The North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation's mission is to support science, health and education across the state of North Carolina. The Foundation works to build coalitions of individuals and organizations to combine resources and focus efforts to more effectively meet the critical educational needs of the state. Our efforts typically support pilot programs, expansion efforts, and mentoring for STEM and healthcare careers. We are dedicated to supporting educational programming that fosters innovative learning, particularly in underserved areas, while addressing critical community and state issues.
The North Carolina GSK Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) organization. We are proud of our legacy of supporting activities that help meet the educational and health needs of today’s society and future generations.
As North Carolina continues to grow and change, we are evaluating our mission vision, and strategy alongside partners to deliver the greatest impact as we work across the state.
We plan to share an update on our revised strategy and an update on our grantmaking by mid-2026. The board and staff of the North Carolina GSK Foundation remain dedicated to addressing the pressing issues facing our state today and in the future.
Supporting educational programming to promote a healthy, thriving society across North Carolina.
Currently, the Foundation is pausing new grantmaking for Traditional and Ribbon of Hope Grants.
Traditional Grants
The Foundation's traditional grant program provides (seed or pilot) funds to advance science, health and education in the state. The grants primarily support educational programs that have possible statewide impact, and often are multi-year commitments. Development of a new or expansion of an educational program are often the cornerstone seen with the Traditional Grants program.
Ribbon of Hope
The Foundation's Ribbon of Hope $50,000 grant program supports activities to establish or expand community educational programs in science, health and education impacting a specific county in North Carolina. Educational programs on many levels, and often enhancing STEM, literacy, at-risk youth and undeserved children are the cornerstone for our Ribbon of Hope grants.
Women In Science
The Women In Science Scholars program provides scholarships from previously established endowments by the Foundation at 30 colleges and universities across the state. Typically two scholarship recipients are named annually by each college. This unique program pairs the scholarship recipients with a GSK volunteer mentor. Scholars are given information about careers and attend two conferences annually designed by the Foundation.
Child Health Recognition Awards
The Child Health Recognition Awards program honors passionate North Carolina public health professionals for their innovative work improving child health outcomes. The child health recognition awards share best practices and successful programs (mentoring) and recognizes child health advocates that are nominated for an award by their colleagues. Additionally, the awards luncheon gives the Foundation the opportunity to acknowledge the impact of all NC public health professionals at the NC Public Heath Associations Annual Conference.
“As we look ahead to the new year, I am energized by the opportunity to co-create a bold and responsive vision for the Foundation’s next chapter—one that honors our legacy while embracing innovation and impact.” – Melissa Chappell, Executive Director, NC GSK Foundation
Review our latest annual report at North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation 2024 Annual Report
The Foundation was the vision of Glaxo chairman and chief executive, the late Joseph J. Ruvane, Jr. Mr. Ruvane’s vision established and facilitated a stable, long-term source of support for North Carolina – now known as the North Carolina GSK Foundation. Today, the foundation's growth is based solely on investment and market growth derived from its own independent endowment. Since 1986, we have awarded $96.2 million in grants. We pay approximately $3 million in grants each year to North Carolina nonprofit organizations.