In 2023, we announced LY Foundation's inaugural Vision, Mission, and Values:
Under the guidance of our VMV, LY Foundation launched three core programs: Generative AI for Rural Healthcare, International Medical Knowledge Exchange, and Accompany with Music.
Based on the decision of the board of directors in December 2023, starting in 2024, LY Foundation will transition from an operating model to a grantmaking model. We look forward to continuing practicing the Foundation's VMV through funding external projects, cooperating with more philanthropic partners and change makers to carry out innovative interventions in the domain of public health.
The new strategy officially takes effect from the date of this announcement. The details are as follows:
By providing small to medium-sized project-based grants, we will support innovative solutions in the field of public health in China. Through grantmaking and establishing deep partnerships with grantees, we aim to cultivate an action network around the themes of preventitive care and health equity.
Grant Amount
Each grant will range from 100,000 to 500,000 RMB each year, and will be disbursed annually for a total of three years. The specific amount will be determined based on the project's needs.
Each grantee will start with project-based restricted funding in the first year, but may transition to unrestricted funding based on evaluation and demand from the second year onwards.
Profiles of Grantmaking Targets
We look for innovative projects to fund and support. Innovation is not necessarily about the application of cutting-edge technology. More importantly, we value new perspectives and approaches to real issues faced by vulnerable populations, and in particular, we are interested in pre-MVP stage initiatives. Considering the intrinsic interdisciplinarity of public health, we also welcome projects that intersect with other domain areas that are relevant to people's health and wellbeing.
Grantees profiles include but are not limited to the following categories:
- Non-profit organizations led by professional healthcare workers (e.g., doctors, nurses, social workers)
- Social entrepreneurship projects in public health
- Academics conducting research-based interventions in public health
- Media teams promoting public health education and outreach
Guiding Principles
- Guided by our value in health equity, we pay close attention to initiatives that support economically disadvantaged groups, urban-rural exchange, and cooperation between eastern and western regions in China.
- We believe in the power of technology and value teams that can meaningfully incorporate technology into their intervention.
- We emphasize evidence-based evaluation of project outcomes.
- We consider knowledge as public good. We commit to openly sharing our decisions and reflections in the grantmaking process.
How to Participate
Our grant process is by invitation only. We do not directly accept project proposals. If your organization and project align closely with our grantmaking strategy, feel free leave a message via our WeChat platform or send an email to victor.lian@marswalk.com. We are happy to chat!
