By Katie Boggs

Gilead Sciences, Inc., a CSG Associate, replaced The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as the top funder for HIV-related philanthropy, according to the Funders Concerned About AIDS (FCAA) 19th annual report.

The 2020 FCAA’s Philanthropic Support to Address HIV and AIDS Report was the first to examine the response of HIV-related philanthropy through the COVID-19 pandemic. Results showed that there is a shrinking pool of funders for this cause, as there was only a 1% increase in revenue compared to 2019, and 67% of the funding under this analysis was derived from the aforementioned top two funders.

Gilead’s donation in 2020 had an increase of $116 million compared to the previous year. On the other hand, 13 of the top 20 funders reportedly decreased donations in comparison to the 2019 report. Data showed that other private foundations also significantly reduced philanthropic spending on HIV or removed themselves entirely.

“The concentration of funding at the top is not a new headline, but it became starker in 2020,” said Channing Wickham, FCAA’s board chair and executive director of the Washington AIDS Partnership. “A shift in resources away from HIV, or other action with economic fallout from one of these top grantmakers could devastate future funding levels.”

Regardless of the statistics, Gilead continues to advocate and spread awareness of HIV and AIDS. In 2020, amidst the height of the pandemic, Gilead shared stories of its community partners that kept going during the difficult time on World AIDS Day. Aside from philanthropy, the company’s efforts are also evident in providing resources, programs and initiatives to support the cause globally.

“Gilead’s support for community organizations is part of our enduring commitment to ending the HIV epidemic,” said Daniel O’Day, Gilead Sciences chairman and chief executive officer. “We believe that real progress is only possible through collaboration and partnership. That is why we invest in the extraordinary efforts our partners are undertaking to reach underserved populations, eliminate barriers to care and educate communities. It is inspiring to see the work that goes on across these groups and we are proud to play a role in supporting them.”

For more information, please visit www.gilead.com.

About Gilead Sciences, Inc.
Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that has pursued and achieved breakthroughs in medicine for more than three decades, with the goal of creating a healthier world for all people. The company is committed to advancing innovative medicines to prevent and treat life-threatening diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis and cancer. Gilead operates in more than 35 countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, California.

About the Philanthropic Support to Address HIV and AIDS Report
The Philanthropic Support to Address HIV and AIDS Report first began its annual analysis of private funding to address HIV and AIDS in the year 2000. The current report captures data on more than 5,000 grants, awarded by 323 foundations in 10 countries, and identifies gaps, trends, and opportunities in HIV-related philanthropy. Sharing this study with funders enables them to make informed decisions about where their resources would make the most difference.

About FCAA
Funders Concerned About AIDS is a philanthropy-serving organization (PSO) founded in 1987 to take bold actions and push philanthropy to respond to HIV. FCAA informs, connects, and supports philanthropy to mobilize resources to end the global HIV pandemic and build the social, political and economic commitments necessary to attain health, human rights, and justice for all.

About CSG Associates in Action
Associates in Action articles highlight CSG Associates’ philanthropic efforts and public-private partnerships throughout the states.

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