Past Winners

Since its launch, the Initiative has drawn hundreds of applications from across Canada. Following a rigorous review process by an internal committee, six high-impact projects were selected for funding in 2024 and 2025. These initiatives tackle real-world barriers to care, from mental health and Indigenous health to newcomer access and housing-related determinants of health.

The winners were unveiled during a closing ceremony at Novartis’ Montréal head office, recognizing their commitment to advancing health equity. 

Their journey didn’t end there. Since then, Novartis Canada has been staying in touch with the winners to share their stories since receiving the funding.

Fort Severn First Nation

From left to right: Rosa D’Acunti (Novartis, Head of Communications & Patient Advocacy), Connie Thomas (Fort Severn First Nation, Health Director), Mark Vineis (Novartis, Country President) 
 

Fort Severn First Nation is the most northern community in Ontario. Located five miles from the Hudson Bay, it is only accessible year-round by air.

The need

Because community members fly out for health care, diagnosis, treatment and preventative care are often not received in a timely manner. This results in children’s health and disabilities not being addressed, chronic problems developing, and sometimes the premature loss of lives.

Bridging the gap

The funds from the Novartis Health Equity Initiative are being used to establish a group of Meno ya win coordinators or health coordinators, who will bridge the gap between families and medical teams to address health care needs more promptly. These coordinators are being vetted and trained by the Learn and Uplift Foundation with the goal of improving health outcomes for the community. 

Foundations for Social Change
 

“One of the other really important pieces of the Novartis grant has been that being connected to an organization like Novartis has given us a lot of legitimacy and has given us a lot of opportunity to tell our story in a different way.” – Amber Dyce, CEO

Foundations for Social Change is a non-profit organization that develops innovative programs to help vulnerable populations based in Vancouver, British Columbia.   

The need

Individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty disproportionately suffer from poor health outcomes due to systemic barriers in health care. 

Restoring stability

The funding from the Novartis Health Equity Initiative is being used to support the New Leaf Project. This evidence-based solution, in partnership with the University of British Columbia, reduces disparities in health outcomes by giving marginalized populations the resources they need to promote long-term stability

Black Physicians of Canada

From left to right - Mark Vineis (Novartis, Country President), Julie Sobowale (Black Physicians of Canada, Executive Director), Sophia Kajla (Novartis, CSO & VP Scientific Affairs)

Black Physicians of Canada is an organization dedicated to uniting, supporting, amplifying and empowering Black physicians, physicians in training, patients and the Black community across Canada. 

The need

Racial discrimination, underrepresentation and cultural differences all impact the experiences of Black physicians and medical trainees, which in turn affects patient health outcomes.

Connecting the community

Through the Novartis Health Equity Initiative, Black Physicians of Canada is creating the first national black physician database in Canada. This will provide access to culturally sensitive care, empowering patients and healthcare professionals in the Black community to achieve better health outcomes.

The Olive Branch of Hope 
 

The Olive Branch of Hope is a community-based organization dedicated to supporting Black women and their families through culturally relevant breast health education, advocacy and support services. 

The need

Black women in Canada face disparities in breast cancer awareness, early detection and access to culturally safe care, which can impact diagnosis and outcomes. 

Connecting the community 

Through the Novartis Health Equity Initiative, The Olive Branch of Hope is expanding its outreach and education efforts to promote early screening, improve awareness and connect more women to culturally relevant resources and care pathways. 

Hamilton Health Sciences 

Hamilton Health Sciences is one of Canada’s largest academic health science networks, delivering specialized care and advancing research to improve patient outcomes across diverse communities. 

The need

Patients from underserved communities continue to face barriers navigating complex health systems, limiting equitable access to timely, coordinated care. 

Connecting the community

Through the Novartis Health Equity Initiative, Hamilton Health Sciences is strengthening patient-centered approaches that improve access, coordination and support for underserved populations, helping close gaps in care and outcomes. 

Moms Against Racism Canada 
 

Moms Against Racism Canada is a national non-profit organization working to disrupt systemic racism and improve outcomes for Black, Indigenous and racialized communities through advocacy, education and community-led programs.  

The need

Neurodivergent individuals in BIPOC communities face systemic barriers to timely and culturally appropriate mental health care, leading to delayed diagnosis, limited support and poorer health outcomes.  

Connecting the community 

Through the Novartis Health Equity Initiative, Moms Against Racism Canada is advancing its NeuroEquity Project to reduce disparities and expand access to inclusive, culturally responsive mental health care for neurodivergent individuals and their families.