Four years ago, when Oregon was in the midst of transforming its health, education and early learning systems, The Oregon Community Foundation, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, CareOregon, Northwest Health Foundation and Meyer Memorial Trust convened a small workgroup of education experts to investigate new strategies to better align cross-sector work. Our goal was to improve health and education outcomes for Oregonians –– especially for children facing the greatest obstacles.
Last January, Meyer trustees approved a $600,000 investment over three years in the Health and Education Fund to support innovative approaches to bridge the gaps between health, education and early learning systems and promote collaboration across the philanthropic, education and health care sectors to address systemic barriers and improve school-age life outcomes.
The Fund's collective approach holds youth at the center while elevating and supporting community strengths, complementing existing state and regional initiatives, recognizing parents, families and communities as the experts of their own experience and ensuring their participation in the design of solutions right from the beginning.
Earlier this year, the Health and Education Fund invited applications from organizations focused on family leadership and resilience to improve outcomes in education, healthcare and early learning. Meyer is pleased to join our partners in awarding $1.2 million in grant funds to 21 organizations throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington.
For more information about the Health and Education Fund and the projects supported through this grant cycle visit NWHF.
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