GSK awarding $400,000 to Greater Philadelphia nonprofits making an IMPACT on health outcomes

Issued: Philadelphia, PA

GSK today honored 10 local nonprofits that offer youth mentoring, housing, legal aid, education and other critical services that help foster a healthier Philadelphia region.

The 10 winners of the GSK IMPACT Awards each will receive $40,000 to help further their efforts to improve health in a region where GSK has had roots for some 180 years. The organizations were recognized in a ceremony at GSK’s Navy Yard site where the 23^rd annual IMPACT Awards were announced.

“These innovative organizations contribute to improving health outcomes for so many people in our region,” said Kirk Brown, GSK VP for Biopharm & Steriles Manufacturing and a member of the GSK committee that governs charitable investments in the US. “We’re pleased to honor these exemplary nonprofits and support work that makes a difference for people and communities across the Philadelphia region far into the future.”

The IMPACT Awards are unrestricted, meaning nonprofits may use them for any purpose furthering their work. One of the 2019 winners is After School Activities Partnerships (ASAP), which coordinates chess, debate, drama and Scrabble clubs for thousands of children in Philadelphia to help them develop academic, social and emotional skills.

“Thanks to the GSK Impact Award, ASAP will be able to support the health and well-being of communities throughout Philadelphia by providing children with safe, welcoming places to go after school where they can do the things they love in the company of peers who encourage and support them,” said Justin Ennis, executive director of ASAP.

The winners are:

• After School Activities Partnerships
• Bartram’s Garden
• Coded by Kids
• Esperanza Housing and Economic Development  
• Family Service of Chester County
  
• Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey 
• Homeless Advocacy Project
• Housing Partnership of Chester County
  
• Legal Clinic for the Disabled 
• Philadelphia Youth Basketball 

To date, GSK has awarded more than $10 million in the Greater Philadelphia and Triangle (NC) regions.

Philadelphia regional winners were selected by a panel led by Philadelphia Foundation and consisting of GSK employees as well as local and national community health experts.

The nonprofits needed to demonstrate innovative, measured and sustainable approaches to addressing at least one of the following six health factors:

• Community Safety
• Education
• Employment & Income
• Family & Social Support
• Housing & Built Environment
• Nutrition & Physical Activity

In the Philadelphia region, the GSK IMPACT Awards are presented in partnership with Philadelphia Foundation.

“Philadelphia Foundation is proud to again partner with GSK to provide these IMPACT Awards and to support nonprofit organizations positively and measurably making lives better for so many in our region,” said Pedro A. Ramos, Philadelphia Foundation President and CEO. “Unrestricted grants like these are essential for nonprofits, especially those who continuously innovate and improve.”

See photos and video of the winning organizations on our sites

Contact – For interview opportunities and to RSVP for the event, please contact:

Evan Berland                evan.a.berland@gsk.com                      215-751-5497

Betsy Anderson           banderson@philafound.org                    215-863-8109

About GSK

GSK is a science-led global healthcare company with a special purpose: to help people do more, feel better, live longer. For further information please visit www.us.gsk.com.

About Philadelphia Foundation

Founded in 1918, Philadelphia Foundation strengthens the economic, social and civic vitality of Greater Philadelphia. Philadelphia Foundation grows effective philanthropic investment, connects individuals and institutions across sectors and geography, and advances civic initiatives through partnerships and collaboration. A publicly supported foundation, Philadelphia Foundation manages more than 900 charitable funds established by its donors and makes over 1,000 grants and scholarship awards each year. To learn more, visit philafound.org.

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