Name: ASH Foundation Committee

Chair: James LaBelle, MD, PhD

Mandate: “The ASH Foundation Committee provides oversight and assistance with all components of the ASH Foundation, including annual membership giving appeals as well as strategies for and pursuit of leadership gift opportunities to effect meaningful philanthropic relationships with individual donors, corporations, charitable foundations, and government grantors.”

For more info: hematology.org/about/governance/standing-committees/ash-foundation

The ASH Foundation is powered by its dedicated members, who believe in advancing hematology to improve lives. By leveraging the collective power of our community, we bring meaningful change to the field of hematology every day. Now more than ever, our members’ commitment allows us to support transformative research, provide essential educational opportunities, spur innovation, and ensure equitable access to care for patients across the globe.

As a member-driven organization, we strive to amplify the voices of those within our community — supporting physicians, scientists, other health care providers, and patients alike. With every initiative funded, we are making strides toward a future where cutting-edge hematology research translates into better care for patients throughout the world by advancing treatments and improving the well-being and welfare of individuals battling blood disorders.

The success of the ASH Foundation is a testament to the generosity of our members and their dedication to a common cause. No matter the size, 100% of every donation we receive goes directly to supporting impactful programs that reflect our mission. Together, we are actively reshaping the future of hematology and providing hope to countless patients and families. Our goal is simple: to ensure that our work today will create a brighter, healthier tomorrow for everyone affected by blood diseases.

The ASH Foundation is proud to share the big picture of our work. Last year alone, thanks to the kindness of our members, we funded more than $500,000 in hematology-focused initiatives. To date, the ASH Foundation has disbursed more than $5.5 million in funding to advance hematology research and education, and to ensure equitable access to hematology care. Here are a few specific initiatives that illustrate the incredible impact our members have enabled:

  • ASH Scholar Awards: We are supporting early-career researchers and nurturing the next generation of hematology pioneers. These awards ensure that promising scientists have the resources they need to continue pushing the boundaries of hematology research. Learn more at hematology.org/awards/career-enhancement-and-training/scholar-award/apply.

  • Interactive Education Program on Gene Therapy: This hands-on program empowers practitioners to learn about the most promising areas in hematology and bring these cutting-edge treatments directly to patients around the world.

  • ASH Bridge Grant: Research momentum is crucial to the success of our field, which is why we provide the grants to help researchers navigate funding gaps and continue their vital work. Learn more at hematology.org/awards/career-enhancement-and-training/bridge-grant.

  • Detection of Minimal Residual Disease by Flow Cytometry Pilot Study: This initiative aims to enhance diagnostic precision, ultimately benefiting patients with blood cancers.

Our work exemplifies the power of member-driven support. Every contribution fuels our ability to enact change — locally, nationally, and globally. Whether it’s supporting innovative education programs, ensuring continuity of critical research, or expanding access to care in underserved regions, our initiatives are making a real difference in patients’ lives.

For example, the Consortium on Newborn Screening in Africa demonstrates our commitment to equitable health care worldwide. By providing newborn screening infrastructure and training health care professionals in Ghana, Kenya, and Tanzania, we are reducing the burden of hematologic disorders in underserved regions. This work is just one of many initiatives showcasing the global impact made possible through the ASH Foundation.

Our commitment to expanding our impact remains steadfast. We will continue to fund initiatives that resonate with our members’ passions, supporting hematologists at every stage of their careers with the resources they need to succeed. Whether it’s increasing funding for clinical research, supporting educational innovations, expanding access to care, or building partnerships that advocate for better patient outcomes, we are dedicated to continually making a positive difference.

Together, we are more than just a funder — we are a community of advocates, innovators, and champions for the future of hematology. With your support, we will continue to transform lives and advance the boundaries of hematologic care, one initiative at a time.

To learn how you can donate to the ASH Foundation, please visit hematology.org/foundation/ways-to-give.