The ISBT Foundation’s core focus is to enhance transfusion medicine, particularly in developing countries with a low/medium human development index. This is achieved through financially supporting educational activities relating to the practice of transfusion medicine and related disciplines globally. The Standing Committee of the ISBT Academy serves as the Advisory Committee of the Foundation and has been delegated to review applications received, with administration support provided by the ISBT Central Office. The Standing Committee is authorised to approve applications up to €7,500 and members of the Foundation Board consider and approve funding requests in excess of this, based on the recommendation of the Standing Committee.

The Foundation is managed by the Foundation Board which is comprised of appointed and ex officio members. The current Board of Directors comprises two ISBT members who are appointed by the ISBT Board (Ravi Reddy and Masja De Haas), as well as three ex officio members from the ISBT Board. These are the Secretary General of ISBT (Gwen Clarke), the Treasurer of ISBT (Martin Smid) and the Senior Vice President of ISBT (Jill Storry).

In 2025/2026, the Board had one online meeting on 17 July 2025. The main issues discussed related to the financial position of the Foundation and alignment with the ISBT 2025-2030 strategy for funding future projects. There was also correspondence via e-mail when approvals were required for funding in excess of € 7,500.

Thirty four applications for funding were received and processed for financial support to hold events during the 2025/2026 financial year, with thirteen (41%) of the applications coming from the Africa region, Of these thirty two applications were approved and two were declined. Seven requests were received for use of the ISBT logo and five were approved. In addition funding of € 10 000 was approved for one ISBT Highlights Day event. Total funding of € 248 500 was allocated for the approved applications in the 2025/2026 financial year (compared to € 167 099 in 2024/2025). This is the highest amount allocated to any single financial year and aligned with the focus to enhance transfusion medicine education in developing countries.