Franciscan Health’s Social Impact Partnership Program works with nonprofits to serve at-risk populations

Franciscan Health received funds to support healthcare-related programs for non-profit, health and human service organizations in at-risk communities. These funds will be allocated through Franciscan’s Social Impact Partnership Program (SIPP).

SIPP funding applications will be accepted until June 11, 2021. Partner agencies will be announced July 29. Organizations may apply for up to $10,000 in monetary support and in-kind donations. Organizations may complete an application located at www.francisanhealth.org/communityhealth.

Qualified non-profit agencies must benefit vulnerable populations in communities served by Franciscan Health with a preference toward areas with high Area Deprivation Index scores identified on BroadStreet, a digital platform that tracks community health statistics. Franciscan Health is a partner of BroadStreet and is providing free, limited access to the portal at www.broadstreet.io.

Serving populations most in need, and in accordance with Franciscan’s mission, should be the focus of supported activities. These include people that have endured systemic racism, refugees and immigrants, chronically low resources, at-risk youth, and others impacted by poor societal supports. Priority health needs, as defined by Franciscan Health’s Needs assessment (available at www.francisanhealth.org/communityhealth), include: 1) access to healthcare; 2) food insecurity; 3) house stability; 4) social bridging; 5) mental health; and 6) substance abuse.

Organizations selected to receive funding must participate in an orientation session on July 29 and will be expected to submit progress reports at 6-month and 1-year intervals. Participation in the reporting process is required for consideration of any future funding or assistance.

“Improving health extends beyond a hospital or a physician office. It really begins in the community, working with organizations at the grassroots level to address specific health issues within that area,” said Caitlin Leahy, senior vice president for Franciscan Health Foundation and Community Health Improvement. “This partnership program is about forging meaningful relationships with those who are dedicated to improving

health issues in our most vulnerable communities and addressing the root causes. While funding is important, engaging professional expertise can be equally beneficial for organizations with limited means.”

In addition to monetary support, organizations may qualify to access complementary services offered by Franciscan Health professionals:

  • Technical assistance such as planning, public relations, program development, finance, or clinical consulting
  • Franciscan Health volunteers to serve in community or board positions
  • In-kind contributions of materials or services such as first aid supplies, printing, and promotional items
  • Clinical services like screenings or immunizations
  • Recruitment, advertising, or distribution of materials

For more information about the SIPP, assistance in applying for monetary support, or specifics on accessing Franciscan professionals for essential volunteer activities, contact Payton Royer at Payton.royer@franciscanalliance.org.