September 21, 2023 – The North Shore Health Care Foundation (NSHCF) will be awarding its final round of 2023 grant funds this fall. Applications for Foundation funding for projects that work toward a healthy community for all are due Saturday, Oct. 1, by 4 pm.
The Foundation works to address gaps in health care and community health-related needs in Cook County. A total of $35,000 has been budgeted for the two Community Health Grant Rounds to help fund community organizations and programs that contribute to equitable health care and healthy living in Cook County. $19,055 has been awarded to-date in 2023, through the first open grant round, leaving $15,945 available for the second round of proposals.
In addition to the funds awarded to successful community grant applicants, the NSHCF has also issued:
- $20,000 in annual $10,000-block grants to key partners in the delivery of our core mission. These include, Care Partners of Cook County for delivery of seniors’ services locally and Cook County Higher Education for healthcare and healthy living education programs.
- $57,000 to North Shore Health for the investment in Simulation Manikin technology for use in new local high-tech accredited Emergency Responder, Certified Nursing Assistant, physician and RN, and other health professional training.
- $5,000 for a cost-sharing partnership with ISD 166 Cook County Schools for a school-based Mental Health Therapist. This is year one of a three-year cost sharing agreement to ensure this important service is available for youth in the community.
- $30,000 towards the Investing in Our Future, Healthcare Workforce Solutions program which includes funding training and work/study programs with the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic to cover testing and tuition fees, as well as working with a cross-sector of local healthcare agencies to identify new solutions to increase the local healthcare workforce and remove barriers for people to more easily step up into these roles.
This year, the NSHCF has budgeted to award a total of $90,000 in funding including the investment to make simulation manikin technology available locally, the most it has ever awarded in a single year to date.
“We have recently adopted a new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy which we also consider when we evaluate the grant applications we receive and projects we fund,” said Coralyn Koschinska, Chair – Funds Distribution Committee. The Committee evaluates grant applications and makes recommendations on awards to the Board of Directors. “This is important to ensure that we are living up to our values and mission to expand equitable health care and healthy living in Cook County.”
NSHCF Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Policy Statement
The North Shore Health Care Foundation strives to act inclusively in all that it does The NSHCF recognizes the diversity of human differences, and values the inherent worth of all people. NSHCF does its work with compassion and inclusivity by creating healthy communities with partners and in the conduct of its business internally. The NSHCF recognizes that health and well-being are directly connected to honoring the truth and wholeness of each person. Toward that end it strives to respect and support diverse identities in the communities it serves. The NSHCF endeavors to be nimble and open to teachings from those communities so that it can serve as an ally and partner in creating greater equity and inclusion for all in Cook County. The NSHCF ask all partners and grantees to honor these values in our work together.
“We believe in the possibilities of people, organizations, businesses, and governments working together to create a healthy community,” said Valerie Marasco Eliasen, Executive Director. “We are thrilled to be able to award these grants to more programs than ever, to help champion solutions for a healthier Cook County. We know there is a lot of good work happening locally driven by a lot of good people, but there is much more to be done to achieve our vision of a healthy community for all. We encourage people to apply and we look forward to reviewing the fall grant applications.”
The North Shore Health Care Foundation is an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization benefiting health care and emergency services in Cook County, Minnesota. The Foundation proactively identifies opportunities to expand equitable health care and healthy living in Cook County and champions solutions through funding, education, and advocacy. The Foundation has awarded over $1.16 million in grants since 1995.
Grant applications along with eligibility criteria are available at www.NorthShoreHealthCareFoundation.org. Applicants can email completed forms and supporting documents to NSHCF@boreal.org, mail them to PO Box 454, Grand Marais, or deliver in person to 21 W 2nd St, Suite E, Grand Marais, MN 55432. For any questions about the application, our semi-annual grant funding program or information on the work of the Foundation, call 218-387-9076.
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Contact: Valerie Marasco Eliasen, Executive Director – North Shore Health Care Foundation, 218-387-5700 or nshcf@boreal.org