs, seen a loss of income, experienced reduced access to healthcare, endured isolation, and faced new mental and physical stresses. Others have suffered ill-health or even lost loved ones. As we begin to realize the extent of the health and economic crisis we are living through, many vulnerable communities remain at risk. 

To support the most vulnerable populations impacted by COVID-19 directly and indirectly, UCB launched the UCB Community Health Fund. By supporting impact-driven projects and social science research studies, the Fund, managed by the King Baudouin Foundation aims to bring much needed relief to our communities. This initiative goes beyond our areas of clinical interest, seeking to meet the physical, mental, and psychosocial health needs of at-risk communities. This includes minorities such as children, young people, older people, those who are socio-economically disadvantaged, un(der)insured, and/or those living with certain medical conditions. 

The Fund’s first call for project submissions is now live for both research and support projects. Project submissions should be focused on understanding and reducing the medium- and long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health of our vulnerable youth (15-24 years old), those who have experienced injustice, hardship, health disparities, and health inequities both before and since COVID-19. Specifically, we aim to support projects and programs with a focus on young people from vulnerable communities, including racial and ethnic minorities, refugees and asylum seekers, those with disabilities and certain health conditions, and those who are in lower income environments. 

The Call for Projects targets existing and new projects and initiatives within the geographic areas where UCB operates, related to these vulnerable populations and their health from a holistic view of physical, mental and psychosocial well-being..  Academic research teams/non-profit organizations pursuing cutting-edge social sciences research due to the consequences of the pandemic on the health of vulnerable young people can also apply for grants.

The total budget for this Call for Projects is approximately $2 million and the deadline to apply for consideration is September 30, 2020.

We believe this an important step to help build more resilient communities and ease the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic on the most vulnerable populations. There is much work to do, but we look forward taking on the challenge, together.