The American Heart Association has received a substantial $2 million grant from the Grubhub Community Fund to support innovative solutions addressing social drivers of health in major urban centers. This strategic investment aims to bridge critical resource gaps and empower communities facing significant economic and health challenges in New York City and Chicago.
The funding will support up to 12 organizations and entrepreneurs focused on transforming local health ecosystems through targeted interventions. Four initial organizations have already been identified as recipients, each addressing unique aspects of community well-being and economic opportunity.
Among the selected organizations, CareYaya will develop an on-demand marketplace connecting pre-health students with caregiving opportunities, simultaneously addressing workforce shortages and providing affordable care options. Farm Generations Corporation will leverage technological innovation to support agricultural sustainability and food access through its SNAP-eligible e-commerce platform.
Nectar, a Chicago-based platform, will focus on food security by delivering food as medicine in partnership with charitable organizations. RiseKit will provide a software platform designed to connect untapped talent with job training and employment opportunities, directly addressing economic barriers.
Dr. Regina Benjamin, former U.S. Surgeon General and chair of the Social Impact Funds Impact Investment Committee, emphasized the critical nature of this funding. She noted that social determinants of health can dramatically influence life expectancy, with individuals in nearby geographic locations experiencing substantial differences in health outcomes.
The American Heart Association's approach represents a strategic effort to transform philanthropic investments into measurable community impact. By targeting organizations with evidence-based, innovative solutions, the Social Impact Funds aim to create sustainable improvements in health equity and economic resilience.
Since its inception in 2018, the Social Impact Funds have provided $21.5 million in financial support to over 130 local enterprises, positively impacting nearly 5 million people. This latest grant from the Grubhub Community Fund continues that mission of creating meaningful, systemic change in urban communities.
