Contact: Alyssa Kotzmann
akotzmann@alliancehealthequity.org
610.739.3932
February 16, 2022
For Immediate Release:
The Alliance for Health Equity Announces its New Round of Funding: The Collaborative Innovation Fund (Coatesville, Pennsylvania) –
The Alliance for Health Equity is pleased to announce the Collaborative Innovation Fund, an OPEN FUND opportunity for 501(c)3 nonprofit and 501(c)3 grassroots community organizations within the Greater Coatesville Area! This fund was formed as a result of the long-term impact of the pandemic, Hurricane Idea’s flooding, and the recent news of the Brandywine Hospital closure.
The Alliance for Health Equity reviewed several relevant community survey reports and assessments based on the immediate needs of the Coatesville community. Out of the 1,319 responses from parents, nonprofit providers, and community residents, respondents indicated the need for: 50% employment, 46.9% education, and 36.1% mental health. The AHE also conducted 30 grant partner interviews to assess the needs within each organization, program/service delivery, and reckoning with racial inequities. The need for general operating funding, improving/expanding quality services, and adding new services was discussed by partner organizations. Ninety percent of The AHE grant partners reported that forging new partnerships and collaborations as a critical result of the pandemic.
With this data, the Collaborative Innovation Fund was formed. This fund is directed at projects addressing emotional and well-being support (mental health services) and at least one other priority including education and/or employment.
- Emotional and Well-Being Support: to improve access to culturally and accessible behavioral health/mental health services through the implementation of telehealth or other virtual platforms, in-person counseling services, or other forms of health services provided by a licensed clinician or social worker.
- Education: to support students’ most urgent needs within the CASD that address one or more areas of concerns identified in the CASD 2021 Comprehensive Plan including K-12 learning loss due to the impact of the pandemic and K-12 English Learner Supports.
- Employment: to support employment opportunities for unemployed and underemployed students, adults, and seniors, including Secondary School continuum support (including paid internship or externship workforce development opportunities), intensive case management services that support employee retention, and transportation services to and from employment facilities.
All grants will be allocated strategically and equitably based on the immediate needs of the community. Given the significance of these priorities, The AHE’s Collaborative Funding Opportunity is seeking social impact by funding Nonprofit Partnerships to work strategically with entities that reach large numbers of students, adults, and seniors within the Coatesville Area School District, ChesPenn Health Services, a Federally Qualified Health Center, or trusted community partners, including faith-based sites, housing complexes, etc. that are located in the greater Coatesville community.
All organizations interested in applying to the Collaborative Innovation Fund MUST attend one of two Let’s Talk Collaborative Innovation Funding webinars hosted by The Alliance For Health Equity. These virtual discussions will be held on Wednesday, February 23rd and Wednesday, March 2nd from 3PM – 4PM. Discussions around the importance of collaboration within the nonprofit and grassroots community organization will be presented, as well as more information, criteria, and a timeline for the Fund. Register for one of the Let’s Talk Collaborative Innovation Funding events here. For more information about The Alliance for Health Equity, please visit our website. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay connected!
Picture: The Collaborative Innovation Fund combines nonprofit and grassroots community organizations to collaboratively address the greater Coatesville area needs following COVID-19, Hurricane Ida, and the Brandywine Hospital closure.
