What types of giving are available from Bristol-Myers Squibb?

Bristol-Myers Squibb supports worthwhile causes and conscientious citizenship in three main ways: Corporate Giving, Community Giving, and the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation. This FAQs list covers Corporate Giving and Community Giving.

Who is eligible to apply?

Our Corporate and Community Giving programs accept applications online from organizations with a health-related public mission and/or patient focus, hospitals or other similar healthcare facilities, community health centers, medical or other professional societies, and patient support or advocacy organizations and community organization in locations where our employees live and work.

Who is not eligible to apply?

We do not support these types of requests and organizations:

• Funding to support a specific individual’s scholarship, fellowship or fundraising goals.  We only accept requests from organizations.
  
• Wish-granting campaigns
• Salaries for health care providers or administrative staff
• Endowments
• Political, lobbying, fraternal or social organizations
• Religious organizations whose activities are primarily sectarian in purpose
• Organizations that discriminate on the basis or race, gender, creed, culture, age, national origin, physical disability, sexual orientation, or status as a military veteran
• Loans or "life line" support for general operating expenses

Can one organization receive multiple awards?

Yes. Requests for different activities are reviewed independently.

Can I submit more than one request for the same annual meeting?

Only one request per therapeutic area will be accepted per annual meeting. Do not submit multiple requests for the same annual meeting, as they will be declined and you will be asked to resubmit one request.

Do you award funding to individuals?

No. Funding is only provided to eligible organizations.

Can I submit a request for a topic that is not listed, but is of high medical value?

Yes. However, please note that Bristol-Myers Squibb prioritizes requests falling within our areas of interest.

If our giving request is approved, may we use the Bristol-Myers Squibb logo as a program sponsor?

In order to use a Bristol-Myers Squibb logo, you must submit an official request after your funding has been approved. Please contact Lisa McCormick Lavery, director, Corporate Communications, at Lisa.McCormickLavery@bms.com. We will determine if a logo is appropriate and provide the correct wording and logo for your program or activity.

How do I submit my proposal for Corporate or Community Giving?

All applications must be submitted online through our Cybergrants system. We use the same online system for all corporate giving, including but not limited to community giving, requests for proposals/education, and requests for independent medical education. Once your online application has been submitted, you will receive an acknowledgement at the e-mail address indicated on your application.

May I send the application directly to a Bristol-Myers Squibb representative or another contact at Bristol-Myers Squibb?

No. Applications are only accepted online. Inappropriate involvement with a representative from Bristol-Myers Squibb sales or marketing will lead to the rejection of your application.

If I want to mail a copy of my request for review, to whom do I address it?

Please do not mail any requests, as we will not be able to accept them. Only online requests will be considered.

I have a global program that takes place outside the US. Can the budget be submitted in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar?

Yes, you may submit the budget in a local currency.

Where can I find out about the status of my request after submission?

The status of your request can be found on your Welcome / Applicant portal page once you log in to the system.

How long does it take to review a proposal?

We generally process requests within six weeks of receiving a completed application and all required supplementary materials. Please be aware, however, that Bristol-Myers Squibb cannot commit to process any request within any specific time period. For Community Giving requests, we strongly urge application submission at least 12 weeks in advance of the date of required funding.

Who may I contact for Corporate Giving and Community Giving related questions?

For general questions for Corporate Giving and Community Giving, please email support_grantsandgiving@bms.com. Alternately, you can also call 800-831-9008 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm EST.

What is the application process with Letter of Request (LOR)?

The Letter of Request is a simple application containing basic questions about the request for funding. All types of funding requests must be submitted through this LOR application.

What type of funding requests should be submitted through the application process?

All Corporate Giving and Community Giving requests should be made through the online application process. For Corporate Giving, this includes requests for Charitable Donation, Independent Medical Education, Corporate Sponsorship Support, Corporate Membership, Scholarships, Fellowships, Patient Education Support. For Community Giving, this includes science education requests and initiatives directed at addressing unmet medical needs and helping people in need in the communities where our employees live and work.

What is the time frame for submitting the Letter of Requests?

Applications for funding requests will be accepted year-round except for “Request for Proposals” or “Requests for Education” posted by Bristol-Myers Squibb, which have specific submission deadlines.

Are there any specific timelines for Community Giving requests?

New Jersey Community Giving program has specific deadlines of April 1 for STEM Education and October 1 for Health and Wellness requests.

Are there specific system requirements for using the CyberGrants System?

The recommended system requirements for best viewing/functioning of the site are a Windows Operating System and a resolution of 800x600 (or higher).

Users should also check email spam filters and folders, as correspondence will primarily be via e-mail. If your spam filter is enabled, you may not receive important information from Bristol-Myers Squibb regarding your application.

Where can I obtain training materials for using the CyberGrants System?

Click here to access the training guide for using CyberGrants system.

I am a first time user - how do I create a new account?

If you are a first time user and wish to submit an application, click here to access the “Letter of Request” application. Once you are on the Application login page, click on the link that says, “Click here to create your password.” This will bring you to the online registration form.

How do I change my password?

If you know your current password, please log in and go to your profile. Edit Profile is located on the upper right of the screen. Click on that link and you will be able to change your password.

