The Alliance for Health Equity has announced the Collaborative Innovation Fund, an open-fund opportunity for nonprofit and grassroots community organizations within the greater Coatesville area.

This fund was formed as a result of the long-term impact of the pandemic, Hurricane Ida, and Brandywine Hospital’s recent closure. 

The Alliance for Health Equity reviewed several community surveys and assessments of 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:

• employment (50 percent)
• education (46.9 percent)
• mental health (36.1 percent)

The AHE also conducted 30 interviews with grant partners to assess the needs within each organization, program/service delivery, and addressing racial inequities. The need for general operating funding, improving/expanding quality services, and adding new services was discussed by these organizations. Ninety percent of them reported that forging new partnerships and collaborations is critical as a 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.

• Emotional and Well-Being Support: Improving 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: Supporting 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: Supporting 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 Innovation Fund aims to make social impact by funding nonprofit partnerships to work strategically with entities that reach large numbers of students, adults, and seniors within 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, Feb. 23 and Wednesday, March 2 from 3-4 PM. Discussions around the importance of collaboration among the nonprofit and grassroots community organizations will be presented, as well as more information, criteria, and a timeline for the Fund.

Register for one of the webinars here.

Learn more about The Alliance for Health Equity.