Ascension Foundation for Health Equity Announces Over $1 million in Catalyst Grants
Grants Support Local Organizations Focusing on the Needs of Postpartum Mothers and Their Families
The Ascension Foundation for Health Equity, a national foundation dedicated to addressing the root causes of health disparities across the U.S., announced today a new round of grants aimed to support the immediate needs of postpartum mothers and their families. The Foundation will distribute over $1 million in funding to 14 nonprofit organizations across 10 states. This marks the Foundation’s second major grant initiative since its inception, continuing its mission to create meaningful change in communities nationwide.
“The incredible work of these organizations in their communities speaks directly to the core of our Mission,” said Joe Impicciche, Chief Executive Officer of Ascension. “At Ascension, we recognize the profound responsibility in caring for mothers and babies who entrust us with their care. We remain deeply committed to improving maternal health, extending our focus beyond clinical outcomes to encompass holistic, compassionate support.”
“At Ascension, we are deeply committed to the communities we serve, and partnering with these organizations allows us to better meet the health needs of individuals and families,” said Eduardo Conrado, President of Ascension. “Through these grants, we are partnering with trusted local organizations who profoundly understand the needs of new mothers and their children. Together, we are not only providing care but also addressing the root causes of health disparities across the country, working to create healthier, more equitable communities for all.”
Postpartum and Beyond
The most recent distribution supports 14 nonprofit organizations in 10 states, all focused on providing critical services to mothers and their very young children. This effort addresses a pressing need, as more than half of maternal deaths in the U.S. occur during the postpartum year, often referred to as “maternity’s most dangerous time.”
The following organizations are recipients of grants from the Foundation, each chosen for their vital work:
The Alabama Prison Birth Project (Auburn, Ala.)
The Arkansas Birthing Project (Little Rock, Ark.)
The Center for Urban Families (Baltimore, Md.)
Detroit Health Department SisterFriends Detroit (Detroit, Mich.)
Edmundite Missions (Selma, Ala.)
Emergency Infant Services (Tulsa, Okla.)
Hotel Hope (New Orleans, La)
J.A.M.E.S. Inc. (Tulsa, Okla.)
La Posada Home (El Paso, Texas)
Milwaukee Diaper Mission (Milwaukee, Wis.)
The O'Connor House (Carmel, Ind.)
Renewal House (Nashville, Tenn.)
TrainingGrounds (New Orleans, La.)
Women & Children First, The Center Against Family Violence (Little Rock, Ark.)
“The extraordinary work of these organizations is not solely about meeting a family’s needs today,” said Foundation President Robyn Brenza Kress. “It’s also about disrupting generational poverty, supporting new pathways to economic stability and caring for mothers so they can care for their babies.”
Dr. Zenobia Harris, executive director of the Arkansas Birthing Project and board chair of Birthing Project, USA said the grant from the Ascension Foundation for Health Equity to the Arkansas Birthing Project will, “disrupt some of the social determinants which negatively affect maternal and infant health outcomes [and] is a real testament to the Foundation’s mission to provide palpable support to the most vulnerable in our society.”
The Ascension Foundation for Health Equity
Ascension launched the Foundation in 2021 to extend the health system’s reach, to focus on its commitment to addressing health equity nationally, and to respond to areas of profound and unmet need where Ascension is positioned to play a pivotal role. After a discernment process, the Foundation carved out two major philanthropic channels: helping organizations working with postpartum mothers and building a future healthcare workforce that reflects the diversity of our country.
The Foundation’s first major distribution in support of postpartum mothers and their families, adds to a series of efforts focused on ensuring the pipeline of future healthcare professionals reflects the diversity of our country. In early 2023, the Foundation announced three-year grants to support three academic institutions training students from middle school through medical school. The Foundation has also created #GOALS (Go Out And Love Science), a one-day, interactive and inspirational program for middle schoolers to explore potential healthcare careers, which has reached nearly 2,000 children.
Initially funded by Ascension, the national Foundation now raises funds from donors and awards grants to nonprofits that have demonstrated impact with a focus on root causes of health disparities and the pursuit of a more enduring and just future of health for all.
Learn more about Our Work
Download the announcement (PDF)