UROLOGY CARE FOUNDATION INC, The Official Foundation of the American Urological Association

The Urology Care Foundation goal is to improve urologic healthcare globally. Over the years, the Urology Care Foundation has evolved to become the world’s leading nonprofit urological health foundation. At its core, the foundation’s mission was always to support and improve urologic care, but as technology and the needs around the world grew, so did the UCF.

We are so proud that over the last several years we have been able to expand our reach globally and magnify our vision to support healthcare equity and work to resolve disparities in underrepresented communities. By following our new mission of funding research, developing patient education materials, supporting humanitarian endeavors and pursuing philanthropic support, the Foundation, and its Board of Directors aim to impact global change in urologic health care.

The Urology Care Foundation aims to pursue philanthropic support to advance:

Research: The Urology Care Foundation is a driving force in the discovery of new treatments because we support the investment in urologic research leaders. We do more than fund the best researchers from talented scientists- we help foster and develop their careers to support a long-lasting commitment to finding the next breakthrough in patient care. Since 1975, the foundation has supported more than 950 outstanding young scientists with more than $35 million in research funding dedicated to the advancement of the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of urologic conditions. During 2022, the foundation provided more than $1.4 million in funding to 87 urologic researchers through its research award programs.

Patient Education, Outreach, and Advocacy: The Urology Care Foundation is a trusted resource for urologic patient education and advocacy. Using information that is medically approved and based on the clinical guidelines set by the American Urological Association, our Foundation develops all patient education materials with our patient education council and committees. We have more than 600 education materials for patients and caregivers, all available for free download or order from our website www.UrologyHealth.org. These linguistically appropriate and culturally competent materials are offered in 11 languages, reflective of the global populations we serve. During 2022, there were over 12 million visitors to our website and 140,000 followers on social media with 106,000 downloads and orders of materials. Our advocacy efforts include patient alliances for prostate cancer, kidney cancer and bladder health. Alliance activities during 2022 included in-person visits to Capitol Hill, joint congressional briefings, and in-person roundtable meetings in support of increased research funding and other vital issues for improving urologic care and treatment. In addition, our Patient Advocacy Connection programs brings interested patients and providers together to foster collaboration and awareness on major issues facing AUA members and urologic patients.

Humanitarianism: The Urology Care Foundation's vision is to be the leader in improving health care for urologic patients worldwide through research, education, and humanitarian support. This will be accomplished by providing support to and recognition of humanitarian efforts in urology. The Urology Care Foundation humanitarian recognition award acknowledges an individual for demonstrated commitment to improving access to quality urologic health care in underserved populations. The Urology Care Foundation humanitarian grant program supports the outstanding efforts of individuals and projects that provide direct urologic patient care to individuals and communities in underserved areas, either within or outside the United States. In 2022, the Foundation awarded 7 humanitarian grants.

The Urology Care Foundation is the world's leading nonprofit urological health foundation and the official foundation of the American Urological Association.

The Urology Care Foundation is the world's leading nonprofit urological health foundation and the official foundation of the American Urological Association.

The Urology Care Foundation demonstrates a strong emphasis on research initiatives aimed at advancing the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of urologic disorders. This is achieved by supporting a diverse range of research projects and through fostering collaboration among researchers, healthcare professionals, and industry partners, and promoting innovation in the field of urology.

The Urology Care Foundation utilizes the American Urological Association’s vast network of urologists, researchers, and healthcare professionals who contribute their expertise and knowledge. This extensive network enables the organization to tap into a wealth of resources, including medical professionals who are at the forefront of urologic advancements and patient care. By leveraging this expertise, the UCF team can develop and disseminate educational patient materials and other information that aids patients.

One of the foundation's key capabilities lies in its commitment to urologic patient education and public awareness. The Urology Care Foundation offers a wide range of patient-focused educational programs. These include things like podcasts and magazine articles that cover various patient-focused urologic topics. The UCF also actively engages in public awareness campaigns to educate individuals about urologic conditions, risk factors, and treatment options. For example, the UCF created a cookbook that focused on healthy eating as it relates to urologic cancers.

To maximize its impact, the Urology Care Foundation actively seeks collaborations and partnerships with other organizations and institutions. For example, by fostering relationships with industry partners and other Urology focused organizations, the workforce is able to expand its reach and resources. Collaborations enable the foundation to leverage shared expertise, access funding opportunities, and implement joint initiatives that benefit the urologic community.

The Urology Care Foundation demonstrates a strong capability in fundraising and managing grants to support its programs and initiatives. With the help of generous donors, the organization raises funds to advance urologic research, patient education, and humanitarian efforts. Through strategic planning and stewardship, it ensures that resources are allocated efficiently to maximize impact and achieve organizational goals.

Amongst all its programmatic goals, The Urology Care Foundation also works to support Urologic focused advocacy efforts. For instance, members and non-members of the American Urological Association can sign up to be a Urology Care Foundation Advocate through a web portal. Programs such as this, and t

RESEARCH:  
•Since 1975, the Foundation has supported more than 970 outstanding young scientists with more than $35 million in research funding dedicated to preventing, diagnosing and treating urologic conditions.
•In 2022, the UCF funded over $1.2 million in new research awards to 40 young early career investigators.
PATIENT EDUCATION
•UCF expanded its library to over 700 pieces, including translations in 11 languages, remaining the single largest library of urology-specific patient education in the world
• Welcomed more than 12 million page views with 90% new visitors to our website, UrologyHealth.org, resulting in nearly 106 thousand total patient education materials shared.
HUMANITARIAN
• UCF awarded Humanitarian grants to 7 individuals to provide direct urologic patient care to underserved communities both inside the United States and internationally.
• UCF awarded the Inaugural Health Equity Fellowship Award designed to train early career urologists passionate about humanitarian work within the United States so they may be effective in engaging with diverse communities, especially those most marginalized.