Social Impact & Volunteering

GSK Announces $500,000 Charitable Grant Program for a Healthier Denver

New phase of GSK “Healthy Communities” initiative will explore innovative, collaborative approaches for improving health
Oct 29, 2013 12:30 PM ET
Campaign: Building Healthy Communities

October 29, 2013 /3BL Media/ - GSK [LSE/NYSE: GSK] today announced a new $500,000 pilot charitable grant program to foster a healthier Denver. The GSK IMPACT Grants are a key element of the company’s national initiative to examine the barriers and identify opportunities to build healthier communities in the United States. Innovative networks of nonprofit organizations that work to help disadvantaged youth live healthier lives are invited to apply for an 18-month grant to be awarded in Denver as well as in St. Louis.

Community factors such as access to healthy foods and recreational spaces, education, safety, and the support of families and social networks are major determinants of individual health.[1] Addressing these influences was a central point of discussion among Denver leaders convened in a “Conversation on Community Health” sponsored by GSK in February 2013, and in ensuing discussions the company conducted with local Colorado health experts.

“We know that building healthy communities takes a team effort, which means nonprofits, businesses, educators, and others must work together to develop innovative and sustainable solutions,” said Deirdre Connelly, President, North America Pharmaceuticals at GSK. “We are investing in a collaborative effort to address the unique health challenges of Denver, with the goal of making a lasting impact on the community and its future generations.” 

GSK’s investment will fund an established network of charitable community organizations working together to improve the health of Denver’s disadvantaged youth. The network will include an evaluation partner with public health expertise who will measure program impact. Insights gained from the GSK IMPACT Grants pilot will be shared with other communities to help inform their approach to health, and will also guide GSK’s future approach to charitable grants. 

Through the GSK IMPACT Grants, GSK will also aim to bring core company capabilities and expertise to support the community health efforts of the grantees.

Healthy Communities – As part of GSK’s longstanding commitment to building Healthy Communities, last year the company launched a national initiative designed to better understand the barriers and identify opportunities for building healthier communities in the United States. This initiative included a series of events, called “Conversations on Community Health,” which were held in three cities: Philadelphia (September 2012), St. Louis (December 2012), and Denver (February 2013); a National Advisory Council convening in New York City (February 2013), and the release of a national survey (March 2013). Phase one uncovered new insights about what it means, and what it takes to build a healthy community.  Phase two, which includes the GSK IMPACT Grants, will leverage that knowledge and demonstrate innovative ways local organizations and businesses can work together to make a meaningful difference in communities.

GSK – one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For further information go to us.gsk.com, follow us on twitter.com/GSKUS or visit our blog (www.morethanmedicine.us.gsk.com/blog/). 

Join the conversation on Twitter @GSKUS or #GSKimpact.

GSK Inquiries:
Jennifer Armstrong
Jennifer.L.Armstrong@gsk.com
215 751 5664
(Philadelphia)

Sarah Alspach
Sarah.G.Alspach@gsk.com
202 715 1048
(Washington, DC)