Closed
Source verified July 12, 2026
The Novartis Health Equity Initiative
Supports health equity projects for women and gender-diverse people
Latest source updateLast Update: July 12, 2026Latest change: The application page now shows a closed-application notice, and the direct application link is no longer listed; the funding window remains May 14, 2026 to June 19, 2026 with decisions by October 2026.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 12, 2026
Latest change: The application page now shows a closed-application notice, and the direct application link is no longer listed; the funding window remains May 14, 2026 to June 19, 2026 with decisions by October 2026.
Closed application notice and removed application link
The Novartis Health Equity Initiative application page now displays a closed-application notice instead of an active application page. The funding window is still shown as May 14, 2026 to June 19, 2026, with funding decisions due by October 2026 and funding distribution by December 2026. The page no longer lists the “Where to Apply” section or the direct online application link, and it now directs other requests to a separate Grants and Donations page. On the guidelines page, the application process wording also changed from “Opens/Closes” to “Opened/Closed” for the same dates, while the contact email remains visible.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
June 19, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
The Novartis Health Equity Initiative supports duly registered charitable or non-profit organizations within Canada with community-led projects advancing women and gender-diverse people’s health equity. A shared $250,000 funding pool is available for initiatives focused on reducing inequities in access to care.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Raise awareness or mobilize a population
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Social determinants of health (SDOH) solutions
- Timely access, earlier diagnosis, and respectful care (reducing biases)
Documents Needed
- Project and team overview
- Transparent and sustainable budget
- Evaluation plan with measurable outcomes
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Duly registered charitable organizations in Canada
- Duly registered non-profit organizations in Canada
Who is not eligible
- Individuals
- Organizations outside Canada
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Activities that have already been performed or events that have passed
- Activities that result in Novartis receiving ownership of intellectual property rights; directly involve the use of Novartis or other pharmaceutical companies' products; promotion of any Novartis product or attempts to influence decisions related to formularies
- Accredited Independent Medical Education; development of clinical practice guidelines, which refer to statements providing recommendations to guide healthcare practitioners in making appropriate decisions for specific clinical situations; training of staff organized and performed by the same organization
- From or to institutions, associations, or organizations outside Canada; entertainment, gifts and promotional items; activities held in lavish venues/resorts; equipment, textbooks, infrastructure or operating expenses and/or bricks and mortar; support for legal or litigation costs; sponsorship or travel to attend congresses/meetings held in Canada and abroad; subscription to publications; religious purposes
- Activities not aligned with the stated goals and objectives of the funding organization or program; activities for which funds are misused for personal gain or diverted from their intended purpose; activities that are unethical, illegal, or pose significant risks to individuals or society; activities must not promote discrimination, harm, or violate human rights
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Level of community engagement and involvement
- Degree to which people with lived experiences have been included and are influencing the project design and implementation
- Equity potential, including the potential to advance health equity while minimizing harms compared to the current state of the community, in the short, medium and long-term
- Project feasibility, including the ability to implement, measure outcomes, and project sustainability beyond the Novartis Health Equity Initiative
How to apply
- Step 1: Review the guidelines
- Check the program guidelines and eligibility criteria.
- Prepare the organization and project information required for the application.
- Step 2: Complete the online application
- Fill in the applicant information section.
- Provide the project information requested in the form.
- Step 3: Submit online
- Use the online application portal to send the application.
- Submit before the deadline.
Processing and Agreement
- Novartis may contact shortlisted organizations to assess alignment between funding requested and anticipated impact.
- Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by October 2026.
- Funding distribution is by December 2026.
Additional information
- Contact health.equity1@novartis.com for application assistance or additional support; a response will be provided within 5 business days.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the The Novartis Health Equity Initiative Program
What is the The Novartis Health Equity Initiative?
The Novartis Health Equity Initiative supports duly registered charitable or non-profit organizations within Canada with community-led projects advancing women and gender-diverse people’s health equity. A shared $250,000 funding pool is available for initiatives focused on reducing inequities in access to care.
Who is eligible for the The Novartis Health Equity Initiative program?
To be eligible for the The Novartis Health Equity Initiative program, you must:
Duly registered charitable or non-profit organizations within Canada
Clear and transparent objectives focused on tackling health inequities
Active involvement of impacted communities and individuals with lived experience
What expenses are eligible under The Novartis Health Equity Initiative?
Social determinants of health (SDOH) solutions
Timely access, earlier diagnosis, and respectful care (reducing biases)
Who can I contact for more information about the The Novartis Health Equity Initiative?
You can contact Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. by email at health.equity1@novartis.com.
Where is the The Novartis Health Equity Initiative available?
The The Novartis Health Equity Initiative program is available across Canada.
Is the The Novartis Health Equity Initiative a grant, loan, or tax credit?
The Novartis Health Equity Initiative is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the The Novartis Health Equity Initiative?
The Novartis Health Equity Initiative is funded by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.