In the first quarter of 2025, the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York invested in partnerships and programs to advance racial and socioeconomic health equity in western and central New York, including the following new grants:
Caring for Caregivers (C4C) ($143,000)
Funding will support a cohort of two recognized Age-Friendly Health System (AFHS) sites in WNY to pilot the Caring for Caregivers (C4C) model, led by the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) and Rush Medical Center. C4C uses an evidence-based framework developed by Rush. The model enables health systems to develop a plan for a caregiver’s physical and emotional health and well-being while incorporating the care needs and preferences of the older adult they care for. These plans include education, resources, and support. The participating sites will receive funding to support the implementation of the model along with training and technical assistance support from RUSH. HANYS will leverage their expertise as leader of the AFHS New York State Action Community to manage the western New York pilot cohort. The cohort will share learnings and opportunities to expand the model to other Age-Friendly sites.
WNY Maternal Health Equity Project ($115,000)
Funding for this project will provide awards to three organizations focused on maternal mental health: No Wound Untreated, Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers, and Oishei Children’s Hospital. The three organizations will participate with other grantees in a western New York learning collaborative to collaborate on efforts to advance maternal mental health. Funding is also provided for convenings, including the potential use of facilitators and expert speakers to address common areas of concern for those working to address maternal health and promote health equity more broadly.
Inclusive Alliance: Doula Billing and Support Hub ($111,000)
Funding will support Inclusive Alliance to create an enhanced doula billing and administrative hub support resource for community-based doulas in central New York. New York State allows doulas with proper certification to be reimbursed through Medicaid for the services they provide during pregnancy, labor/delivery, and in the postpartum period. Many doulas have been unable to access the Medicaid system and receive reimbursement due to technical and administrative barriers. This hub will provide support for doulas to enroll as Medicaid providers in order to get reimbursed for services in a timely manner.
Imagine Nonviolence ($240,000)
Funding will support a second cohort of firearm safety and gun violence prevention program Imagine Nonviolence (IN) and its two included initiatives, Close the Gap and Expand the Reach. Close the Gap will provide grants to close funding gaps for organizations who receive public funding and work on gun violence prevention. Expand the Reach will provide funding to support firearm injury prevention work specifically focused on pregnant people, young children, and older adults. The application period will open in May 2025.
Grants $50,000 or Under:
Project Guardianship – Supported Decision-Making for Older Adults – $50,000
Research Foundation for SUNY – Social Workers Address Firearm Risk – $17,496
Farm 2 Fork – Healthy Living Radio Content- $26,930
Hispanic Heritage Council – Endowment Match – $25,000
Catchafire Sponsorship – $50,000
Medicaid Matters – Defending Medicaid – $50,000
Association of Healthcare Journalists Fellowships 2025 – $18,000
Catholic Health – Elder Mistreatment Screening and Referral – $29,107
St. Francis de Sales – Bahkita Center – $30,500
National Witness Project – Stress, Resilience, and Psychological First Aid Training – $50,000
Center for Elder Law and Justice – Master Plan for Aging – $16,000
Refugee Resettlement Partnership – $50,000
MVP – General Operating Expenses – $10,000
Grantmakers In Aging – Master Plan for Aging Support – $10,014
Schuyler Center – Oral Health Advocacy – $25,000
Durham’s Maternal Stress Free Zone – General Operating Support -$30,000
Erie County Youth Mental Health Summit Co-Sponsorship -$6,000
