The Health Equity Fund at the Greater Washington Community Foundation has announced $8.7 million in multiyear investments in two transformative projects focused on collaborative approaches to increasing economic mobility and wealth building. These investments will support innovative community-based projects working to advance health equity and create better outcomes for more DC residents.
Given that 80 percent of DC’s health outcomes are driven by social, economic, and other factors, compared to just 20 percent by clinical care, the Fund adopted an economic mobility strategy to address the root causes that are causing health challenges in the first place. Its strategy is designed to achieve health equity for all DC residents by addressing the social and structural determinants of health that impact health outcomes including education, employment, income, housing, transportation, nutrition, environmental safety, medical care, culture and recreation, and more.
“Mindful that health and wealth are inextricably linked, we believe that achieving health equity requires more than improving individual health outcomes and expanding access to services,” said Tonia Wellons, President & CEO of the Greater Washington Community Foundation. “Our intent is to disrupt the societal factors shaped by centuries of laws, public policies, and practices that have worked together to produce the disparate outcomes we see today. With this announcement, the Health Equity Fund is taking a bold step toward reshaping how philanthropy can help address long-standing health inequities.”
“At CareFirst, we understand that health is shaped by factors outside of clinical settings. That's why we are dedicated to supporting local organizations that are working to reduce health disparities and promote equity," said Brian D. Pieninck, President and CEO of CareFirst. "The Health Equity Fund, in collaboration with the District, exemplifies our commitment to addressing the social drivers of health impacting individuals and communities in Washington, DC. With this latest round of grants, we aim to empower these organizations to continue their essential work, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy life, regardless of their socioeconomic status."
The $95 million Health Equity Fund is one of the largest philanthropic funds of any kind focused on community-based nonprofits that serve District residents. Since 2022, the Fund has awarded nearly $22 million in grants to 52 nonprofit organizations with a focus on programs that increase economic mobility and wealth building, advance health advocacy, policy, and systems change initiatives, and support community-based strategies to prevent gun violence and increase public safety.
"This $8.7 million Health Equity Fund award represents an innovative advancement in our mission to foster economic mobility and wealth building. By channeling resources into projects that prioritize these goals, we are directly supporting Mayor Bowser's vision to empower District residents and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed,” said Karima Woods, Commissioner for the DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking.
The Fund’s latest investments will support five nonprofit organizations working collaboratively over a three-year period to implement innovative and disruptive demonstration projects. The intent is to strategically invest in bold new methods or types of services to demonstrate feasibility and determine the potential for scaling evidencebased strategies to build wealth for people and communities with the greatest economic and health disparities.
The projects were reviewed and selected by Community Foundation staff, external reviewers with subject matter expertise, and members of the Health Equity Committee. Additional funding for several other transformative demonstration projects will be announced in the fall.
Selected projects include:
WASHINGTON AREA COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND AND THE COALITION FOR NONPROFIT HOUSING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Wacif and CNHED have partnered on a 3-year strategy to help BIPOC and women-owned small businesses grow and build resilience while combating climate change, by participating in the region’s burgeoning green economy. The project will help small businesses implement sustainable practices by offering 1,000 entrepreneurs with access to flexible capital through a mix of grants and loans, capacity building and technical assistance, and one-on-one business advising and group training. Entrepreneurs will participate in new accelerator programs tailored for green economy businesses and designed to connect businesses with sustainability-focused procurement opportunities with DC area anchor institutions.
NORTHSTAR INSTITUTE, LATIN AMERICAN YOUTH CENTER CAREER ACADEMY AND ACADEMY OF HOPE ADULT PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL
NorthStar, AoH, and LAYCCA have partnered on a 3-year integrated program for 2,500 students who are asset-limited, income-constrained, and also employed (A.L.I.C.E.) to set them on a path to financial independence. The program will offer high-quality education and job training for adult learners to pursue industry credentials and career advancement, combined with courses on Financial Well-Being and Money Management. Participants will receive dedicated access to a wealth advisor and financial planner for expert advice and guidance on homeownership, entrepreneurship, savings, investments, and legacy planning. The program will provide additional cash assistance to ensure participants can achieve their goals of savings, homeownership, business startup or investment capital.
About the Health Equity Fund
The Health Equity Fund was created to improve the health outcomes and health equity of DC residents. The fund is governed by a seven-member Health Equity Committee in partnership with the Greater Washington Community Foundation. The seven-member committee includes Nnemdi Elias, MD, MPH; Dr. Tollie Elliott; Wendell L. Johns; Lori Kaplan; Juan M. Jara; Kimberly Harris; and Courtney R. Snowden.
For more information about the Health Equity Fund and available funding opportunities, please visit our website!