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Grantmaking
We fund organizations and projects which disrupt our current behavioral health space and create impact at the individual, organizational, and societal levels.
Participatory Funds
Our participatory funds alter traditional grantmaking by shifting power
to impacted communities to direct resources and make funding decisions.
Special Grant Programs
We build public and private partnerships to administer grant dollars toward targeted programs.
Program Related Investments
We provide funds at below-market interest rates that can be particularly useful to start, grow, or sustain a program, or when results cannot be achieved with grant dollars alone.
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Tia Burroughs Clayton, MSS
Learning and Community Impact Consultant
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Alyson Ferguson, MPH
Chief Operating Officer
Contact Alyson about grantmaking, program related investments, and the paper series.
Samantha Matlin, PhD
Senior Learning & Community Impact Consultant
Contact Samantha about program planning and evaluation consulting services.
Caitlin O'Brien, MPH
Director of Learning & Community Impact
Contact Caitlin about the Community Fund for Immigrant Wellness, the Annual Innovation Award, and trauma-informed programming.
Joe Pyle, MA
President
Contact Joe about partnership opportunities, thought leadership, and the Foundation’s property.
Bridget Talone, MFA
Grants Manager for Learning and Community Impact
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As I walked home from the supermarket yesterday, I noticed a handwashing station at 8th and South Street. These handwashing stations have been installed as a public health measure to prevent the spread of COVID for people experiencing homelessness. I couldn’t help but wonder, why did it take a pandemic to get these installed? Handwashing we know is ALWAYS a good public health practice, especially during flu season. So, why did we wait until now? I can’t help but think it’s because we don’t want to have these under “normal” circumstances for people who are experiencing homelessness.
There seems to be a fear among public officials in Philadelphia that if we make things easier for people who are experiencing homelessness, we will somehow make this a desirable “choice” of living. The fact is, homelessness in Philadelphia is a solvable issue. We know we need more affordable housing and effective behavioral health care, including opioid treatment. These are the issues we need to be focusing on, not whether access to handwashing can make living on the street a desirable choice. I assure you, if you had public access to a bathroom, you would not give up your home.
Further, can’t we all benefit from access to handwashing? I know when I’m walking and finish eating an apple, I’d love to wash my hands. Or, when my kids are playing at a playground and spill their snack or decide to touch a suspicious substance, it would be nice if they could wash their hands. Similar to the curb cut, good public policy can benefit everyone.
We should use this moment in time to learn how we should do things in general. Let’s make the handwashing stations permanent and while we’re at it, let’s add access to restrooms and showers for all people to benefit from.
