(BUFFALO AND SYRACUSE, NY) The Health Foundation for Western & Central New York will launch a new program and funding opportunity, Accelerate Community Transportation (ACT), with a webinar for community organizations to learn more. The informational webinar will be held on February 19, 10 am – 11 am. Register here.
ACT is a new grant program in partnership with ITNAmerica that is designed to help community-based organizations eliminate barriers through sustainable volunteer transportation services in western and central New York. ITNAmerica leads a national transportation network grounded in research, policy analysis, technology and education.
Representatives from community-based organizations that currently offer, or are planning to offer, a volunteer transportation program should attend the webinar to learn more about ACT. Special consideration will be given to organizations who focus on reaching people from under-resourced communities including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) individuals, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA individuals, and other populations with inequitable access to transportation.
The application for participation in ACT will be published and shared at the conclusion of the February 19 webinar. There are 10 two-year grants available. Grantees will receive $15,000 in the first year and $10,000 in the second year.
In addition to funding, grant recipients will receive free access to the ITNCountry technology platform and technical support. Participants must operate in one of the 16 western and central New York counties that the Health Foundation serves.
“Everyone deserves access to reliable, safe transportation so they can get to the doctor, buy food at the grocery store, or stay connected with friends and family. That’s why supporting sustainable approaches to meeting transportation needs is so important,” said Nora OBrien-Suric, PhD, President, Health Foundation for Western & Central New York. “We are grateful to collaborate with ITNAmerica and to learn about the innovative solutions that our nonprofit community partners will bring to ACT.”
“Transportation connects people to the services they need to live full and independent lives in their own homes and communities. The ITNCountry platform was developed with rural and small communities like those in Western and Central New York in mind,” said Katherine Freund, CEO and Founder of ITNAmerica. “ITNAmerica is honored to work with such a forward-thinking and community-minded philanthropy as the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York.”
The Health Foundation for Western & Central New York is an independent private foundation that advocates for continuous improvement in health and health care for the people and communities of Western and Central New York. The Health Foundation’s vision is 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. For more information, please visit www.hfwcny.org.
ITNAmerica is the first national, nonprofit transportation network that promotes lifelong mobility for older adults and people with mobility challenges. ITNAmerica supports sustainable, community-based transportation by leading a national transportation network grounded in technology, research, policy analysis and education.
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