Numbered within the group of non-communicable diseases are, for instance, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory illnesses and psychological disorders. Each year up to 40 million people die from such diseases in developing countries. Since 2015 they are regarded as the most frequent cause of death worldwide. 

The goal of the newly created funding is to establish programs which are self-supporting on a long-term scale, that stand out due to a sustainable strengthening of healthcare staff and the local healthcare system, and improve the quality of and access to educational information about NCDs along with their diagnosis and treatment. A newly founded Else Kröner Center is supposed to form the nucleus of funding. 

The foundation received 51 project outlines during the first round of applications. The deadline for entries was March 31, 2022. Five applicants were invited to submit full applications. The full applications were received at EKFS by July 15 and are currently undergoing expert review. A funding decision is supposed to be made by the end of 2022.