If I have forgotten my password, how do I change it?

On the login screen, click the Forgot my password link. You will be asked to provide your email address and then click submit. Instructions for resetting your password will be emailed to you from the system. If you do not receive an email within 20 minutes of your request, please click "Need Support" for assistance.

Can I submit separate request applications on behalf of different organizations?

Yes. An applicant may submit applications for more than one organization. When you start the application, you will be prompted to choose the organization that is making the request.

How can I associate myself with an organization?

On the Welcome / Applicant Account page, there is a link at the top that you can click (“Click here to add a new organization to your account”). From there, complete the requested organizational information. The new organization will be then be added to your Welcome / Applicant Account page.

What if I search for an organization and cannot find it?

If you cannot find the organization you are looking for, you may add it by creating a new organization.

How much information (number of characters) can I provide in the application paragraph text fields?

Paragraph fields have a 2000 character maximum. As you type, the number will count down accordingly. Note: In Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox browsers, there is an option to drag the corner to expand the box (not supported by Internet Explorer).

Do I have to save every page as I complete the application?

No, once you move to a new section of the application, all of the information you previously entered is automatically saved. When you opt to do this, you will be asked to provide your e-mail address and create a password for your future access to the application you are working on.

How do I return to an incomplete application that I saved, but have not yet submitted?

You will receive an e-mail notification confirming that your application was saved, along with the e-mail address and password required to access your saved application. This e-mail will also include the web address of the log-in page.

Can I get a copy of the application form?

When you are in the actual application, you can print a copy by clicking File>Print. Otherwise, there is no paper copy of the application available. The entire process is online.

How will Bristol-Myers Squibb communicate with me about the status of my proposal?

After you submit your application, you will receive an e-mail confirmation. After an initial review, you may be contacted to provide additional information. All communications will occur via e-mail. After review, you will receive a letter notifying you if your request was approved or not approved.

Why didn't I receive an e-mail notification from Bristol-Myers Squibb?

It is possible that the e-mail was mistakenly filtered by your organization's or provider's SPAM filter. Please check to ensure that this is not the case. Also, any correspondence that is sent out is directed to the e-mail address of the contact person that was provided in the application. If you were not listed as the contact person, you will not be receiving any correspondence from Bristol-Myers Squibb in regard to the application.

Where can I find out about the status of my request after submission?

The status of your request can be found on your Welcome / Applicant Account page once you log in to the system.

I received notification that my request was approved, but I have not received a check. When should I expect payment and whom should I contact if I have not received it?

If your request was approved, you should receive payment within three weeks after the full execution of the Letter of Agreement. If you have not received payment after this time, please contact us at support_grantsandgiving@bms.com.

I have monies left over after the completion of my original program. What needs to be done with them? May I apply these funds to another program?

No. The funds provided are to be used for the specific program that was approved and included in the executed Letter of Agreement.  Unexpended funds cannot be applied to another program. Please return any unexpended funds back to Bristol-Myers Squibb, addressed to the attention of your grant administrator.

I am getting an error on my page; who do I contact?

A link appears at the bottom of the login page and at the bottom of every page of the application that says” Need Help”? That link provides a form that allows you to describe your technical issue or ask your question. Click on the “Submit Support Request” button and a reply will be sent to you within 24 hours.

When will the Requests for Proposals or Requests for Education be posted?

Requests for Proposals (RFP) or Requests for Education (RFE) will be posted throughout the year in various Bristol-Myers Squibb areas of interest to request applications in a specific area. Please visit the Corporate Giving web page on bms.com frequently to look for active RFPs or RFEs.

What are RFP/RFE codes?

RFP/RFE codes are specific identifiers on the Letter of Request for an RFP/RFE posting. The RFP/RFE code can be chosen from a drop-down menu on the Letter of Request that is available during the timeframe of the RFP/RFE posting. Your choice must match the unique identifier indicated on the posted RFP/RFE or this will delay your application process.

Are RFP/RFE codes required on all Letter of Request submissions?

RFP/RFE codes are only required if you are submitting a Letter of Request in response to an RFP/RFE posted by Bristol-Myers Squibb. Please note the choice for RFP/RFE code must match the unique identifier on the posted RFP/RFE.

How will I know which RFP/RFE code to select?

All RFPs /RFEs will indicate a unique RFP/RFE code when posted on the website. While applying, you must select the RFP/RFE code in the Letter of Request that aligns with the RFP/RFE for which you are applying.

Why can't I find the RFP/RFE code for the RFP/RFE that I am applying for on the application?

If the RFP/RFE code is not available in the Letter of Request, this is an indication that the submission timeframe for that particular RFP/RFE is over and submissions are no longer being accepted.

What does the Community Giving Program fund?

We take pride in being a good global citizen. It is at the heart of who we are, what we do and how we do it. To strengthen the communities where we live and work we support a number of initiatives that align with our mission:

• Addressing Unmet Medical Needs – Improving access to treatment, eliminating barriers to treatment and encouraging healthy lifestyles, with a focus on cardiovascular health, immunoscience, oncology, virology and fibrosis
• Improving Science Education - Working with teachers and students in our local schools and community organizations
• Helping People in Need - Helping provide essential services through civic and community programs

The Community Giving program gives preference to requests to support programs that will have a direct impact on our communities rather than fundraising galas and other requests for general assistance.

