Bayer Fund, a philanthropic arm of Whippany-based Bayer, awarded a total of $7.4 million in grant funding, spread across 1,800 organizations, during the first half of 2023. This latest round of grants raised Bayer Fund’s total giving to over $95 million since 2017 to nonprofit organizations across the U.S.
Each Bayer Fund grant awarded goes toward stellar programs that are tackling some of the country’s most pressing challenges — combating malnutrition, enhancing science, technology, engineering and math education in schools, and providing support services for patients and families managing cardiovascular disease and cancer.
“With so many Americans facing challenges, Bayer Fund is proud to continue to support organizations to help strengthen communities across the U.S.,” Al Mitchell, president of Bayer Fund, said. “Bayer Fund is committed to supporting organizations that have the greatest need to help make the largest impact to both individuals and the communities in which they live and work.”
Three organizations that are being recognized for their philanthropic grant work from Bayer Fund are Sustainable Jersey (STEM Education), Alameda County Food Bank (Food & Nutrition) and the American Cancer Society (Health & Wellness).
STEM Education
STEM Education is at the center of Bayer Fund’s giving priorities. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics are key drivers to future opportunity, and it is critical students have quality access to programs in these fields. Organizations awarded provide high quality in-school, technical and academic programs that empower students and teachers.
Sustainable Jersey, a Lawrenceville nonprofit organization that provides best practice solutions and guidance to municipalities and schools to advance local sustainability projects, was awarded $50,000 towards its Sustainable Jersey for Schools program mission of empowering New Jersey communities to build a better world for future generations. New Jersey was the first state to include K-12 climate change education across content areas in its 2020 Student Learning Standards.
“Thanks to the generous support from Bayer Fund, Sustainable Jersey can continue to equip educators with the tools they need to incorporate climate change education across New Jersey’s K-12 learning standards and prepare their students to address the challenges that lie ahead,” Randall Solomon, executive director of Sustainable Jersey, said. “Currently, 66% of New Jersey school districts and 1,135 schools are participating in our program. This grant will help further our mission to empower New Jersey communities to build a better world for future generations.”
Food & Nutrition
Food insecurity and proper access to nutritious food continues to be at the center of Bayer Fund’s giving priorities. Funding for food and nutrition is given to organizations that use high-impact programs/projects with comprehensive, sustainable approaches geared at improving access to food for children and families in under-served communities.
Alameda County Food Bank in California received a grant of $125,000 in contribution to its commitment to alleviate hunger by creating a healthy, prosperous and just community. For the past 35 years, the Alameda County Food Bank has been distributing millions of meals every year, including distributing enough food to serve 60,000 people a day.
Health & Wellness
Bayer Fund’s Health and Wellness giving priority focuses on directing funding to organizations dedicated to educating and providing support services to patients, caregivers and at-risk populations.
American Cancer Society was presented with a $175,000 grant that will be put toward its Hope Lodge Network program. Hope Lodge communities offer free places to stay for patients and their caregivers for when treatment takes them away from home. Creating a home-away-from-home environment where guests can unwind, connect with others, and learn more about their treatment.
