The North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation's mission is to support science, health and education across the state of North Carolina. The Foundation works to build coalitions of individuals and organizations to combine resources and focus efforts to more effectively meet the critical educational needs of the state. Our efforts typically support pilot programs, expansion efforts, and mentoring for STEM and healthcare careers. We are dedicated to supporting educational programming that fosters innovative learning, particularly in underserved areas, while addressing critical community and state issues.
Dear Friends,
I've enjoyed working with you and your organization over the years! After 30 years with the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation, I've decided to retire. As I reflect over the last three decades, together we have made strides, some harder than others. I'm proud of the work we have accomplished - changing educational outcomes and providing resources in under resourced areas. Our effort secured $85.4 million in programming across North Carolina from the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation.
I have many fond memories, proud moments, and reflections on your passion for changing inequities and building up education through countless ways, a multitude of goals, objectives, and activities. I'm still awed by the passion demonstrated during our listening tours years ago. We traveled across the state and talked with over 200 nonprofits, and the outcome was designing our Ribbon of Hope Grant program.
Today the Ribbon of Hope grant program has impacted all 100 North Carolina counties. We transformed the reach of the Foundation, and that meant support could be provided in communities that were under resourced. Another milestone is growing the Women in Science Scholars endowments from 11 North Carolina colleges and universities to 30 to provide scholarships annually at each institution. Additionally, we grew the Child Health Recognition Awards program recognizing initiatives by public health professionals and local health departments that improve health outcomes for children.
I could not have excelled without your participation. I'm thankful for the opportunity to meet each of you and learn your high standards as we worked to craft a proposal. The support of the staff, board of directors, and my family has allowed me to feel fulfilled - and I'm excited for my next phase - Retirement.
With gratitude and best wishes,
Marilyn
The North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Board of Directors has appointed Melissa Chappell as Executive Director, effective February 3.
In this role, Melissa will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Foundation, an independent 501(c)3 organization. Melissa brings a wealth of nonprofit leadership experience and a collaborative approach to building cross-sector partnerships to the organization. She has a proven track record working with boards of directors, nonprofits, colleges and universities, as well as in implementing strategic grant management.
Melissa's educational background includes two North Carolina public universities. She attended East Carolina University and received a Master of Social Work degree, with a concentration in Community Organizations & Partnerships. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish Language and Literature from North Carolina State University.
Melissa follows in the footsteps of Marilyn Foote-Hudson, who has served as Executive Director for an impressive three decades. Marilyn's remarkable legacy is evident in the Foundation's achievements over the years.
I invite you to join me in welcoming Melissa Chappell to the NC GlaxoSmithKline Foundation staff!
- Margaret Dardess, Chairperson
The North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation is an independent self-funding 501(c)3 nonprofit organization supporting activities that help meet the educational and health needs of today's society and future generations. For decades, the Foundation has been a proud supporter of programs in our state that help advance science, health and education.
Supporting educational programming to promote a healthy, thriving society across North Carolina.
Traditional Grants
The Foundation's traditional grant program provides (seed or pilot) funds to advance science, health and education in the state. The grants primarily support educational programs that have possible statewide impact, and often are multi-year commitments. Development of a new or expansion of an educational program are often the cornerstone seen with the Traditional Grants program.
Ribbon of Hope
The Foundation's Ribbon of Hope $50,000 grant program supports activities to establish or expand community educational programs in science, health and education impacting a specific county in North Carolina. Educational programs on many levels, and often enhancing STEM, literacy, at-risk youth and undeserved children are the cornerstone for our Ribbon of Hope grants.
Women In Science
The Women In Science Scholars program provides scholarships from previously established endowments by the Foundation at 30 colleges and universities across the state. Typically two scholarship recipients are named annually by each college. This unique program pairs the scholarship recipients with a GSK volunteer mentor. Scholars are given information about careers and attend two conferences annually designed by the Foundation.
Child Health Recognition Awards
The Child Health Recognition Awards program honors passionate North Carolina public health professionals for their innovative work improving child health outcomes. The child health recognition awards share best practices and successful programs (mentoring) and recognizes child health advocates that are nominated for an award by their colleagues. Additionally, the awards luncheon gives the Foundation the opportunity to acknowledge the impact of all NC public health professionals at the NC Public Heath Associations Annual Conference.
North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation 2023 Annual Report
The Foundation was the vision of Glaxo chairman and chief executive, the late Joseph J. Ruvane, Jr. Mr. Ruvane. His vision established and facilitated a stable, long-term source of support for North Carolina – now known as the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation. Today, the foundation's growth is based solely on investment and market growth derived from its own independent endowment. Since 1986, we have awarded $91.3 million in grants. We pay approximately $3 million in grants each year to North Carolina nonprofit organizations.