Who can apply for community giving?

Our Community Giving Program accepts applications from IRS-qualified 501 (c)(3) non-profit organizations whose mission and programs are consistent with our areas of philanthropic interest, and which serve communities in the United States where our employees live and work. Tax-exempt organizations including hospitals, government institutions and schools that serve our local communities also may apply.

What types of initiatives does Bristol-Myers Squibb support with community giving?

We focus on programs in communities where our employees live and work. Community giving is awarded for initiatives that address unmet medical needs, improve science education, and help people in need. See our Community Giving page for more information.

What is the submission process for Community Giving?

We accept  requests year-round using the Letter of Request through the  CyberGrants system. For all community giving applications, we strongly urge you to submit your application at least 12 weeks in advance of the date of required funding. Funding decisions are announced by letter to recipient organizations. We will contact you if we need additional information.

What items can I submit for medical education funding from Bristol-Myers Squibb?

The request must include a realistic and comprehensive budget for all the activities included in the program for which you seek support.

Funding may be issued to support only the costs associated with the development, delivery or evaluation of the educational program, resources or materials.

Funding does not cover:

• Travel, lodging or personal expenses for attendees.
• Compensation for attendees.
• Lavish venues.
• Other costs that are neither reasonable nor customary.
• Bristol-Myers Squibb funding may not be used towards any food and/or beverages offered at an activity with less than 100 attendees. For activities with more than 100 attendees, funding may be used for buffet meals only.

What information will Bristol-Myers Squibb ask for request closeout?

We will ask a few simple questions about the program execution and budget, such as “Did the program take place?”, “Did you use the funds as stated in the Letter of Agreement?” etc.

Does my organization have to be an accredited continuing medical education provider to receive funding?

No. Bristol-Myers Squibb will consider requests for both accredited and non-accredited continuing medical education. For an accredited program, the requesting organization must be the accrediting as well as the payee organization. For a non-accredited program, the requesting organization must be the payee organization.

My medical education agency employees engage in both independent medical education and promotional services to Bristol-Myers Squibb. Can I continue to provide both services to Bristol-Myers Squibb?

No. Requesters for independent medical education support from Bristol-Myers Squibb must certify that they have not been involved in any activities related to the promotion of any Bristol-Myers Squibb products and that they do not have confidential information relevant to Bristol-Myers Squibb promotional activities which remains subject to a non-disclosure agreement with Bristol-Myers Squibb. In these instances, a firewall certification may need to be obtained from Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Furthermore, agencies should be aware of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) requirement that entities providing independent medical education must be separated, at an entity level, from entities that provide promotion- related services. The ACCME requirement took effect in August 2009.

Where is the program budget form located?

Click here to access the Program Budget form.

If our IME request is approved, may we use the Bristol-Myers Squibb logo to list Bristol-Myers Squibb as a sponsor for our program?

The ACCME has modified its requirements to prohibit the inclusion of ACCME-defined commercial interest logos in educational materials and disclosure of commercial support. To acknowledge our support on materials associated with your program, please use the statement: "Supported through an educational grant from Bristol-Myers Squibb."

Does the requestor organization receive funding after the signed Letter of Agreement is sent to Bristol-Myers Squibb?

Please remember that for IME requests, funding is not guaranteed until the requestor organization has received a copy of the Letter of Agreement signed by both the applicant and Bristol-Myers Squibb.

What if I do not agree with the language of the agreement? Can I change it?

While we do not encourage changes to the Letter of Agreement (LOA), you may submit a proposed change in an email to your Grant Analyst. Such changes will then be reviewed by Bristol-Myers Squibb. We will not entertain any requests for changes that are sent in a WORD Version. Only email requests for changes will be reviewed.

What do I do if changes need to be made to my approved request?

Changes to elements of a Request post-approval require review and approval prior to implementation of scope change(s) and program initiation. Per the Letter of Agreement (LOA), the Requestor must notify Bristol-Myers Squibb in writing of any change to the approved request no less than 30 days prior to program initiation by submitting a request to change the scope. This request can be submitted through your portal page using the link “If you need to change the scope of your original application, please click here” under "Submitted Applications". Once this request is received, you will be asked to complete any updates to the scope of the program and revise the project budget (in instances where expenses are impacted by the change in scope).

What are the types of changes that require a Program Scope Change Request Form to be completed?

Changes to request elements requiring review include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Conversion from multi-support to single-support
• Reduced level of secured funding, and/or insufficient funding to deliver original proposal
• Excess funding including request support and any attendee registration fees
• Program or activity location
• Intended purpose, goals/objectives of proposed program or activities
• Change in educational partner or accredited provider
• Number or scope of proposed activities
• Continuing education certification
• Learning objectives
• Outcomes analysis

How do I know if my Program Scope Change Request has been approved or denied?

Final decisions regarding Program Scope Change Requests will be communicated to the requestor by the Bristol-Myers Squibb Corporate Giving Department.