Rare Belonging® is a grant from the Alexion Charitable Foundation (ACF) that funds nonprofit organizations working to address health disparities and improve the quality of life for people living with rare diseases and their caregivers.

The program partners with nonprofits to tackle systemic barriers to care, services, and tools for rare disease communities, with a focus on improving mental health and well-being, reducing access barriers, and empowering patients and caregivers through better health literacy. The ACF was launched on Rare Disease Day 2020 by Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, as a commitment to underserved communities within the rare disease ecosystem.

Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations with programs serving individuals, caregivers, and families impacted by rare diseases.

Alexion Charitable Foundation | Alexion Global Site Alexion Charitable Foundation The Alexion Charitable Foundation Bringing promise, hope, and belonging to people affected by rare Addressing Health Disparities in the Rare Disease Community The Alexion Charitable Foundation (ACF) is designed to have the most positive impact possible on the communities we serve.

Our mission is to address the health disparities within and among the rare disease community. We invest in projects to ensure that all underserved communities have equitable pathways to the care, services and resources they need to live healthier lives.

Celebrating Our First Four Years On Rare Disease Day in February of 2020, Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease (Alexion) made a steadfast commitment to the community by launching its charitable giving arm, the Alexion Charitable Foundation.

Extending Alexion's dedication to understanding and serving the needs of people affected by rare diseases, the Foundation was established to bring promise, hope, and belonging to people living with a rare disease and those who care for them.

As we reflect on the Foundation's recent grant making history, we are inspired by the collective impact our charitable partners have had in charting more equitable pathways to the care, services, and resources their community members need to lead fulfilling lives. For more information on ACF’s historical work and partnerships, see our first annual report here .

Rare Belonging® is our signature program where we partner with other nonprofits that support individuals, caregivers, and families impacted by rare disease. Our collective strength and investments allow us to help address some of the most pressing needs of the rare disease community.

Improving the mental health and wellbeing of people living with rare conditions and their caregivers by tackling systemic hurdles to supports, services, and tools. Improving access by reducing barriers and addressing obstacles faced by people living with rare conditions. Empowering people living with rare conditions, their caregivers, and physicians through improved health literacy across the continuum of care.

The Foundation has made a significant impact on the lives of people affected by rare disease.

From 2020-2023, ACF impacted communities around the world through three core grant making programs: Rare Belonging®, its signature initiative supporting individuals, caregivers and families impacted by rare disease; Local Needs, meeting community needs in the areas where Alexion has a major presence; and Emergency Response, funding to offer relief to global communities in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

the year ACF was established, bringing the global rare disease community together to help more people. people reached since 2020 with grants supporting improved healthcare services and resources. charitable partners in 15 countries around the globe.

grants awarded since 2020 to help make a significant impact on the lives of people affected by rare disease. Grant Application Process The Alexion Charitable Foundation provides funding to third party, disease agnostic, nonprofit organizations that design and administer programs aligning with Rare Belonging®'s funding priorities. Prior to applying for a Rare Belonging® grant, please review the Foundation’s Guidelines and Criteria.

Rare Belonging Guidelines and Criteria Medical Education and Patient Advocacy Grants You are now going to another site.