CSL Behring calls for grant requests through LEAD program

CSL Behring, a global leader in the plasma protein biotherapeutics industry, is calling for grant requests through its Local Empowerment for Advocacy Development (LEAD) program. The LEAD program awards funds to United States patient organizations that assist people with rare diseases in advocating for continued access to health care and life-saving plasma protein therapies.

“CSL Behring is proud to support the advocacy initiatives of qualified patient organizations”

To date, the LEAD program has awarded more than $350,000 to 23 patient organizations for their use in funding grassroots advocacy initiatives. Those initiatives include developing core advocacy and grassroots capabilities and advocating on issues to improve access to care.

"CSL Behring is proud to support the advocacy initiatives of qualified patient organizations," said Dennis Jackman, Senior Vice President, Global Public Affairs. "LEAD grants underscore our company's commitment to saving and improving the lives of people with rare and serious illnesses. They provide greatly needed financial resources to sustain the efforts of patient organizations as they focus on complex legislative and public policy issues."

To qualify for a LEAD grant, a patient organization must:

Be a non-profit with 501(c)(3) tax status;

Represent people who use plasma protein therapies to treat coagulation disorders, immune deficiencies, genetic emphysema or other conditions; and

Demonstrate that financial assistance will help the group or organization advance important local or state advocacy initiatives.

The deadline for submitting applications to the LEAD program is April 30, 2010.