ABOUT CHALLENGERS

Alnylam Challengers in Boston

In the company’s hometown of Boston, Alnylam Challengers advances the essential work of frontline Care Navigators who provide personalized coaching, build trust, and connect the hardest-to-reach patients to vital medical and social services. It is fueled by a $2 million, two-year investment announced in late-2025.

In collaboration with three trusted and leading institutions tackling the city’s most pressing barriers to health for underserved communities — Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston Medical Center, and Whittier Street Health Center — Alnylam aims to create a scalable, community-based model for reducing health disparities in Boston and beyond.

Boston Children’s Hospital

Ranked as the world’s #1 pediatric hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital serves as the largest provider of primary care services to low-income children and families in local neighborhoods, with more than 23,000 vulnerable patients relying on its care. Alnylam’s commitment is focused on establishing a Care Navigator team within the Rainbow/KASA program, a specialty clinic that provides integrated medical and social care for more than 1,600 medically complex children.

Boston Medical Center

Boston Medical Center (BMC) is the largest essential hospital in New England, with about 70% of its patients coming from underserved communities and more than half qualifying for Medicaid. As a long-term safety net provider, BMC plays a critical role in delivering equitable, high-quality care to those who need it most. Alnylam is partnering with BMC to expand and support Care Navigators within the Immigrant and Refugee Health Center (IRHC), which serves a diverse community from around the world. The IRHC supports patients as they heal, rebuild, and thrive, addressing barriers to care through integrated programs tailored to their unique needs.

Whittier Street Health Center

Nationally recognized for its equity-focused, community-centered approach to health, Whittier Street Health Center provides comprehensive, high-quality care to over 30,000 patients annually, with over 90% of its patient population living at or below the poverty line. Alnylam’s partnership supports the expansion and training of Whittier’s Care Navigator team, as well as innovative community outreach programs. It also strengthens the Boston Health Equity Program (BHEP) at Whittier, a system of care for people living with or at risk of chronic illnesses that fully integrates wellness support, care coordination, and community outreach in an effort to help eliminate health disparities.

In Europe, employment is a critical obstacle that refugees face in their new countries as they work to rebuild their future. Securing quality work can break the cycle of poverty and establish the foundation for long-term health and stability. Through partnerships with four innovative charities, Alnylam Challengers provides refugees with the tools to succeed in their new homes with education, employment, and entrepreneurship. Alnylam employees are deeply involved, mentoring refugees and fostering cultural exchange with a shared vision for a more inclusive future.

Forward·Inc (Netherlands)

Based in Amsterdam, Forward·Inc empowers refugees and newcomers in the Netherlands to launch and grow their own businesses. Many refugees are skilled entrepreneurs but lack local knowledge to bring their business ideas to life. Funding from Alnylam supports a digital entrepreneur course that provides essential training, including business planning, networking, speaker events, and one-on-one mentorship.

Netwomening (Spain)

Located in Spain, Netwomening supports Afghan women under international protection who have fled the Taliban regime as they rebuild their personal and professional lives. Alnylam’s support helps fund programs that connect participants with “godmothers” and “godfathers” — volunteers who provide mentorship, cultural guidance, and personal support.

Refugee Action (United Kingdom)

Headquartered in the UK, Refugee Action helps refugees and asylum seekers navigate the job market and rebuild their lives through training and individualized employment support. Alnylam’s annual donation supports a two-pronged approach:

1. An eight-week group program that equips participants with job-search skills, knowledge of the UK work culture, and a strong sense of community.
2. Personalized one-on-one guidance from an Employment Support Advisor.

Soleterre Foundation (Italy)

Based in Italy, the Soleterre Foundation advances social and economic inclusion for migrants and other vulnerable groups. Alnylam’s support focuses on the ‘Skills Academy’, which provides refugees with practical training in fields such as warehousing, carpentry, and IT and connects them with employers actively seeking skilled workers. Soleterre Foundation also integrates language lessons to help participants fully engage in their workplaces and communities.