Since its inception in 1997, the Foundation has given over $37 million to support community health programs
The Williamsburg Community Health Foundation is dedicated to improving the health of people living in Williamsburg and surrounding counties by strengthening access to quality health services and promoting responsible health practices. We envision our role as a catalyst and convener, and therefore, look to support programs that are innovative and have the potential to effect change at the community level.
We define health as a dynamic state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. By supporting projects that improve access to health care, eliminate barriers, address health disparities, create healthier environments and support personal responsibility for health, the Foundation has the best potential to effectively use its resources to promote a healthier community for citizens of all ages.
Our grantmaking is accomplished through a combination of open competitive grant cycles and capacity building support. The Foundation will also initiate projects by convening community leaders to look at gaps in services and to assist in the planning of new service delivery strategies. This combination of grantmaking strategies will help insure that Foundation resources are effectively utilized to address measurable and changing healthcare needs in the Foundation’s service area.
In 2010 and 2011, the Foundation will have a greater focus on the community's economic challenges when reviewing proposals. These funding cycles will strengthen those segments of the community shown to be disproportionately affected by the economic downturn. Therefore, health safety net providers that are able to document a significant increase in their number of patients who are currently unemployed or who are employed by entities that do not offer health insurance will receive special consideration. The Foundation believes strengthening the safety net essentially strengthens the community in general because those who may not have relied on the safety net system previously may need it now.
Other programs likely to receive favorable consideration are those which include components designed to (1) educate clients about how best to stay healthy on a limited budget; (2) inform and encourage clients to maintain or secure health insurance; (3) educate clients on how to recognize the signs of behavior likely to signal future mental health issues or any form of abuse; and (4) have a strong preventive health maintenance component that will reduce the likelihood of clients needing to utilize the current health safety net system.
WHO WE FUND
We will accept proposals from eligible charitable non-profit or public organizations whose missions align with that of the Foundation: “Improve the health of people living in Williamsburg and surrounding counties by strengthening access to quality health services and promoting responsible health practices.”
WHAT MAKES A PROPOSAL COMPETITIVE
The Foundation favors proposals that:
- are clearly aligned with the Foundation’s priorities, goals and strategies;
- show promise of significant impact in addressing identified issues;
- demonstrate strong leadership and a sound financial plan;
- complement efforts of other organizations;
- addresses current and emerging health issues through best practices and innovative strategies; and
- are clearly written.
The Foundation will not entertain multi-year funding requests at this time. Entities interested in continued Foundation funding, for current successful programs that are closely aligned to Foundation priorities, are encouraged to apply.
THE FOUNDATION DOES NOT TYPICALLY FUND
- Programs not directly related to health
- Sponsorships, including fundraising events
- Direct support of individuals
- Programs designed to serve members of religious or sectarian organizations, exclusively
- Programs currently funded by other sources, if Foundation grant would supplant this funding
- Programs that duplicate others in the community or do not collaborate with other organizations
Continue To Grant Guidelines
Last Updated: Wednesday, May 14, 2008