HFWCNY Grant Programs

Overview

_NOTE: We receive a majority of requests for funding through programs we design with input from our local communities and a formal Request for Proposals process. But because we value hearing from and being responsive to our community partners outside of this process, we also consider a limited number of unsolicited requests._

Your project should be in line with the Foundation’s mission, vision and values, and support one or more of our three focus areas:

Focus Areas

We consider funding programs that are in line with our mission, vision and values, and support one or more of our three focus areas:

Older Adults

As one of the only funders in the region with a specific focus on aging, the Health Foundation has always taken a lead in developing and advancing programs and policies to support healthy aging. We believe that healthy aging and maintaining a high quality of life is possible for all older adults, and that older adults are valued and valuable members of our community.

Supporting resources and programs to improve the lives of older adults is a key part of the Health Foundation’s overall efforts to achieve our strategic plan and organizational vision, a healthy central and western New York where racial and socioeconomic equity are prioritized so all people can reach their full potential and achieve equitable health outcomes. Read more about our strategic plan here.

Our strategic plan and vision include a variety of strategies in support of our long- and mid-term goals that address the unique needs of older adults and their caregivers. See below for a closer look at some of these strategic approaches.

* Challenge: Age-Friendly Communities : We believe that healthy aging and maintaining a high quality of life is possible for all older adults, and that older adults are valued and valuable members of our community.
* Challenge: Support Caregivers:  Providing support to caregivers is essential, so we’re committed to finding the most effective ways to help caregivers take care of themselves and those they care for.

Click here for our programs related to vulnerable older adults.

Young Children Impacted by Poverty

In western and central New York, nearly one in five families with children under age 5 have incomes below the poverty level. Many more families straddle that line – only one job layoff or illness away from joining the official statistics.

For these families facing day-to-day struggles, prioritizing, finding and accessing high quality health care for their children can be a constant challenge.

The first few weeks, months and years of a child’s life are the most critical – and when children are most vulnerable. The developmental milestones and early learning experiences children have before age 5 will shape their health and well-being as they grow. And children who miss out on these milestones often continue to face challenges.

Recognizing the challenges families impacted by poverty face – such as unemployment, transportation difficulties and inflexible work schedules – the Foundation focuses on helping families access services, and bringing services to the places children already go, like preschools and child care centers.

Our work in this focus area aims to get families the care, information and tools they need so their kids are physically, socially and emotionally healthy when they enter kindergarten – an important stepping stone toward a bright and healthy future

* Challenge: Social-emotional learning support: Research demonstrates that children with well-developed social and emotional skills are more prepared for kindergarten, have better overall academic outcomes and a healthier physical and emotional trajectory throughout their lifespan.
* Challenge: Maternal and infant health outcomes: The U.S. still ranks last among 17 developed nations in infant mortality. For women living in poverty, life issues, along with a lack of access to care, results in high-risk pregnancies, babies with low birth weights and even infant death.
* Challenge: The need for trauma-informed care: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can have significant long-term consequences for physical and emotional health. Living in poverty and experiencing trauma are both influential risk factors for young families.

Click here for our programs related to young children impacted by poverty.

Community Health Capacity

To improve the health of underserved populations in western and central New York, we must bolster the health care systems they depend on. We understand the strength and long-term sustainability of our community partners is essential to achieving our vision.

The Foundation has been funding community health capacity since its inception, though it didn’t become a formal focus area until 2009. This work is aligned with our other focus areas, improving the health of vulnerable older adults and young children impacted by poverty, and is designed to provide the resources, tools, strategies and training to enhance the capacity of organizations to improve health outcomes in our community.

We have two strategies to build community healthy capacity:

* Developing a network of diverse, driven and skilled leaders who will work collaboratively toward goals that can only be achieved by people working together; and
* Giving organizations the resources and expertise to respond strategically to a shifting fiscal and regulatory environment, as well as the breathing space to shore up their infrastructure for long-term success and sustainability.

Our programs in this focus area typically support leadership development, community health planning, organizational development and community education.

* Challenge: Fiscal and regulatory upheaval: With the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid redesign transforming how health care is delivered and paid for, organizations need to change the way they do business. They need to be strategic and proactive to increase quality and reduce costs.
* Challenge: Need to collaborate: The health challenges in our region can’t be tackled by any one organization acting alone. Working in silos leads to gaps, duplication of services and missed opportunities. Leaders at local non-profits must work collaboratively.

Click here for our programs related to  community health capacity.

Advocacy

Health Equity Requires Systemic Change

Our efforts to improve health outcomes will succeed only if all people have access to the quality, affordable health coverage they need and deserve. To achieve transformational change in health care, we must address the laws, regulations, and other systems that contribute—positively or negatively—to the health of the community.

That’s why the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York advocates for increased access to high-quality, affordable health care and supports policies that aim to make our health care systems fairer and more equitable.

Our Advocacy Strategies

* Defend existing programs that provide access to care

We monitor and respond to threats to existing programs, and support opportunities to strengthen them, so that all communities can access care.

* Improve the reach and affordability of existing programs that provide access to care, and support the development of policies that improve the health of everyone in the community.

We support measures that will expand the reach of existing programs, and improve outreach and enrollment to those who are eligible for coverage but are not insured.

* Continue to contribute to public education efforts related to increasing the access to and affordability of health care.

We partner with other health equity advocates to share information about ways to expand and improve coverage, so that more people understand how increased coverage for all can lead to a healthier, more just community.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

* Nonprofit charitable organizations that are exempt from federal taxes under section 501(c) (3) of the IRS Revenue Code can apply for grant.
* The Foundation make grants to  16 counties they serve, including:

* Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming counties in western New York, as well as Cayuga, Cortland, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego and Tompkins counties in central New York.

Ineligibility

* Please keep in mind that the Health Foundation does not fund the following:

* Mergers and acquisitions
* Building or capital projects
* Drug development
* Direct donations or grants to individuals