Health Forward Foundation and Resilia Launch New Initiative to Build Nonprofit Power

Initiative to focus on smaller, BIPOC-led and serving organizations in the Kansas City region

New Orleans, LA. -  When Health Forward Foundation (Health Forward) began reassessing their grantmaking priorities, they knew that fostering spaces for racial and economic equity was a top priority. Health Forward was well aware of the impossible double standard facing BIPOC-led and serving organizations in their region after engaging with, and listening to, the people and organizations they partner with.

These critical organizations had less access to unrestricted funding and were expected to achieve twice as much for their communities, with half the resources required to drive real change.

Health Forward, whose mission is to achieve health equity and secure a fair and just region through leadership, advocacy, and resources, is now partnering with Resilia to move one step closer to transforming its grantmaking as a part of their newly-launched power building focus area which directs new resources and staffing to enhance the resources of the local nonprofit ecosystem.

The partnership with Resilia is focused on smaller, BIPOC-led and serving organizations including the ones they serve in Kansas City and those local to Missouri and Kansas. Health Forward’s initiatives aim to achieve health equity by addressing racism built into systems and building wealth for historically excluded people and communities.

“It's important for philanthropy to support these organizations because they are closest to the solutions of the critical inequities being addressed. Supporting this capacity building initiative relieves some of the  administrative burden these organizations face, thus allowing them to be more effective in achieving their missions,” said Health Forward President/CEO Qiana Thomason.

 “Our commitment to bolstering small, BIPOC-led organizations aligns with Health Forward’s mission, which is rooted in achieving health equity for all. We are excited to enter into the new year with this promising partnership,” says Resilia CEO and founder Sevetri Wilson.”

More information about Resilia’s Funder Program can be found here.

About Health Forward Foundation

Health Forward Foundation is supporting and building inclusive, powerful, and healthy communities by prioritizing people who experience the greatest injustices in health outcomes. Through leadership, advocacy, and resources, we are championing an equitable future that will serve us all. Since we began grantmaking in 2005, Health Forward has awarded approximately $340 million to nonprofit organizations addressing community health needs.

About Resilia

Founded in 2016, Resilia is a Black-led organization that leverages a combination of technology & human touch to help nonprofits and change makers build capacity and elevate stories. Resilia’s Funder Program enables grantors (foundations, corporations, and cities) to empower their nonprofit partners with on-demand technical assistance and capacity support that meets them where they are.

To learn more about the program, please reach out to Todd Smith, Sr. Director of Institutional Partnerships, Resilia at todd.smith@resilia.com.