Direct Relief Unveils New Grants to Empower Health Equity: Discover the Latest Recipients!

Direct Relief has just announced its latest grants through the Fund for Health Equity. This program aims to help organizations that work to reduce health disparities and improve healthcare quality in underserved communities in the U.S.

This round of support totals over $8 million, thanks to generous donations from the AbbVie Foundation, Eli Lilly and Company, and MacKenzie Scott. Since starting in 2021, the Fund has given more than $59 million to 182 organizations, all focused on tackling health inequities within their communities.

Dr. Byron Scott, CEO of Direct Relief, highlighted the importance of these organizations. He said they play a crucial role in fighting the systemic barriers that affect health outcomes. “We’re proud to stand by their efforts to make healthcare more accessible,” he noted.

The AbbVie Foundation made a significant commitment of $10 million over five years to support this fund, already granting $1.73 million to ten more organizations this year. “We empower our partners to drive meaningful change,” said Claudia Carravetta from AbbVie, emphasizing their commitment to addressing health disparities.

Lilly has also joined this cause, contributing $5 million in early 2021 to improve healthcare access for people in resource-limited settings. This backing has helped Direct Relief provide resources to 12 awardees since 2021, with four new recipients added in 2025.

Cynthia Cardona from Lilly expressed pride in their involvement, saying, “We’re excited about the positive impact our contributions are making in communities across the U.S.”

The Fund for Health Equity is dedicated to a variety of issues, including chronic disease management, maternal and child health, mental health services, and culturally appropriate care. It continuously supports community-based organizations addressing these urgent needs.

Recipients this year were chosen by the Fund’s Advisory Council, made up of experienced leaders in healthcare, including former U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin and Byron Scott from Direct Relief.

As the Fund grows, it provides essential resources to those working to improve healthcare access and reduce inequality in care. The latest awardees are part of a larger movement towards creating a fairer healthcare system for everyone.

Here’s the full list of 2025 awardees: