07/16/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/16/2026 10:05
July 16, 2026 12:00 pm EDT
Foundation commits $20 million over five years
RAHWAY, N.J., July 16, 2026 - The Merck Foundation (Foundation), a private charitable organization funded by Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, today announced the launch of the Community Collaborative for Reimagining HIV Care, a new national initiative designed to advance access to holistic, person-centered care for people living with HIV in under-resourced communities across the United States.
Through the initiative, the Foundation will commit $20 million over five years to support innovative, community-driven approaches that address barriers to care and help improve health outcomes.
"HIV continues to affect communities across the United States, and lasting progress comes from working with the people and organizations on the ground," said Kalahn Taylor-Clark, vice president, Social Impact and Sustainability, Merck. "Through the Community Collaborative for Reimagining HIV Care, the Foundation hopes to support community-led innovation and strengthen efforts to ensure that more people living with HIV can access the care and support they need to thrive."
The initiative reflects the Foundation's longstanding commitment to addressing complex health challenges and supporting programs that advance access to health. By investing in partnerships among healthcare providers, community-based organizations, public health leaders and other stakeholders, the Foundation aims to help identify and scale approaches that improve experiences of care and expand access for underserved populations.
About the Merck Foundation
The Merck Foundation (Foundation) is a U.S.-based, private charitable organization. Established in 1957 by Merck, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, the Foundation is funded entirely by the company and is Merck's chief source of funding support to qualified non-profit charitable organizations. Since its inception, the Foundation has contributed more than $1 billion to support important initiatives that address critical global health and societal needs that are consistent with Merck's purpose: to save and improve lives around the world. For more information, visit merck.com/company-overview/sustainability/philanthropy/merck-foundation.
Media Contacts:
John Cummins
Ned Ehrbar