The American Heart Association (AHA), the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health, is seeking applicants for the second round of the Bernard J. Tyson Impact Fund, a fund created in honor of a visionary leader who cared passionately about the health and well-being of all. His quest for affordable, equitable health care and social justice improved and extended lives throughout the U.S, and around the world. The fund aims to honor Mr. Tyson’s legacy by addressing the social determinants of health impacting residents in New York City.
Thanks to a $1 million donation by the Elizabeth Elting Foundation Halo Fund (Elizabeth Elting and Michael Burlant), the Bernard J. Tyson Impact Fund was launched in New York City in 2020, continues to grow and supports local nonprofits and social entrepreneurs working to improve access to healthcare, food and housing, as well as economic empowerment. This is the second set of funds that will be distributed in New York City.
“We launched the Halo Fund at the start of the pandemic with the goal of providing direct relief to those hit hardest when the economy suddenly closed. Since then, it’s become clear that the pandemic only made ongoing problems more visible,” said Liz Elting, founder and CEO of the Elizabeth Elting Foundation. “The Bernard J. Tyson Impact Fund is supporting social entrepreneurs and organizations making a difference in their communities, tackling the same systemic problems I set out to address when I created the Elizabeth Elting Foundation and so much more. I’m immensely proud to be a part of this critical work.”
The American Heart Association is particularly looking for sustainable solutions addressing access to healthcare, access to affordable and healthy food, access to housing, economic empowerment or those closing the educational achievement gap in under-resourced communities. Applicants may be a company, organization or individual.
“Don’t ask permission to help improve lives of people and communities you’ve pledged to serve. Instead, march through the doors and red tape, make bold moves and usher in access,” said Bernard J. Tyson (1959-2019).
Members of the New York City community are invited to join a virtual Town Hall on Thursday, July 15 at 10:00am to learn more about the Bernard J. Tyson Impact Fund and opportunities for funding. We also want to hear from the community about the most critical needs around food insecurity and nutrition in New York City, and how this funding can help to drive sustainable change. To register please visit https://heart.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwtdOigrjsvG9zZfYx7rQ22c3YFd3aP_LoM
Applicants may be a company, organization or individual. Investment Window for Bernard J. Tyson Impact Fund Closes: July 23 at 5 p.m. ET
Last year’s investees selected in New York City addressed access to housing, women’s health, economic resiliency and mental health. The New York City investees were New Destiny Housing Corporation, The Knowledge House and MindRight Health.
To learn more or make an investment to the Bernard J. Tyson Impact Fund visit www.heart.org/BJTImpactFund.