Merck – U.S. Patient Advocacy Grants | Funding for Patient Support, Education & Capacity Building
Organization: Merck
About the Funder
Merck is a global healthcare company committed to improving patient outcomes, expanding access to care, and supporting organizations that empower patients and caregivers. Through its U.S. Patient Advocacy Grants, Merck invests in nonprofit programs that strengthen disease education, enhance patient support, and improve the ability of advocacy organizations to serve their communities.
What This Program Funds
Merck provides three distinct types of grants to U.S.-based nonprofit patient advocacy organizations. Each grant type supports a different area of need, allowing organizations to apply for funding that best matches their mission and priorities.
1. Patient Education Grants
Funding supports programs that help patients, caregivers, and communities better understand disease conditions, treatment options, and health management strategies.
Examples may include:
-
Educational workshops or webinars
-
Printed or digital patient education materials
-
Disease awareness campaigns
-
Tools or resources that help patients navigate their care
2. Patient Support Grants
These grants focus on helping patients overcome barriers that affect their ability to access care or manage their condition.
Examples include:
-
Programs providing non-medical support services
-
Navigation to community resources
-
Counseling, peer support, or survivorship programs
-
Services addressing social determinants of health
3. Capacity Building Grants
Funding supports the organizational health, infrastructure, and long-term sustainability of patient advocacy nonprofits.
Examples include:
-
Strategic planning
-
Technology upgrades
-
Staff training or leadership development
-
Improvements in data systems or organizational processes
These grants help organizations strengthen their overall effectiveness so they can better serve patients.
Eligibility
To qualify for Merck’s Patient Advocacy Grants, organizations must:
-
Be a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit
-
Serve patients, caregivers, or communities affected by specific disease areas
-
Request funding that aligns with one of Merck’s three grant categories
-
Ensure that activities are non-promotional and independent of Merck’s commercial interests
Merck does not fund:
-
Direct healthcare services
-
Capital campaigns
-
General fundraising events
-
Projects outside the United States
Funding Amounts
Merck does not publicly publish standard award ranges. Funding amounts vary based on:
-
Project scope
-
Organizational need
-
Alignment with Merck’s patient advocacy priorities
(If you want, I can track future published ranges and update your listing when they are announced.)
Deadline
Applications for Merck’s U.S. Patient Advocacy Grants are accepted year-round.
Organizations may apply at any time, but early submission is encouraged for programs tied to specific timelines or events.
Geographic Focus
Funding is available to U.S.-based nonprofits serving patients and caregivers across the United States.
Application Process
To apply, organizations must:
-
Review Merck’s Patient Advocacy Grant guidelines
-
Select the appropriate grant type (Education, Support, or Capacity Building)
-
Complete the online grant application via Merck’s submission portal
-
Provide a project description, goals, metrics, and anticipated outcomes
-
Upload documentation confirming nonprofit status
-
Agree to Merck’s rules regarding independence and non-promotional activity
Merck reviews applications for alignment, feasibility, and patient impact.
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This program is ideal for nonprofits that:
-
Provide education or support to patients and caregivers
-
Address barriers to care, health literacy, or navigation
-
Need infrastructure or capacity-building support
-
Seek funding for disease-specific outreach or community programs
Organizations with strong patient engagement, measurable outcomes, and mission alignment will be most competitive.
Apply here: Link to Application
