The Heal the Healers Fund, an initiative by the Joyful Heart Foundation, offers targeted support for professionals working directly with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. This fund specifically addresses the effects of vicarious trauma experienced by frontline workers, providing micro grants to foster wellness, resilience, and workplace connectivity among these crucial support providers.
The grant program offers up to $5,000 per organization for a duration of one year, with funding available for a variety of activities. These include training in self-care modalities (e.g., trauma-informed yoga, somatic therapy), small capital projects to enhance staff wellness (e.g., breakroom upgrades, daylight lamps), and team-building or morale-boosting staff events (e.g., regular social gatherings). Organizations may request funding for any one category or a combination thereof.
In addition to financial support, grantees join a peer learning community cohort, which includes access to virtual networking opportunities and professional development sessions led by experts in trauma care, healing, and organizational empowerment. This added benefit aims to foster a supportive professional network and disseminate innovative wellness practices across the field.
Eligible applicants include both non-profit organizations (certified 501(c)(3)) and government entities such as police departments, prosecutors’ offices, and tribal governments in the United States. Applicants must be directly engaged in supporting survivors, including professionals like victim advocates, SAFE nurses, therapists, and crisis hotline workers. Individual applicants are not eligible. The fund does not cover general operating expenses, fundraising events, or endowment funding.
The application period opens on April 17, 2025, and closes on May 14, 2025. Notifications of grant awards will be made in late July 2025. Interested applicants should submit proposals through the designated Grant Portal.
