Since the Richmond Health Equity Fund began in 2021, it has distributed over $3.2 million to local organizations working to improve health and address disparities. At a press conference on Thursday, Nov. 7, city leaders spoke about their intention to keep the fund going.

Funding update

Originally funded with a $5 million investment from the American Rescue Plan Act, the HEF has since diversified its sources to prepare for when the ARPA well runs dry.

The following organizations now represent the main investments in the HEF:

City of Richmond
The Community Foundation
Schaberg Foundation
Atlantic Union Bank
Robins Foundation

Adding to the advisory committee

The Richmond and Henrico Public Health Foundation is seeking new members for the Community Advisory Committee, which is the body that helps decide where the HEF will invest.

CAC members should have professional or lived experience with health challenges in Richmond, especially in the areas of substance use, maternal health, and food access. Members are compensated for their time.

Apply by Tuesday, Nov. 26 to be considered.

Local groups with HEF funding

The HEF has made investments in 27 different local organizations already.

Groups are divided into six categories. Here they are, with examples of ones that have already gotten funding:

Access to Healthcare and Education Resources | Crossover Healthcare Ministry, Health Brigade
Chronic Disease and Underlying Health Conditions | Community 50/50, Virginia Community Voice
Food Access and Security | Richmond Food Justice Alliance, Shalom Farms
Maternal and Child Health | Birth In Color, Virginia Prison Birth Project
Mental and Behavioral Health | Daily Planet Health Services, Virginia Anti-Violence Project
Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery | Gatway Community Health, Nolef Turns

See a full list of organizations.

The next application for groups interested in receiving funding will be in the spring.