Driven to make a positive impact on patients and communities globally, Genzyme takes a diversified approach to philanthropy, combining in-kind contributions and volunteerism with direct financial support. Giving takes place at all levels of their company, ranging from large corporate donations, to cash grants distributed by specific departments, to the generosity of their individual employees. They view their support as more than just financial contributions, but also opportunities to establish meaningful partnerships with those whose values they share and whose actions truly drive change.

Through their grant-making program, Genzyme distributes millions of dollars in grants and donations each year to a wide array of recipients around the world. Their largest corporate donations often go toward major initiatives in science or health care by museums, research institutions, and global humanitarian organizations. Various divisions throughout Genzyme also review proposals and fund many types of grants, including research fellowships, event sponsorships, community group funding, and more.

Few of Genzyme's larger areas of focus in grants and giving:

Research and Medical Education Grants
As part of their commitment to expanding medical knowledge and improving standards of health care worldwide, Genzyme distributes many grants and charitable contributions to hospitals, research institutions, disease organizations, and medical education programs. Funded by their Medical Affairs and Science organizations, these grants target efforts in their areas of disease and therapeutic focus. They also have a program to fund research initiated by outside scientists whose work aligns with their areas of interest.

Community Relations Grants
Genzyme's Community Relations group is dedicated to supporting the communities in which they operate around the world. To that end, it extends grants to non-profit organizations focused on science education, health care, and other community needs in areas of the U.S. where Genzyme has a business presence. In 2014 they awarded over $1,600,000 in Community Relations grants to nearly 100 organizations.

Grant recipients include health and education-focused non-profit organizations, community and grassroots agencies, and groups that provide broader, multi-community benefits. Their priority is to create sustainable partnerships that can have lasting impact, often by funding the same groups for different programs and initiatives over multiple years.