Global Communities

• For nearly 60 years, Abbott Fund has advanced public health and fostered an appreciation of science and the role of civic and cultural institutions. Abbott Fund's vision is to create healthier global communities worldwide. In partnership with others, we strive to make a lasting impact on people's lives and encourage others to take positive action. Much of our philanthropy aims to improve health care services for the poor, marginalized and underserved.
  
  We invest in creative ideas that:
  advance global AIDS care
  expand access to health care
  spur science and medical innovation
  strengthen community vitality
  

Total Abbott Giving

The United Nations estimates that a third of the world's population lacks access to essential health services. Abbott works to alleviate this problem in a variety of ways. We view our philanthropy as a complement to achieving our company's Promise. Over the last several years, we have expanded our philanthropic initiatives and created new partnerships that will help provide long-term, sustainable solutions to people most in need. In 2008, Abbott and the Abbott Fund invested more than $460 million in programs and product donations aimed at disadvantaged communities and disaster relief worldwide. The extensive list of initiatives we support is available on this Web site and www.abbottfund.org. In addition, Abbott employees contribute their time and expertise to help improve the quality of life in the communities where they live and work.

We share our knowledge and expertise, donate products and provide financial support to address unmet needs in four strategic areas:

• Global AIDS Care: We support programs that expand access to testing, treatment and care for people impacted by HIV/AIDS in the developing world. Key 2008 updates on our philanthropy in the areas of HIV/AIDS and access to health care are featured in the Enhancing Access to Health Care section of this site.
• Improving Access to Health Care: Working in partnership with not-for-profit organizations, we seek to provide innovative solutions to the health care challenges confronted by disadvantaged populations worldwide, giving special consideration to programs addressing critical unmet healthcare needs.
• Science and Medical Innovation: We support new approaches to fostering a better understanding of science and the creation of innovative solutions to global health care challenges.
• Community Vitality: Through our community-oriented programs, we strive to serve as an effective philanthropic partner to make a measurable difference in communities where Abbott has a presence worldwide.

Please visit www.abbottfund.org for information on funding guidelines or to apply for a grant. The Abbott Fund develops targeted initiatives and invites select organizations to apply online for support for those programs.