Proposals for Health Equity, Diversity in STEM

Genentech and Genentech Foundation invite proposals for the 2022 Health Equity and Diversity in STEM Innovation Fund, a biennial, competitive process focused on funding organizations and initiatives led by people of color.

The fund seeks proposals to support the major priorities of health equity and workforce diversity through three main aims. 

Aim 1—Advancing Health Equity: Genentech is inviting initial applications from prospective partners to pioneer new approaches to engage patients of color across the research to care continuum. Genentech seeks proposals that elevate patient and community voice, power, and engagement in clinical research build and strengthen accountability mechanisms to eliminate unequal treatment and inequities in care and expand the reach of health care through community-clinic partnerships.

Aim 2—Promoting Diversity in STEM: Genentech is inviting initial applications from prospective partners working to build a more diverse and inclusive future of health care and science. It seeks proposals that address structural and systemic inequity from kindergarten to careers and partners with organizations that support the training, recruitment, retainment, and advancement of students and researchers from communities of color. Genentech partners to equip students with financial and non-financial support, connect young professionals with mentors, and prepare early career researchers and health care professionals to become leaders in science and medicine.

Aim 3—Promoting Diversity in Undergraduate STEM Pathways: The Genentech Foundation invites initial applications from prospective partners working to build a more diverse and inclusive future of health care and science. The foundation seeks proposals that address structural and systemic inequity, focusing on streamlining pathways for diverse community college students to pursue science and medicine careers, including transfer to four-year colleges and universities and pursuit of graduate education.

Grants may be used to develop and test novel ideas or tools, implement demonstration projects, resource collaboration and partnership, and support research that goes beyond “studying the problem.” 

For Aims 1 and 2, grant applications ranging from $250,000 to $750,000 over 18 to 36 months are invited; and for Aim 3, grant applications ranging from $150,000 to $300,000 over 12 to 36 months are invited. In addition, all grant recipients will be invited to participate in the Innovation Fund Learning Cohort throughout the grant’s duration, which meets quarterly to discuss and share real-time lessons learned and insights from their projects or programs.

The IRS must recognize applicants as a tax-exempt, public charity under sections 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code or be a U.S. governmental organization such as public schools, public colleges, and universities, public hospitals, and federally recognized Indian tribal governments.  

Initial applications are due June 10, 2022, and selected applicants will be invited to submit a full application by August 5, 2022.

For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the Genentech website.