COVID-19 represents the most severe public health crisis and the deepest economic downturn of the modern era. The pandemic has revealed challenges in health systems and economies around the world. These challenges will have the greatest impact on those most vulnerable in society.

The UCB Community Health Fund exists to support vulnerable people facing economic and health disadvantage across the communities in which we operate.

The UCB Community Health Fund is a 3 million Euro global fund established to help vulnerable people such as racial and ethnic minorities, children, older people, socio-economically disadvantaged persons, or those with certain medical conditions not related to our therapeutic areas or assets.

Members of these vulnerable populations often have health conditions that are exacerbated by inadequate access to healthcare resources and the Fund aims to address these health disparities. Initially the focus will be on contributing to understanding and reducing the medium- and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on vulnerable populations’ physical, mental, and social wellbeing.

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.

Got questions about the Community Health Fund? Find out more.

The Fund will publish Calls for Projects that address the needs of specific vulnerable groups. An independent jury will assist in the selection of projects and award funding. The jury for each call will be 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.